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Globe Meets Sir Rod Stewart, the Iconic British Singer-Songwriter

Rock and pop singer-songwriter Sir Rod Stewart is one of the best-selling recording artists of all time, with over 250 million records and singles sold globally throughout his splendid career. Having last toured in Asia 15 years ago, Rod is set to make his long-awaited return to the Thai capital on Wednesday, March 6, when he takes to the stage at IMPACT Arena.

Well-loved for his distinctive, raspy voice and timeless hits including “Maggie May”, “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?”, and “Tonight’s the Night”, Rod has amassed numerous awards and been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is also recognized for his unique fashion style, characterized by bold patterns, vibrant colours, and his iconic spiky, blonde haircut.

As his Bangkok gig draws near, Globe sat down with the rockstar for an interview in which he shares insights into the most memorable gifts he’s ever received from fans, his lifelong love for football, and the artists he would have most liked to work with on collaborations.

Your music has traversed multiple genres from rock to pop, to soul, and even the Great American Songbook. Is there a genre or style of music you’ve never explored, but have always been curious about, and what is it about the genre that you find so fascinating?

Yes! Swing music. The glorious music of the big band years, which I’ve recently recorded. Swing Fever (my new album with Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra – he’s with me on the album cover above) will be released to buy or download on February 23.

The love you have for football, especially for the Scottish club Celtic, is well renowned. How do you think your passion for the sport has influenced your music or the way you approach performances, and have you written any songs about what it means to you?

I have played football all my life and it has let me fit. Yes I’ve written songs about football, such as “You’re in my Heart”, “Touchline”, and “We Will Win” – that’s how much I love it!

“Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” has been wildly popular with fans for decades. Your charisma is hugely impressive! If you were to give a TED talk called ‘The Secrets of Being Sexy,’ what would be three top tips for the audience if they wanted to be equally alluring?

Ha! My top three tips? They’d have to be moisturizer, staying fit, and confidence.

Rod, your live performances are legendary and you have toured many times across the world. With such a huge and dedicated fan base, has there even been a gift or gesture from a fan, where you have been left genuinely surprised, or touched, by receiving it?

Oh my God that’s a good question! I’ve had many items thrown on the stage – from ladies underwear to model locomotives, lots and lots of Glasgow Celtic memorabilia, packets of Wine Gums and chocolates.  But once I had a steel letterbox thrown on the stage – a gift from a fan for my new house. The one occasion I do enjoy is when a couple have gotten married the day of the concert, and they ask me to sing them a special song, which I do! And then usually, I finish by bringing them up on the stage. There’s nothing like the roar from a crowd, and I have the best fans in the world. It’s a moment they will never forget.

You’ve collaborated with a wide-range of artists from different musical backgrounds. If you could collaborate with any artists, past or present, who you have not worked with, who would you chose, and what impact would you say they have had on your career?

Sam Cooke, Muddy Waters, David Ruffin and Otis Redding. I dare say there wouldn’t have been Rod Stewart without them! They are all gone now so I’ve sadly missed my chance.

Sir Rod Stewart will perform at IMPACT Arena on March 6. Visit: www.livenationtero.co.th or call: 02-262-3838 to see the living legend singing all his hits, right here in Bangkok!