Jane caught up with Rod Stewart in LA to talk about the upcoming show, a career that started in 1971, juggling family life and keeping fit....
On the concert May 7th....
Jane : We’re all very much looking forward to the concert, Rod. Have you been here before?
Rod : Yeh, I’ve been a few times – I’ve done the World Cup a couple of times and a private concert.
Jane : 4 decades of songs to choose from, what line up do you have planned?
Rod : There are certain songs that everyone wants to hear, and others I want to sing. We’re currently working on another Songbook so will do something from that.
On touring...
Jane : And is this a one off concert or part of a tour?
Rod : It’s the first date in a 3 month tour. The next stop is Belfast.
Jane : With the distances involved these days, I guess logistically its quite a challenge. Does that mean you’ve waved goodbye to the family for 3 months?
Rod : Well.... I’ve got 6 kids aged 4 months – 30 years. Two have started their own careers, I’ve got three in school and the youngest is in kindergarden. You can’t just pull them out of what they’re doing to follow me around. They might come out for the odd weekend though.
Jane : Do you like touring ? Is performing the big thing for you, or recording..... ?
Rod : I try to do a bit every year. Yeh, I really like it. It’s still a big thrill for me (laughs). But then it’s everything. I have a great love of music, a great interest in music. I just enjoy what I do. I’m very lucky.
On where it all started...
Jane : So it all started with The Faces?
Rod : No, my first band was The Moontrackers when I was at school, and then The Dimensions. I joined Jeff Beck and we toured the US and after that, we formed The Faces. The Faces were a drinking band.
Jane : Who was drinking?
Rod : (laughs) We all were. We were drunk, the audience was drunk...
Jane : That was “Every Picture Tells a Story” time, and “Maggie May”. You have worked with some great songwriters and you also write yourself....
Rod : Not anymore. Got nothing to say (hahaha...)
On the new album...
Jane : What’s new on the horizon?
Rod : I’ve just been in the studio recording our 5th American Song Book. I keep going back to them as there’s such a wealth of material & I just love the songs. This one’s a little different; more brass.
Jane : Soul has always been a big influence for you.
Rod : The biggest influence really. That’s what I grew up listening to... Sam Cooke.
On the Idol phenomena...
Jane : And I read you’ve been involved with Pop Idol or American Idol?
Rod : Yeh, I was involved with a couple of the British shows. I gave some advice to Leona Lewis when she was coming through. I enjoyed it to be honest. I think it’s been a good thing.
Jane : Would you say it’s harder for kids trying to make it today?
Rod : Yes, definitely. It’s tough. I’ve known so many talented musicians over the years, who have been overlooked. My daughter Ruby is a singer/song-writer. She’s very talented, she’s beautiful and she’s great on stage but I tell her the same thing; it’s not enough to have all of that. You need luck. And of course commitment – a burning desire to succeed – you need that to do well in whatever career – it’s the same for all of us.
On knee pads and going down the boozer with your mates...
Jane : There’s only time for one final question, what shall I ask?
Rod : Am I gay? (hahahahahahaha)
Jane : Er no... how about... You would seem to have led, to lead, a charmed life. I have to ask..... are you still keeping up with the football?
Rod : Ha... well, it just so happens I worked out for an hour before you called and I played football for 45 minutes yesterday with my Over 50s team.
Jane : Is that Over 50’s team the same Over 35’s team you used to play with?
Rod : Hahahahahaha it is! It’s all about pulling on the jersey. ‘Course, they all turn out in their knee pads these days and we’re all stiff as a plank on Monday morning. It’s a British team. They’re a load of plumbers and painters and they tell me they can’t get up their ladders on Monday mornings (laughs) but it’s worth it. And of course, we follow tradition and go down the pub after the match.
Jane : Oh nice, to be able to find a Brit pub in LA
Rod : Well LA is full of Brits. Did you know there are more Brits in LA than any other city outside the UK?
Jane : Not a lot of people know that....
Rod : Indeed
Jane : So Rod, thanks very much for talking to us. We’re really looking forward to the concert. Do be aware, it’s going to be hot!
Rod : Thanks and that’s ok. We’re used to hot in LA....