Sir Rod Stewart will pay out a staggering £300,000 to perform at Glastonbury 2025, despite only receiving £120,000 from festival organisers.
The 80-year-old rock legend revealed the eye-watering financial loss in a new interview, explaining that the costs of bringing his 12-piece band back from America make the prestigious legends slot an expensive undertaking.
“It’s going to cost me £300,000 to do it and they only pay you about 120,000 quid. So, it’s going to cost me,” Stewart said.
The veteran performer, who has completed 217 shows during his Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace, admitted the scheduling initially presented difficulties as he needed to “bring everybody back from America.”
The substantial costs include shipping equipment and staging from the United States, alongside transport for his band members.
Despite the financial hit, Stewart confirmed his musicians would travel in Premium Economy whilst he maintains his usual travel standards. “I haven’t flown commercial for 20 years,” he told Radio Times.
When asked about owning a private jet, the singer revealed he prefers to rent, citing advice from fellow high-flyers: “If it f***s, flies or floats, rent it.”
The Grammy and Brit Award winner, who was knighted in 2016 for services to music and charity, explained that comfort remains essential for touring. “You gotta get there in comfort. You book the best hotels,” he said.
MORE LIKE THIS:
Sir Rod Stewart, 80, breaks cover amid health woes with 7-word statement on wife Penny’s career moveSir Rod Stewart, 80, joined by children in rare public appearance after cancelling string of gigs due to illnessRod Stewart, 80, worries fans by cancelling second gig in a week as he battles illness: ‘Awfully sorry’
Despite the personal cost, Stewart insisted the honour of performing in the slot previously occupied by Barry Gibb, Diana Ross and Shania Twain meant the financial loss “doesn’t matter.”
The singer was approached about eight months ago to perform at the festival, but initially faced scheduling conflicts with his Vegas commitments.
Stewart revealed his band would enjoy the best treatment during their Glastonbury appearance.
“I’ve got the band all decked out in proper outfits. They all wear white jackets and black ties, and the girls wear sequins.
“It’s a bit more Las Vegas than it’s been before because, obviously, I’m doing my residency,” he explained.
The rock legend maintains his touring lifestyle with characteristic flair, even bringing model railway projects to hotel rooms specially arranged with tables for his hobby.
Stewart faces tough choices for his Glastonbury set, having been allocated just an hour and 15 minutes.
“I begged them, ‘Can I do another 15 minutes?’ Because usually I play for two hours,” he told Radio Times.
The shortened slot means many fan favourites will be omitted, though he confirmed three guest singers would join him, alongside Rolling Stones guitarist and former Faces bandmate Ronnie Wood.
“It’ll be glamorous, it’ll be sexy. Not me – I’m talking about the other members of the group!” Stewart said, adding that a small orchestra and possibly bagpipes would feature.
The performance holds special significance for the veteran rocker. “It’s like when you’re playing a cup final: you’re trying to treat it like another game. But, of course, it’s not. It’s special.”
