Rod Stewart’s performance at Glastonbury 2025 is set to be even more special for the singer and fans alike, as longtime collaborator and friend Ronnie Wood will join him on stage.The pair, whose relationship goes back seven decades will reunite on the Pyramid Stage as part of the festival’s prestigious Legends slot.
Stewart and Wood first worked together in 1967 as part of the Jeff Beck group. They would record two albums with the group before departing in 1969, and later being known as the first lineup of the band. Wood joined The Small Faces, and was followed by Stewart, renaming the band ‘Faces’.
With Faces, Stewart and Wood released four studio albums, achieving a UK number one album with ‘Ohh-La-La’. Tension would arise as Stewart’s solo career grew, with the musicians feeling like they were simply his backing band. Wood’s increased involvement with fellow rockers The Rolling Stones only added fuel to the fire, and the band broke up in 1975.
Despite these two breakups, Stewart and Wood have maintained a close friendship, reuniting as part of Faces multiple times, including as recently as 2021. Kenney Jones, the band’s original drummer, is still an active member of the group, and could possibly complete a Faces lineup at Glasto.
Wood headlined Glastonbury in 2013 as part of The Rolling Stones, who were appearing for the very first time at the festival. Tickets for that year’s event sold out in less than 90 minutes and The Stones’ set drew an audience of 2.6 million on a BBC Two broadcast.
Wood was asked about a potential return to the festival in 2023, telling the NME, “Me, I’d love it. I think it’s a must. If not next year, then… If not the Stones then the Faces. It’ll be me, Rod [Stewart] and [drummer] Kenney [Jones]. That’s not out of the question, you know. I know they want to do it…”
Rod Stewart turns 80 years old today. This is one of his legendary performances. Rod Stewart & Ronnie Wood – Maggie May (Unplugged 1993) pic.twitter.com/wNHZ5prW19 — Rock History (@historyrock_) January 10, 2025
According to an article in The Sun, a festival source has said: “Rod is really excited about his big Worthy Farm gig and wanted to give a nod to the beginning of his career, so thought it would be fitting to bring out Ronnie. He knows the pair of them together will be a huge crowd pleaser.”
The Legends slot has become one of Glastonbury’s most popular performances, bringing musical icons to the fields of Somerset. Some of those to grace the stage have included the genius behind The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson (2005), national treasure Tom Jones (2009), and the Queen of Disco, Diana Ross (2022). Upon the announcement of Stewart’s slot, some festival-goers questioned if the ‘Young Turks’ singer was a big enough draw.
Stewart’s most recent performance has shown that ‘Rod the Mod’ is still in fine form. His appearance at the FireAid benefit concert in Los Angeles saw him sing ‘Maggie May’ and a cover of The Impressions’ ‘People Get Ready’, a song he recorded with Jeff Beck in 1985.
With Wood joining the bill, fans may see plenty of classic Faces hits being performed, but regardless of the setlist, the reunion will be one of the highlights of this year’s festival. Stewart has 17 dates across North America and Europe between now and 29 June, giving him plenty of time to warm up before taking to the Pyramid Stage.
