Rod Stewart, the renowned singer and songwriter, continues to maintain a deep connection to Glasgow, a city that has significantly influenced his life and career. Born on January 10, 1945, in Highgate, North London, Stewart has Scottish roots that he cherishes. His father, Robert Stewart, hailed from Leith, Edinburgh, and Stewart often expresses pride in his Scottish heritage. “I am very proud of my father who was Scottish and the wee bit of Scottish blood I have in me. It’s a spiritual thing for me,” he stated.
Stewart’s relationship with Glasgow began in the 1970s while he was touring with the Faces after recording with the Jeff Beck Group. The band performed at Green’s Playhouse in 1972, and during a return visit in 1973, Stewart was invited to train with Celtic FC. He fondly recalls meeting legendary manager Jock Stein, who playfully mocked his shoes, and since that moment, he became an avid Celtic supporter.
Over the years, Stewart has established himself as one of the best-selling music artists globally, with over 120 million records sold. His impressive discography includes 10 number-one albums and 31 top-ten singles in the UK, six of which reached number one. In the US, he has had 16 top-ten singles, with four hitting the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Recognized for his contributions to music, Stewart was knighted in 2016 and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Despite his immense fame, which allows him to travel the world, Stewart chooses to return to Glasgow frequently. His love for the city encompasses its vibrant football culture, particularly his passion for Celtic FC. He enjoys attending matches at Celtic Park, where he has been spotted numerous times, especially on European nights. Recently, his presence at the club’s annual general meeting sparked discussions among fans, highlighting his importance to the local community.
Stewart has shifted his base predominantly back to the UK after spending decades in Los Angeles, allowing him more time to enjoy Glasgow. His visits often involve dining at local restaurants, enjoying late nights at venues like Rogano, and savoring whisky cocktails at places such as Glaschu and The Anchor Line. Notably, he recently launched his own whisky brand, Wolfie’s, further deepening his ties to the city.
To gain insight into Stewart’s enduring connection to Glasgow, I spoke with local songwriter John McLaughlin, who has toured with him and remains a close friend. McLaughlin emphasized the elements that draw Stewart back, saying, “Rod comes here a lot… the music, the people, the football, he just loves it.” He noted that Stewart embraces the humorous banter from Rangers fans, highlighting the mutual respect between the singer and the local football community.
“People are happy to see him, and he’s happy to see them,” McLaughlin added. “He comes and spends a lot of time here… We are less celebrity-driven in Glasgow; we want to say hello and give you a nod.” This relaxed atmosphere, coupled with the city’s rich cultural scene, resonates with Stewart, who enjoys discovering new bands and engaging with the local music community.
As I concluded my conversation with McLaughlin, a track from the Faces played softly in the background, underscoring Stewart’s lasting impact on Glasgow’s musical landscape. His affection for the city and its people remains unwavering, making Glasgow not just a place of nostalgia but a vital part of his ongoing journey.
