In a subtle dig at Ed Sheeran, Rod Stewart has admitted that he does not know any of his songs.
Stewart took aim at Sheeran, while at the same time praising pop singer George Ezra, for writing “really tremendous songs”, which he believes will withstand the test of time.
The ‘Hot Legs’ singer made these comments in a joint interview with The Times newspaper, alongside Jools Holland, with whom Stewart joined forces on the album ‘Swing Fever’ album.
‘Swing Fever’ arrives on February 23.
“You mean like Maggie May?”
When asked if he felt that timeless songs were still being produced today, Rod Stewart said, “I’m sure they are. You mean like Maggie May?”.
He continued, “Songs that will be played in 50 years?” Exactly. “I like whatshisname. Oh great, Rod. Well done. He’s British, really talented and his songs will be around. Erm …”.
When the publication asked if he meant Ed Sheeran, the Scottish singer replied, “No, not Ed, I don’t know any of his songs, old ginger [redacted]. Jesus …”.
Borrowing a lyric from George Ezra’s ‘Shotgun’, Stewart said, ‘Shotgun’: “I’ll be riding shotgun …”.
When the interviewer mentioned him, Rod Stewart did state this, “Yes! I think he writes really tremendous songs. He’ll be around for quite a while”.
Elsewhere, Rod Stewart also took aim at “kids”, who are only keen to work in music to seek fame and money, without caring about their craft.
“We were brave in those days to go into the music business”, Stewart claimed. “We didn’t know where it would take us but record companies were different. They would give you a try”.
“Also, the people I came up with — the Stones, Elton — we all came into it because we loved the music. 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”.
Along with their joint album, Rod Stewart also performed on Jools Holland’s New Year’s Eve Hootenanny.
Stewart will also come to Dublin’s Royal Hospital Kilmainham in for a live show in May.
