Sir Rod Stewart has been announced as the headliner for Glastonbury 2025’s coveted ‘Legend’ slot, taking the Pyramid Stage on Sunday at 5pm. Known for its nostalgic appeal, the slot has hosted icons like Dolly Parton, Paul Simon, and Kylie Minogue. For Rod, this may mark his final major UK appearance.
Rod Stewart shared his excitement on social media, saying: “I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that I’ll be playing Glastonbury 2025! After all these years, I’m proud and ready to take the stage again to pleasure and titillate my friends at Glastonbury. I’ll see you there!”
His set comes amidst a busy schedule, with two US tours, a European leg, and his final major show currently scheduled for St. Louis on August 15, 2026. The Glastonbury date, June 29, falls neatly between his Nevada (June 14) and North Carolina (July 8) performances.
Glastonbury’s ‘Legend’ slot, established in 1998 with Tony Bennett, has become a celebrated festival tradition, providing a Sunday afternoon highlight with veteran artists. Stewart’s only prior Glastonbury performance was as a 2002 headliner, alongside Coldplay and Stereophonics.
Emily Eavis announced Stewart’s return while reiterating that 2026 will be a fallow year, giving the land and festival team a chance to recover. It will be the first such break since the pandemic, aligning with Glastonbury’s sustainability efforts.
This has made the pain of not getting tickets all the greater — Scott Mottram (@scottmottram) November 26, 2024
Demand for tickets remains fierce, with this year’s allocation selling out in just 35 minutes. While many fans expressed excitement about Rod’s nostalgic appeal, others were less enthusiastic.
One Reddit user was disappointed by the announcement, stating that it means they can go watch other acts in response to another comment that criticised his 2002 performance.
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Speculation before the announcement centred on names like Cher, Stevie Nicks, and Kate Bush, which added to the many polarised reactions.
In 2026, Stewart plans to shift focus to intimate live shows, winding down his large-scale tours. However, his announcement left room for interpretation, ending it with: “But then again, I may not”. If true, this Glastonbury set could serve as a triumphant farewell to British festivals.
The Legend slot often closes Glastonbury with a touch of nostalgia, offering a change of pace from the festival’s younger headliners and emerging talent. Stewart’s extensive catalogue—spanning from ‘Maggie May’ to ‘Baby Jane’—is sure to have fans of all ages singing along, and he might even include some hits he recorded with The Faces, such as ‘Stay with Me’ and ‘You Can Make Me Dance, Sing, or Anything’.
As Glastonbury prepares for its fallow year in 2026, Rod Stewart’s return to the Pyramid Stage will serve as a fitting highlight for the last day of the 2025 festival. For one of Britain’s most enduring rock icons, it’s a moment to celebrate decades of music—whether it’s a final bow or not.
