Preparing for an interview with Rod Stewart had all the hallmarks of working with a superstar—an experience that, as many know, can often be exhausting. The allocated time for our conversation was disappointingly brief, all communication went strictly through his promoters, and I was informed that Stewart’s PR representative would be present during the interview. Even the chosen venue—a suite on the second floor of The Langham Hotel in central London—suggested a classic press junket, where journalists rotate under strict time constraints. When I shared my frustration with my colleague Alice from the Daily Mail, she simply messaged back: “Rod Stewart is a LEGEND. You would never forgive yourself for missing this opportunity.”
And so, I waited for Rod Stewart—who, predictably, was running late. Yet, the structured and rigid prelude had little in common with what unfolded the moment he stepped into the Langham Hotel lobby, hand in hand with his stunning wife, Penny, to the delight of the gathered guests who warmly greeted him. Apologizing for his tardiness—”bloody London traffic!”—Stewart promptly asked everyone in the room to leave. That included his own PR representative.
Settling into an armchair, every aspect of his body language—his posture, gaze, and smile—conveyed a sense of ease and lack of urgency. Rod was exactly where he wanted to be—immersed in a conversation about music, football, and life. I recalled an interview in which he once said he was successful with women because he “listens, engages, and truly sees the person in front of him.” Clearly, he applies the same approach to interviews. Engaged, talkative, and fully present, he animatedly recounts his early days in music, despite having told the same story since the 1960s when “Maggie May” propelled him to superstardom—a status that has remained largely unshaken. Even if some of his audience now attends his concerts primarily for nostalgia, that doesn’t bother him. After all, he says, isn’t it wonderful how music can transport you to a moment from the distant past? Even those who are not ardent Stewart fans cannot remain indifferent when his raspy voice delivers “I Don’t Want to Talk About It” or “Have I Told You Lately”—songs that cemented his place as one of the most successful musicians of all time, with over 100 million albums sold.
Yet, despite decades of rock ‘n’ roll and fame, the Rod Stewart sitting across from me on this winter afternoon is, above all, a charming “London boy” with a mischievous smile and a sharp sense of humor. He is happiest at home, playing with his model railway and doing the dishes after dinner. “Whenever I put on an apron to wash up, I tell my family—bet Elton John never does this!” he laughs, attempting to convince me that he doesn’t live the stereotypical rock star lifestyle. He fails.
His model railway, after all, is one of the most spectacular in the world—spanning the size of a tennis court. A portion of it even travels with him on tour, including his upcoming concert in Zagreb’s Arena on February 2nd. When he stays in a city for more than a few days, the railway is set up in a separate hotel room. That’s rather eccentric, isn’t it? “I never claimed to be modest, but I do believe I stay grounded. I know I’ve been lucky—God gave me this voice, but I’ve worked relentlessly to make the most of it. That’s still the case today. It’s a matter of honor for me to step on stage and give my all for the people who paid to see me perform. I take it very seriously,” he says.
Just as he works tirelessly to support his large family—Rod is a father of eight—he also enjoys his “toys,” particularly his collection of luxury cars, which he has been accumulating since his youth. His garage boasts a Ferrari 488 and a Lamborghini Aventador, which he loves driving with friends, though these days not as fast as before, now that his youngest sons have been born. His homes in England and California feature football pitches, where David Beckham and his sons occasionally drop by to play with Rod’s boys. “I have an amazing life—I couldn’t ask for anything more. All I wish for is good health for another twenty years. I have a wonderful family, and I’ve achieved everything I’ve ever wanted,” he reflects. I remind him that he never fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a professional footballer.
Football is his second great passion—one that he seamlessly weaves into our conversation whenever possible. In fact, part of his excitement about performing in Croatia stems from the success of the Croatian national football team. More than just a hobby, football shaped his life; in a way, we owe his music career to a small third-division London club. “My two older brothers were footballers, and naturally, our father hoped one of us would go pro. I wanted that for my sons, too, but I’m more realistic—I know the odds are slim. As the youngest, I was my dad’s last hope. I played for Brentford FC in the third division, but I knew I wasn’t good enough for a professional career. My heart just wasn’t in it the way it was with music. In the end, I failed my football trials.” Today, he’s grateful for that turn of events. “If I were some washed-up old footballer, you certainly wouldn’t be interviewing me now,” he laughs.
At 73, there is nothing “old” or “washed-up” about Rod Stewart. His sparkling blue eyes brim with energy, his wild hair remains untamed, and his body radiates vitality. Throughout our conversation, he frequently jumps up to demonstrate things—whether it’s the formal protocol for bowing when meeting the Royal Family or his technique for styling his hair after washing it (which, he notes, happens once a week). “Let’s be honest—looking like this, I was destined to be a rock star,” he quips. He has a point.
Beyond his distinctive voice, there’s also that unmistakable hair—impossible to ignore. The signature style was self-created; once a long-haired beatnik on Brighton Beach, he was captivated by the youth culture on Paris’s Rive Gauche and got his hair cut, never drastically changing it since. Like many who have spent their lives in the spotlight, Rod is somewhat vain. During the photoshoot, he directs the photographer on the best angles to avoid showing wrinkles and later checks how he looks in the images. He even admits to preparing for concerts “like a girl,” meticulously selecting his outfits.
Before parting ways, Rod and Penny walk me to the door, holding hands and bidding farewell with warmth and humor as though we were old friends. Alice was right—Rod Stewart is a legend. Perhaps even the most charming “bad boy” in the world.