Main photo Penny Lancaster
Burns Night
While we all celebrated Burns Night on Saturday Wolfie’s whisky came up with this special ode to your favourite tipple
£1 million for Rod
The Daily Mail reported that organisers of the Henley Festival – the annual black-tie shindig on the banks of the Thames – tried to book Rod for the high-end event but had to think again when he demanded more than £1 million.
‘We did try to get Rod Stewart but he was expensive. Far too expensive,’ says a Henley insider.
The Mail also said Rod allegedly asked that helicopters ferry him to and from the site.
Sounds like a bargain to us?
One More Time
But fans in Germany get yet another chance to see Rod as he adds five more shows in November and December 2025.
Performances in Switzerland and Austria have also been announced.
Tuesday, 25 November 2025, 8 pm: Hamburg, Germany – Barclaycard Arena
Friday, 28 November 2025, 8 pm: Leipzig, Germany – Quarterback Arena
Saturday, 29 November 2025, 8 pm: Mannheim, Germany – SAP Arena
Tuesday, 2 December 2025, 8 pm: Cologne, Germany – Lanxess Arena
Friday, 5 December 2025, 8 pm. Zurich, Switzerland – Hallenstadion
Sunday, 7.12.2025, 8 pm: Munich, Germany – Olympiahalle
Tuesday, 9.12.2025, 8 pm: Vienna, Austria – Stadthalle
And Chile ..It’s your turn
And Argentina ..It’s also your turn..
Rose Reilly
Legendary footballer Rose Reilly has revealed Sir Rod sent a surprise video birthday greeting to lift her spirits after the death of her husband Rose was named the best female footballer in the world in 1984 when she won the then equivalent of the Women’s World Cup with Italy – turned 70 earlier this month.
Rose told The Daily Record “My 70th birthday was on January 2 and receiving a very thoughtful birthday message from Rod was a wee bit surreal.
“I mean it’s Rod Stewart, he’s a legend. He also mentioned my difficult year as I lost Norberto in July. Rod, apart from being a superstar, is just a beautiful guy.”
In the video message Rod said: “Hi Rose, it’s Rod here wishing you a happy 70th birthday. I know you’ve had a difficult year but let’s make this year a special one. Happy 70th darling.”
Fire Aid
On Thursday Rod played the Fire Aid benefit concert in LA, flying in from England specially for the event
At the rehearsals on Wednesday Penny joined Rod to sing Forever Young
The band took Rod out for a belated birthday treat..but what did Rod wish for?
Rod proudly wore his Knighthood pendant as he joined wife Penny Lancaster ahead of his performance
And then received widespread praise as he took to the stage to perform three songs first up was the 1988 hit Forever Young, followed by a new song [not] Maggie May and an amazing version of People get Ready, He looked great in a a zebra-print shirt and jacket as did the band who were all in black.
Rod told the crowd “LA is very special to me, I’ve lived here for 50 odd years.”
Rod’s performance sparked a flood of reactions from fans on social media, with many commenting that he looked and performed as if he were decades younger.
And CBN news commented on his energy and faultless vocals that seemed to defy the fact that just weeks earlier he’d become an octogenarian.
Aston Villa v Celtic
While Rod and Penny were in LA Alastair was in Birmingham for the big Champions League match between Aston Villa and Celtic
He watched as Celtic ended the initial phase of this year’s newly revamped Champions League with a defeat against Premier League side Aston Villa in a game that was enthralling from start to finish and at times could have swung either way, The game itself was a fantastic contest to watch, with both teams showing attacking intent throughout.
Celtic were 2-0 down with only 4 minutes on the clock but fought hard and pulled it back to 2-2 unfortunately for Alastair and the rest of the away supporters the weakened team were finally beaten 4-2 but still make it to the play off phase.
And Finally..
Here’s a treat for anyone who has been doing dry January or maybe just waiting for January to come to an end…
See you next week…