Rod Stewart is gearing up for an epic return to the Glastonbury Festival this weekend, marking a historic moment as he becomes the first artist to headline the event twice – once back in 2002 and now, years later, in the legendary “Legend’s Slot.” At 79, the rock icon promises a 75-minute set packed with his most beloved classics and surprise guest appearances.
But while fans are buzzing with excitement, Stewart made a shocking revelation in a recent BBC interview: he doesn’t remember a single thing about his original 2002 performance at Worthy Farm. “I don’t remember a thing,” he confessed, admitting that after years of touring, his past concerts have blurred into one continuous show. Despite the fact that his 2002 headlining set is considered one of the festival’s most memorable moments, Stewart’s own recollection is completely gone.
This candid admission adds a humbling layer to his larger-than-life persona. As he prepares for his 2024 slot, fans are reminded that even rock legends are not immune to the effects of time.
The “Tea Time” Slot and Stewart’s Surprising Honesty
When asked about his 2002 headlining gig, Stewart’s response was blunt: “I don’t remember a thing.” Performing alongside Coldplay and Stereophonics, the legendary rocker admitted that the sheer number of shows he’s played over the years has caused all his concerts to blur together. It’s a rare, unguarded glimpse into a life spent under the spotlight.
In the same interview, Stewart also took issue with the term “tea time slot” for his upcoming 2024 performance. “That sounds like pipe and slippers, doesn’t it?” he quipped. While the “Legend’s Slot” is highly revered, Stewart’s comments reveal he’s not exactly thrilled with the outdated branding.
Even with the memory loss and the “tea time” jabs, Stewart is still fully committed to delivering an unforgettable show. He acknowledged the shorter set time of 75 minutes (compared to his usual two-hour sets) and hinted that some fan favorites might be cut. “I’m not gonna make any announcements between songs,” he joked. “I’ll do one number, shout ‘next’, and go straight into the next one.”
Surprise Guests and Stewart’s “Cup Final” Mindset
Stewart isn’t going solo for this performance. In a recent Radio Times interview, he teased that three surprise guests would join him onstage. While he’s keeping most of their names under wraps, he did confirm that Ronnie Wood, his longtime bandmate from the Faces, would be among them.
With such a star-studded lineup, Stewart is bringing extra energy to the stage. Comparing his Glastonbury performance to a “cup final” in football, Stewart acknowledged the pressure and excitement that comes with playing at such a prestigious event. “You’re trying to treat it like another game. But, of course, it’s not. It’s special,” he said.
Scheduled for 3:45pm on June 28th, Stewart’s performance is already one of the festival’s most anticipated events. Whether or not he remembers every moment, he’s determined to make this Glastonbury appearance one to remember for years to come.