Rod Stewart Reveals He Does Not Know Any Of Ed Sheeran’s Songs
Renowned music icon Rod Stewart, in a recent interview with The Times, shared his thoughts on the enduring legacy of contemporary musicians, sparking a debate that has reverberated through the industry. At 79, the legendary singer-songwriter, known for timeless classics like Maggie May, offered his perspective on which artists are likely to withstand the test of time. And his opinions were nothing short of provocative.
When prompted about the production of timeless music today, Ron reminisced about his own iconic track, suggesting it as an example of a song that will stand the test of time. Yet, his musings took an unexpected turn when the conversation veered toward the popular British artist Ed Sheeran. In an unfiltered moment, Rod expressed his skepticism, indicating that Ed’s repertoire might not have the staying power of classics like Maggie May.
“I like whatshisname,” Rod quipped, momentarily forgetting Ed’s name, a slip-up that may have raised eyebrows.
“Oh f—ing great, Rod. Well done. He’s British, really talented and his songs will be around,” he added.
When the reporter tried to confirm if he was referring to Ed Sheeran, Ron said it wasn’t Ed, saying, “No, not Ed, I don’t know any of his songs, old ginger bollocks. Jesus.”
It turned out he was talking about George, as he sang the lyrics, “I’ll be riding shotgun,” which is from George’s 2018 hit song Shotgun.
When the journalist pointed that out, Rod said, “Yes! I think he writes really tremendous songs. He’ll be around for quite a while.”
With enthusiasm, Rod commended George’s songwriting prowess, predicting a lasting impact for the artist.
Beyond the debate over individual artists, Rod offered insights into the evolving landscape of the music industry. Drawing on his experiences from the 1960s, he lamented the shift in artists’ motivations, noting a perceived decline in authenticity and a growing emphasis on fame and fortune.
For Stewart, the music industry of yesteryears was characterized by a genuine love for the craft, a sentiment he believes may be waning in contemporary times.
“We were brave in those days to go into the music business. We didn’t know where it would take us but record companies were different. They would give you a try,” he stated, adding, “Money and fame didn’t factor — it was a burning ambition to sing. That may have changed. Now it’s more, ‘Ooh, let’s have a go at music. I don’t even have to play well. Maybe I’ll get rich.’ Fame comes before everything. All kids want is fame.”
