Calls are growing for a plaque to celebrate Highgate rock legend Rod Stewart, who was awarded a CBE in the New Year’s Honours List.
The rocker has his roots firmly in the area, having been born and raised above his mum and dad’s newsagent and sweet shop in Archway Road.
Rod, now 62, also went to Fortismere School and his parents lived in a large house next to the old Catholic church – now O’Neills – in Muswell Hill Broadway.
His first home has been bulldozed and is now a car wash, but support for the site to be marked with a plaque is growing.
Councillor Neil Williams, leader of Haringey’s Liberal Democrats and ward councillor for Highgate – said: “It is an excellent idea. We should do more to celebrate former residents in the field of popular culture.
“Too many streets are named after councillors and so on, so it would be excellent to celebrate our more recent residents.
“I do think Rod Stewart has an excellent voice, and I do like some of his songs.”
The Highgate Society also agreed that Rod deserves a plaque.
Brendan Nolan, spokesman for the Highgate Society, said: “Why not. We like plaques. It adds interest to the area and I am sure we could add a few more names to the list.
“We would like to see more plaques for Highgate.”
Rod also famously worked as a gravedigger at Highgate Cemetery for a spell and is known to have cut his teeth on the local music circuit in the mid-60s.
He was a regular at the Downbeat Club in Manor House where he performed down the bill. Now his appearances are guaranteed worldwide interest.
A talented footballer, Rod also played for the Red Wings squad which met at the pitches at the back of Highgate Woods.
Rod Stewart has a firm place in the heart of Elaine Jones, of Steeds Road, Muswell Hill, who is confined to a wheelchair and has been a friends of Rod’s for more than 25 years.
He regularly sends flowers and cards to “his number one fan” after a taxi driver neighbour of the family told Rod’s parents how much Elaine liked him.
Elaine’s dad Gerard said: “It would be nice. I am sure he would be pleased if he were to get a plaque.
COURTESY: Tottenham, Wood Green & Edmonton Journal