Sir Rod Stewart, darling of British pop, 78, visits his Montreal fans at the Bell Center this Thursday as part of his North American tour.
However, the old rocker had problems with his vocal cords last Saturday, which forced him to cancel his planned concert in Saskatoon. The Montrealers will now have to keep their fingers crossed and hope he is fully recovered for his performance on Thursday.
To add to the excitement, here are five facts you might not know about the legendary singer.
1. He played in many bands in the 1960s
Before he was successful as a soloist, Rod Stewart sang in more or less short-lived formations on the English scene such as The Raiders, The Dimensions or Steampacket. He also accompanied the British blues musician Long John Baldry on the harmonica. He even joined virtuoso guitarist Jeff Beck’s band as a vocalist in 1967.
In 1969 he will also sing for the formation The Faces, in which we find a certain Ron Wood, future guitarist for the Rolling Stones. In the same year he released his first solo album. He held both roles simultaneously – solo singer and lead singer of the Faces – until the group disbanded in 1975.
2. He broke multiple records for album sales
In total, Rod Stewart would have sold around 120 million albums worldwide. If you add the singles sold, the number rises to 250 million. Especially thanks to worldwide mega hits like the songs Maggie May, Tonight’s The Nights (Gonna Be Alright), Hot Legs, Passion, Young Turks or Baby Jane.
The group’s best-selling album remains 1978’s Blondes Have More Fun, which features his triumphant Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? find.
3. He broke an attendance record for an open-air concert in Brazil
On December 31, 1994, 3.5 million viewers (some sources estimate more than 4 million) gathered to hear Rod Stewart on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. The Guinness Book of World Records called the evening the largest free concert in history.
4. He recorded some notable duets throughout his career
Whether it’s Tina Turner, Stevie Nicks, Cher, Dolly Parton, Diana Ross or Elton John, Rod Stewart always knew how to surround himself when it came to singing together. Both on the boards and in the studio. The eclectic list of artists he has performed with ranges from Mary J. Blige to CeeLo Green and his own sister Mary, 94, who joined him on stage at a concert in Edinburgh on July 10. !
5. He was knighted by Prince William in 2016
This badge of honor from the British monarchy means he can now be called “Sir” Rod Stewart. He shares this title with other English pop stars such as Tom Jones, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and Elton John.