The 80-year-old faced criticism over his decision at the festival
Glastonbury fans shared their disappointment in Sir Rod Stewart after a birthday message to festival founder Sir Michael Eavis left a sour taste.
As the Somerset festival entered into the final day, the 200,000 music fans were in for another day of performances from some of the best stars in the business.
Music legend, Sir Rod Stewart, took to the Pyramid Stage for the coveted Legends slot. He performed from 3:45pm and his hour and a half set consisted of covers and some of his greatest hits.
He also brought some other musical legends to the stage including Simply Red’s Mick Hucknall and Lulu.
It was only recently that the star went under vocal rest after his concert at Milan’s Unipol Forum as he held a sign around his neck informing those around him.
While he won’t be doing any more “large scale” tours after his most recent one finishes, Rod shared that he has no plans to retire anytime soon.
He said in an Instagram post: “This will be the end of large-scale world tours for me, but I have no desire to retire.
“I love what I do, and I do what I love. I’m fit, have a full head of hair, and can run 100 metres in 18 seconds at the jolly old age of 79.”I’d like to move onto a Great American Songbook, Swing Fever tour the year after next – smaller venues and more intimacy. But then again, I may not…”
After disappearing off stage during his set to do a quick change, Rod returned in a bright pink suit and fished around in his pocket before pulling out a note.
He then announced: “Happy Birthday to Michael Eavis, he’s the guy who founded Glastonbury,
“Let’s all give him a big round of applause. Michael, where are ya? Don’t be shy!”
Emily Eavis then brought her father onto the set as Rod burst into his song, I Don’t Want to Talk About It that grew in popularity back in 1975.
However, some viewers at home weren’t impressed with Rod’s approach and took to social media to complain.
On X (formerly known as Twitter), @MissDanniWills3 wrote: “Dead at Rod Stewart having to get a post it note out to remind him to say happy birthday to Michael and then it being the most underwhelming happy birthday ever”.
@Moonraker_Mart added: “Did Rod Stewart really need a to read off a note to say happy birthday to someone?!!” as @cat186 penned: “Bit of a disrespectful birthday tribute to Michael Eavis from Rod Stewart there, it’s like he barely knew who he was. Michael’s more of a bloody legend than Rod is”.