Rod Stewart to play Glastonbury’s legends slot
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Rod Stewart has been confirmed as the headliner for Glastonbury’s legendary Sunday teatime slot in 2025, marking his return to the festival 23 years after his last performance. The 79-year-old rock icon, known for his incredible career and being one of the best-selling artists of all time, will follow in the footsteps of other stars such as Dolly Parton, Barry Gibb, Shania Twain, and Kylie Minogue in taking the coveted spot. This announcement comes just after Stewart revealed he would be stepping back from large-scale world tours after 2025.
In a statement, Stewart expressed his excitement about the performance, saying, “I’m proud, ready, and more than able to pleasure and titillate my friends at Glastonbury” when he takes the stage in June 2025. The Sunday afternoon slot is a key part of the festival, often drawing some of the largest crowds of the entire event, and Stewart is set to make history by becoming the first artist to headline the festival and later be given a legends billing. His 2002 headline performance, which was shared with Coldplay and Stereophonics, marked a pivotal moment in Glastonbury’s history.
The 2002 performance came during a time of change for the festival, as organizers introduced a five-mile “superfence” to prevent gatecrashers, which turned out to be a success. Stewart, who was initially met with skepticism by the crowd, won over those who were uncertain of his presence. According to BBC’s Ian Youngs, “the crowd was wary,” but by the time Stewart performed iconic hits like “Maggie May” and “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?” about half an hour into his set, the audience warmed to his performance. Stewart’s playful antics and costume changes, including a white ruffled shirt unbuttoned to his navel, cemented his place as a beloved figure in Glastonbury’s legacy. He ended the night with the classic “Sailing,” sparking a mass sing-along as fireworks lit up the sky above the Pyramid Stage.
Rod Stewart’s return to Glastonbury’s main stage in 2025 comes just as the festival prepares for another exciting year. The event, which will take place at Worthy Farm in Somerset from June 25 to 29, has already sold out, with tickets priced at £373.50 plus a £5 booking fee. This marks a notable increase from Stewart’s previous performance in 2002, when tickets were just £97, making it the last time Glastonbury cost less than £100. A limited number of resale tickets will be available in the New Year.
As the first confirmed artist for Glastonbury 2025, Stewart joins a roster of potential headliners that has generated much speculation. Rumors suggest that artists like Sam Fender, Olivia Rodrigo, Stevie Wonder, Eminem, and Charli XCX could also play major roles in the 2025 event, further raising anticipation for the festival.
This year’s Glastonbury saw the debut of Dua Lipa and SZA as headliners, while Coldplay made history with their record-breaking sixth headline performance. The ongoing popularity and allure of the festival remain strong, drawing in music lovers from all over the world. With Stewart now confirmed for the 2025 legends slot, anticipation is already building for another unforgettable Glastonbury weekend.
Rod Stewart’s legacy as an entertainer continues to evolve, and his return to Glastonbury will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the 2025 festival. Fans of all ages can look forward to seeing the rock legend take the stage once again, bringing with him a wealth of hits and an infectious charisma that has made him a global icon. As Glastonbury moves into another exciting chapter, Stewart’s involvement only adds to the excitement and the ongoing magic of this world-renowned event.
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