With a career spanning over six decades, Rod Stewart prepared to take the stage at Glastonbury on Sunday for an unforgettable show. Throughout the evening, the singer brought out Mick Hucknall of Simply Red and Ronnie Wood. Sharing the stage together, Steward and Wood performed “Hot Legs” and “Stay With Me.” While wanting the set to be a celebration of his career, Stewart found himself with a great deal of backlash after he showed his support for a far-right politician.
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Although discussing any sort of politics is a sensitive subject for most, Stewart didn’t shy away from his support for Nigel Farage when speaking with The Times. The politician not only played a crucial role in the U.K.’s withdrawal from the European Union, but he also supported President Donald Trump on more than one occasion. At the time, the singer said, “We’re fed up with the Tories. We’ve got to give Farage a chance. He’s coming across well. What options have we got? I know some of his family. I know his brother, and I quite like him.”
Kate Nash Declares “F*** Rod Stewart”
While knowing the Farage family, Stewart’s statement didn’t go over well with fellow performers like Mo Chara of the trio Kneecap. Taking the stage, Chara took aim at the current Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and also criticized Stewart. “Anybody going to Rod Stewart tomorrow? That man is older than Israel.”
For those who might be wondering, Chara’s statement about Stewart was actually true. Stewart celebrated his 80th birthday back in January. Looking at the history of Israel, the State of Israel was established on May 14, 1948 – three years after Stewart was born. So technically, Chara was right.
Chara wasn’t the only one who criticized Stewart, as Kate Nash also shared her disdain for the statement. Calling out a few people she didn’t agree with while performing on Sunday, the musician declared, “F— Rod Stewart. This one goes out to Keir Starmer, J.K. Rowling, Rod Stewart, and Nigel f—— Farage.”
While finding himself at the center of controversy, Stewart didn’t let the criticism stop him from celebrating his Glastonbury performance.
(Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)
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