Rod Stewart Performed “Maggie May” for the 1,710th Time—Yet Delivered It with Fresh Energy Like Never Before

Rod Stewart once again reminded the world why he’s one of rock’s most enduring legends, commanding Glastonbury’s iconic “legend’s slot” on Sunday with a set that spanned decades and dazzled from start to finish. At 80 years old, the rocker stepped onto the Pyramid Stage beneath sunny skies and launched into a string of timeless hits—including a roaring, heartfelt version of “Maggie May”—that had the massive crowd singing along from the first note.

Rather than showing signs of slowing down, Stewart appeared more energized than ever, despite recently wrapping up a demanding tour. “I just wish they wouldn’t call it the tea time slot,” he joked, drawing laughter. “Sounds like pipe and slippers, doesn’t it?” But there was nothing sleepy about his performance. His swagger, charm, and stage presence turned the slot into one of the weekend’s most electric highlights.

From the opening moments, Stewart set the tone with swagger and nostalgia, delivering fan favorites like “You Wear It Well” and “Young Turks.” He even threw in a nod to his earliest musical days, recalling his harmonica work on Millie Small’s 1964 hit “My Boy Lollipop,” a small gesture that underscored just how deep his roots go in the music world.

Originally scheduled for a 75-minute set, Stewart negotiated an extra 15 minutes—ensuring the Glastonbury faithful got their fill of six decades of music magic. With a brilliant band and vibrant brass section behind him, his signature voice—gritty and golden—rang out across Worthy Farm with power and soul. As he recently told the BBC, “I can still run 100 metres in 19 seconds.” He wasn’t sprinting on stage, but his pace through a career’s worth of hits was impressive.

Then came the centerpiece of the afternoon—the unmistakable mandolin intro of “Maggie May.” The crowd instantly erupted. Despite having performed the song more than 1,700 times, Stewart breathed new life into it, delivering one of its most emotionally resonant versions yet. Teenagers, longtime fans, and new admirers joined together in an enormous singalong, proving once again how timeless the track remains.

Stewart’s set followed a string of performances from artists like Nile Rodgers & Chic, Olivia Rodrigo, and Noah Kahan. But his energy and mastery raised the bar, reminding everyone how seasoned showmanship can still dominate a modern festival lineup.

Rather than leaning on nostalgia, Stewart fused past and present, offering a performance that was as vital and spirited as anything on the bill. He charmed, joked, roared, and reminisced—never missing a beat.

For many in attendance, it wasn’t just a performance. It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment. A chance to witness a living icon bring decades of memories to life, all in the span of 90 unforgettable minutes.

Rod Stewart didn’t just play songs—he invited thousands into his story, proving that legends don’t fade. They evolve, and they bring the house down.