Is Rod Stewart is Leaving Rock ‘n’ Roll? Why is Rod Stewart Leaving Rock ‘n’ Roll?
by A N Rahul
Updated Jun 16, 2023
Who is Rod Stewart?
Rod Stewart is a renowned British rock and pop singer and songwriter. His full name is Sir Roderick David Stewart CBE, born and raised in London, he comes from a Scottish and English background
With his distinctively raspy singing voice, Stewart has established himself has achieved incredible success as one of the most successful music artists in history. With worldwide record sales exceeding 250 million, he stands among the best-selling artists of all time. His illustrious career includes an impressive tally of 10 albums that reached number one on the UK charts and an impressive 31 singles that secured top-ten positions.
Within that impressive feat, six of his singles climbed all the way to the coveted number-one spot, cementing his status as a true musical sensation. In the United States, Stewart has achieved 16 top-ten singles, four of which peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In recognition of his contributions to music and charity, he was knighted in the 2016 Birthday Honours.
Stewart's journey in the music industry began in 1962 when he started busking with a harmonica. In subsequent years, he became a member of The Dimensions in 1963, showcasing his talent as a harmonica player and vocalist. He then embarked on musical endeavors with Long John Baldry and the All Stars in 1964, followed by joining the Jeff Beck Group in 1967.
In 1969, he became a member of Faces while simultaneously pursuing a solo career, releasing his debut album that same year. Stewart's early albums showcased a fusion of rock, folk music, soul, and R&B. It was his third album, "Every Picture Tells a Story" in 1971, that propelled him to stardom, topping the charts in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia.
Is Rod Stewart is Leaving Rock ‘n’ Roll?
Yes, Rod Stewart is leaving Rock ‘n’ Roll. Recent news articles have reported that Rod Stewart, the renowned rock singer, has expressed his intention to bid farewell to rock music following the conclusion of his 2023 tour. Instead, he plans to shift his focus to the swing genre and release a new album in collaboration with pianist Jools Holland. Stewart mentioned his desire to "leave the rock 'n' roll stuff behind, for a while," indicating a temporary departure from his rock music roots.
It is important to note that Stewart has clarified that he is not retiring from music altogether but rather exploring new artistic avenues. This transition marks an exciting chapter in his career as he ventures into a different musical direction while leaving his rock 'n' roll legacy behind, at least for the time being.
Rod Stewart says he's Leaving Rock ‘n’ Roll
There are several speculated reasons why Rod Stewart may be departing from the realm of rock 'n' roll. One possible explanation is that Stewart yearns for something different and wishes to explore new musical territories, moving away from the rock genre that has defined his career.
Additionally, his notable success with The Great American Songbook albums, which showcased his renditions of classic songs, may have inspired him to continue in that direction. Stewart has also expressed excitement about collaborating with Jools Holland's band, noting that their music borders on the realm of rock 'n' roll.
It is also conceivable that Stewart believes the era of rock 'n' roll is coming to a close, prompting him to feel that everything must eventually come to an end. Furthermore, he may simply no longer wish to perform his older hits like "Maggie May" and "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?" and desires to distance himself from those particular songs.
While these are potential factors influencing his decision, the exact motives behind Stewart's departure from rock 'n' roll remain uncertain.
Rod Stewart Age
He is 78 years old now and his full name is Roderick David Stewart. He was born on January 10, 1945, in Highgate, London, England. As a British rock and pop singer and songwriter, Stewart has made a significant impact on the music industry. Growing up in London, he has roots in both Scottish and English heritage. Renowned for his unique and recognizable raspy singing voice, Stewart has achieved remarkable success throughout his career.
Considered one of the best-selling music artists of all time, Stewart's global record sales exceed an impressive 250 million copies. His immense popularity and widespread appeal have solidified his position as a prominent figure in the world of music. With his distinctive voice and captivating performances, Stewart has left an indelible mark on the rock and pop genres.
Having garnered a massive following and earning numerous accolades, Sir Roderick David Stewart was honored with the title of CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his contributions to the music industry. His enduring talent, combined with his rich heritage and immense success, have made Rod Stewart a true icon in the realm of rock and pop music.
The album's ballad, "Maggie May," also became a chart-topping hit. His subsequent album, "Never a Dull Moment" in 1972, achieved similar success, reaching number one in the UK and Australia and making the top three in the US and Canada. The album's single, "You Wear It Well," reached number one in the UK and performed well in other countries.
Following the breakup of Faces in 1975, Stewart continued to release hit singles, including the ballad "Sailing" from the album "Atlantic Crossing" (1975), which became a hit in the UK and various countries but had limited success in North America. His album "A Night on the Town" (1976) marked the beginning of a three-album streak, with each release reaching number one or the top three in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia.
The album's single, "Tonight's the Night (Gonna Be Alright)," spent nearly two months at number one in the US and Canada, and achieved top-five positions in other countries. Stewart's albums consistently performed well in the Netherlands throughout the 1970s and in Sweden from 1975 onward.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Stewart's music took a turn towards disco and new wave, before transitioning into a soft rock and middle-of-the-road style. While his albums continued to reach the top ten in the UK, Germany, and Sweden, their success in the US became more limited.
In 1991, his single "Rhythm of My Heart" became a top-five hit in the UK, US, and other countries, while the accompanying album, "Vagabond Heart," reached number ten in the US and number two in the UK, becoming his highest-charting album in a decade. Stewart collaborated with Bryan Adams and Sting on the power ballad "All for Love" in 1993, which topped the charts in many countries.
In the early 2000s, he released a series of successful albums featuring interpretations of the Great American Songbook. Stewart's achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including being ranked the 17th most successful artist on the "Billboard Hot 100
Is Rod Stewart is leaving Rock ‘n’ Roll-FAQs
Recent reports suggest that Rod Stewart plans to bid farewell to rock music after his 2023 tour. He aims to explore the swing genre and collaborate with Jools Holland for an upcoming album. However, it's important to note that this departure is temporary, and he is not retiring from music altogether.
Rod Stewart is a prominent British rock and pop singer and songwriter. Born and raised in London, he has Scottish and English heritage. Known for his distinctive raspy voice, Stewart has sold over 250 million records worldwide. He has achieved 10 number-one albums and 31 top-ten singles in the UK, and 16 top-ten singles in the US.
Stewart began his music journey in 1962 as a busker with a harmonica. He then joined various bands, including The Dimensions, Long John Baldry and the All Stars, and the Jeff Beck Group. In 1969, he became a member of Faces while pursuing a successful solo career.
Stewart's breakthrough came with his third album, "Every Picture Tells a Story" (1971), which topped charts worldwide, including the UK, US, Canada, and Australia. The album featured the chart-topping ballad "Maggie May." His following album, "Never a Dull Moment" (1972), achieved similar success. Other notable hits include "Sailing" from "Atlantic Crossing" (1975) and "Tonight's the Night (Gonna Be Alright)" from "A Night on the Town" (1976).
During this period, Stewart's music underwent a transition, incorporating disco and new wave elements. He shifted towards a soft rock/middle-of-the-road style. While his albums continued to perform well in the UK, Germany, and Sweden, their success in the US was comparatively modest. Notably, his album "Blondes Have More Fun" (1978) and the hit single "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy" achieved significant popularity globally.