Even After 1,710 Performances, Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May” Still Feels as Vibrant and Timeless as Ever

Rod Stewart once again showed why he’s a true legend, delivering a vibrant, career-spanning show during Glastonbury’s iconic “legend’s slot” on Sunday. At 80 years old, Stewart strutted onto the Pyramid Stage beneath sunny skies, powering through a string of hits—including a rousing “Maggie May”—to the delight of a massive, enthusiastic crowd.

Rather than slowing down, Stewart looked full of energy and sharp as ever, despite having just finished a whirlwind tour earlier in the year. With trademark humor, he joked, “I just wish they wouldn’t call it the tea time slot—that sounds like pipe and slippers, doesn’t it?” But anyone expecting a mellow, nostalgic performance was quickly proven wrong. The set was packed with charisma, singalongs, and the confident stage presence that has made Stewart a British music icon.

From the get-go, Stewart filled the setlist with crowd-pleasers—from the swagger of “You Wear It Well” to the upbeat spirit of “Young Turks.” Nodding to his early career, he even recalled playing harmonica on Millie Small’s “My Boy Lollipop” back in 1964.

Given 75 minutes for his performance, Stewart managed to secure an extra 15, ensuring fans experienced the full breadth of his sixty-year career. Backed by a talented band and brass section, his famous raspy voice rang out strong as ever. “I can still run 100 metres in 19 seconds,” he told the BBC—maybe not quite record-breaking, but more than enough to race through hit after hit with style.

Then came the defining moment. The familiar mandolin intro to “Maggie May” drifted across Worthy Farm, sending waves of excitement through the crowd. Stewart has performed the classic song over 1,700 times, but this rendition was especially electric, uniting fans of all ages in one massive singalong.

As the former Faces frontman closed out an afternoon that also featured Nile Rodgers & Chic, Noah Kahan, and Olivia Rodrigo, he proved he could more than hold his own. Stewart’s performance balanced nostalgia and freshness, charm and humor, and a sense of flair that seemed utterly undiminished by time.

For everyone who flocked to Glastonbury to see a living legend, Stewart’s set was far more than just another festival show—it was a piece of music history unfolding before their eyes.