The music swelled, the crowd roared, and Rod Stewart, a legend at 80 years young, was holding court in Athens, Greece, during his “One Last Time Tour.” But the energy abruptly shifted. A moment of magic was about to be interrupted.
A security guard, seemingly overzealous in his duties, began to interfere with the show’s flow. Stewart, mid-performance with his hit “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?” and a football in hand, didn’t hesitate. He unleashed a sharp, expletive-laden rebuke directly into the microphone, silencing the music and turning heads.
“Out the f*ing way!” Stewart commanded, his voice cutting through the arena. “You’re spoiling the show for everybody. Out the way. Leave. We don’t need you here!” He questioned the guard’s actions, adding, “All she’s doing is putting up a sign. It’s not hurting you is it, mate?”
The incident, captured by concertgoers and quickly circulating on social media, sparked immediate speculation. Was it a simple misunderstanding, or something more? Theories ranged from Stewart’s frustration over his favorite football team’s recent loss to a more direct defense of a fan.
The truth, as revealed later, centered on the guard’s aggressive handling of a fan. Witnesses reported the guard was “over enthusiastic,” pushing a fan around, prompting Stewart’s swift and protective intervention. The singer’s priority was clear: safeguarding the experience for those who came to enjoy the music.
Without missing a beat, Stewart addressed his band. “OK, from the top, where we left off,” he declared, dismissing the disruption and refocusing on the performance. The show, remarkably, resumed as if nothing had happened, the energy quickly restored.
Despite the momentary tension, attendees described the concert as “amazing,” with Stewart delivering a 25-song setlist that included classics like “Young Turks,” “You Wear It Well,” and “Hot Legs.” The incident, one concertgoer noted, “wasn’t a big deal” and would quickly fade into memory.
Stewart’s tour, billed as the end of large-scale world tours, isn’t a sign of retirement. The iconic performer, brimming with energy, has no intention of slowing down. He’s already looking ahead, envisioning a future filled with intimate performances and a deep dive into the Great American Songbook.
“This will be the end of large-scale world tours for me, but I have no desire to retire,” Stewart shared previously. “I’m fit, have a full head of hair, and can run 100 meters in 18 seconds at the jolly old age of 79.”
Even acknowledging his own mortality, Stewart remains remarkably optimistic. He’s determined to savor every moment, predicting “probably another 15 years” of performing and living life to the fullest. He’s Rod Stewart, after all, and a little bit of ambiguity only adds to the legend.
He’s faced health scares, even cancelling shows earlier this year, but ultimately graced the stage at Glastonbury, delivering a spectacular performance with a host of legendary guests. The show, and his career, continues, fueled by a passion for music and a dedication to his fans.
