Rod Stewart: Glastonbury Legend Slot - A Night to Remember (and a Few I'd Rather Forget!)
So, Glastonbury. The name alone conjures images of mud, mayhem, and mega-watt music legends. And let me tell you, seeing Rod Stewart headline one of the Pyramid Stage slots? It was something alright. A total mixed bag, honestly. Like a really good shepherd's pie with a slightly burnt crust.
The Build-Up: A Rollercoaster of Emotions
I’d been looking forward to this gig for months. Months! Snagging tickets was a beast, let me tell you. It felt like trying to catch a greased piglet at a county fair. But I persevered, fueled by decades of listening to "Maggie May" and dreaming of seeing the man himself. My teenage daughter, bless her heart, was less than thrilled. "Dad, it's Rod Stewart," she groaned. Teenage angst, eh? I didn't even care. This was a bucket list moment for me. Seriously. It was a moment I'd been waiting for for like, forever.
The Show: Hits, Misses, and a Whole Lotta Rod
The atmosphere was electric. The crowd, a sea of faces young and old, all united by a shared love of… well, Rod. And what a performance! He hit all the classics: "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?", "Every Picture Tells a Story," "Forever Young." The hits just kept on coming! He’s got this amazing stage presence. It's like watching a seasoned pro just owning the stage. He just oozed charisma and confidence. The whole thing was absolutely captivating. Seriously captivating.
But… there were a few moments where things felt… off. His voice, while still strong, showed signs of age. Let's be honest, the man's not getting any younger. There were a couple of slightly shaky notes here and there. And honestly? Some of the stage banter felt a little… forced. Like he was reading from a script, which, let's face it, probably isn't far off the mark. It's what happens with such a huge production. You need things organized, and sometimes, those things can feel a little too organized.
Lessons Learned (and a Few Missed Opportunities)
This whole experience taught me a few things about attending mega-festivals, specifically, the pros and cons of seeing legends perform at such big events:
- Ear Plugs Are Your Friend: Seriously, invest in a good pair. The sound at Glastonbury is LOUD. I regret not wearing mine. My ears rang for days.
- Plan Your Escape Route: The crowds after a headline act are intense. Knowing your escape route is crucial. Trust me.
- Check the Setlist: If there are specific songs you really want to hear, make sure they’re likely to be played. Doing your research helps to avoid disappointment.
This Rod Stewart Glastonbury set was an amazing experience. It wasn't perfect, and it certainly wasn't without its flaws. There were moments of pure magic and a few where I kinda wished I'd brought more earplugs (or maybe some ear muffs). But it was a show that gave me so many good memories, even if my ears are still ringing a tiny bit... You live, you learn, you listen to Rod Stewart, and you try not to get trampled in the mud.
The Verdict: Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely. Despite the slightly dodgy sound in places, and the slightly less than stellar banter, seeing Rod Stewart at Glastonbury was an unforgettable experience. A true bucket list moment. It's a concert I'll be talking about for years to come. And yes, next time, I'm definitely bringing better earplugs. And maybe a slightly stronger umbrella!