Rod Stewart says he wants to 'leave rock 'n' roll stuff behind'

He's already recorded music in a different genre

Rod Stewart
Author: Anna Sky MagliolaPublished 9th Jun 2023
Last updated 9th Jun 2023

'Maggie May' singer Rod Stewart has surprised fans by revealing he wants to "leave rock and roll stuff behind". The singer, who has recently welcomed two grandchildren, opened up in an interview.

Speaking to Charlie Stayt, on BBC Breakfast, Rod explained: "I am actually stopping (rock 'n' roll). I’m not retiring but I want to move on... I had great success with 'The Great American Songbook' and I’ve just done a swing album with Jools Holland, which is going to come out next year, so I want to go in that direction.

"So I just want to leave all the rock ‘n’ roll stuff behind, for a while maybe... Everything has to come to an end sooner or later."

Rod then added: "I’m really looking forward to doing something else, especially singing with Jools’ band, it borders on rock ‘n’ roll anyway, it’s just not 'Maggie May' and 'Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?'."

Rod, who is due to start his summer 2023 UK tour later this month, was joined in the interview with Boy George, who is supporting him on tour.

Both singers revealed they're both fans of each others' music, with Boy George reminiscing about the first time they met. "I remember, because I was playing in LA and Rob was there, and I was like 'oh my god, Rod Stewart is there'."

When asked if the pair might work together Rod revealed: "We're going to try and to a song together if we've got time to work one out," he said, talking about his upcoming tour.

With a smile on his face, Rod said: "He’s going to come out and do 'Sailing' with me and I’m going to do 'Karma Chameleon'."

Then, Boy George joked: "I’m going to come out dressed as a sailor."

Charlie then asked if they have worked out what song they'll perform, Rod admitted they haven't, but they've got "plenty of time, we will."

Boy George then added he'd love to sing 'The Killing Of Georgie' with Rod as his mum bought it for him as a kid.

When is Rod Stewart on tour?

Rod, supported by Boy George & Culture Club begins his tour in Plymouth on Saturday 24th June, and will be performing seven dates in total across the UK.

You can hear songs by Rod Stewart on Greatest Hits Radio.

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Now read:

Boy George & Culture Club added to Rod Stewart's UK tour

Rod Stewart welcomes two grandchildren within a couple of days

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