Rod Stewart Opens Up on Glastonbury, Vocal Recovery & New Music | BBC Sounds Sidetracked Podcast

Sir Rod Stewart—rock royalty, fashion icon, and eternal showman—has delighted fans yet again by appearing on the BBC Sounds podcast Sidetracked by Glastonbury. In a vibrant and deeply personal conversation with hosts Annie Macmanus and Nick Grimshaw, the music legend opened up about his upcoming Glastonbury 2025 Legend slot, his journey through vocal recovery, family quirks, set-list surprises, and what the future holds for the iconic performer.

Rod Stewart on Sidetracked Podcast discussing Glastonbury 2025 Legend Slot

As anticipation builds for his performance at Worthy Farm, Stewart’s reflections are not just entertaining—they’re inspirational.

Table of Contents

Headliner Energy: Rod Stewart Embraces the Glastonbury Legend Slot

“I don’t mind, I think I deserve it. I just wish they wouldn’t call it the tea-time slot!” — Rod Stewart

Rod Stewart, ever the cheeky raconteur, isn’t just preparing for any performance. He’s preparing for the performance—the prestigious Glastonbury Legend slot. Traditionally scheduled for Sunday afternoon, this revered position has hosted musical giants such as Diana Ross, Elton John, and Dolly Parton.

While Stewart playfully mocks the slot’s nickname, there’s no denying he’s earned this moment. With a legacy stretching across decades and continents, his energy and passion remain undiminished.

Last-Minute Set List? That’s the Stewart Way

Rod’s approach to his Glastonbury set list is delightfully unconventional.

Set List Strategy: “It won’t be until the night before.”
Special Guests: “I have two guests coming on… three actually.”

This spontaneous style mirrors the rock ‘n’ roll spirit Stewart has always embodied. While fans might crave a sneak peek, this behind-the-scenes mystery only adds to the excitement.

Family First: Rod’s Kids Buy Their Own Glasto Tickets

Rod Stewart shared an amusing anecdote about his family’s support:

“Believe it or not, all my kids, three of them, bought their own tickets.”

Unlike many celebs who can offer backstage access, Stewart made it clear: Glastonbury gives nothing away. The pop icon also joked about the perennial flood of ticket requests from long-lost acquaintances:

“You haven’t spoken to me for 25 years, any chance of a ticket?”

It’s a familiar story to many celebrities—but few tell it with Stewart’s flair.

How Rod Stewart Became a Legend

Though the world calls him a legend, Rod remains humbly amused:

“It’s not for me to judge… just pure luck that I’m here.”

The Origin Story: Rod’s musical career began thanks to a chance encounter with Long John Baldry at a railway station in the 1960s.
Self-Deprecating Charm: “Had the voice and the silly looks that you need.”

Stewart attributes his career to a blend of fortune, timing, and that unmistakable raspy voice.

Battling Back: Rod’s Brave Fight with Throat Cancer

In a particularly moving moment, Rod Stewart spoke about recovering from throat cancer:

Voice Lost: “The voice completely went… the muscle memory went… I had to teach myself all over again.”
The Power of Vocal Rest: “I wear a sign that says ‘I cannot talk to anybody’… it works miracles.”

His candid discussion reveals a man deeply committed to his craft, willing to rebuild his signature sound from scratch. Rod’s determination is a masterclass in resilience.

That Iconic Voice: Broken Nose, No Problem

Rod’s unmistakable tone? Part raw talent, part anatomy.

“Doctors said if you straighten your nose, you’ll breathe better but you’ll lose your voice. So I said no way.”

That voice—equal parts velvet and grit—has become his signature. It’s a sound fans know and love, a sonic fingerprint in a world of copycats.

No Retirement in Sight: Rod’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Future

“I’m enjoying performing now more than I’ve done in my entire life and I’m in my 80s.”

Retirement? Not even close. Stewart emphasized that his passion for live music is stronger than ever. He promises to bring energy, enthusiasm, and a catalog of hits to Glastonbury.

On Stage Style: “Probably more Celtic shirts.”
Audience Banter: “Do you still get underwear thrown at you?” Rod: “Why?” Annie: “No one’s washed for three days!” Rod: “Oh, it doesn’t matter, they’re my people!”

Only Rod could handle a question like that with such lovable irreverence.

New Music & More: Rod’s Jam-Packed Creative Calendar

Far from slowing down, Rod Stewart is busier than ever:

🎸 A New Country Album
🎤 A Faces Reunion Album
🎼 A Solo Project in the Works
🎬 Two Upcoming Documentaries

And when asked who should take the Legend slot next:

“I vote for Stevie Wonder.”

A classy choice from a class act.

Where to Listen

To catch the full interview, tune into Sidetracked with Annie and Nick—available now on BBC Sounds. Three special Glastonbury episodes are streaming, offering behind-the-scenes gold for every music fan.

Final Thoughts: Still Standing, Still Singing

Rod Stewart continues to be a shining example of what it means to be a legend—not just for his musical achievements but for his humor, humility, and unstoppable drive. Whether he’s dodging ticket requests, rebuilding his voice, or deciding his set list at the eleventh hour, Rod does it all with unmatched charm.

As Glastonbury 2025 approaches, one thing is certain: the Legend slot couldn’t have found a more fitting artist.