Rod Stewart

More than 30 albums, over 100 singles, and total record sales of more than 250 million. Rod Stewart is one of the most successful rock singers in history and has influenced generations of musicians, including those in genres such as folk, soul and R&B. Munich was still in the midst of preparations for the Summer Olympics when, in the autumn of 1971, he reached the top of the UK charts for the first time with ‘Maggie May’. Further unforgettable number-one hits followed, from the legendary ballad ‘Sailing’ – which he recorded in the US out of sheer homesickness for his roots in England – to the groovy ‘Baby Jane’ in 1983.

The list of honours is as long as that of his chart successes, ranging from a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to being inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (once as a solo artist, once as part of the Faces) and finally being knighted at Buckingham Palace. Now, at the age of 82, Stewart really does want to bid farewell to the stage – and with it, the Olympic Hall, where he has performed more than 15 times since his debut in 1980. “The time has come to say goodbye to life on tour,” he says, “The Final Encore will most certainly be my last tour.” Sounds like a final farewell. Or does it?

Photocredit: Denise Truscello