For more than five decades, Rod Stewart has been a defining voice in rock and roll, a charismatic and unmistakable figure who’s managed to stay relevant across multiple generations. With his raspy vocals and magnetic stage presence, Stewart’s career has been nothing short of legendary. He has traversed the shifting landscape of the music industry, moving from one era to the next while maintaining a distinct sense of self and artistry that has captivated fans around the globe.

But what makes an artist like Rod Stewart, at 79 years old, still resonate in an industry that’s often fixated on the next big thing? In a recent interview, Stewart shared his reflections on what it means to have such a long-lasting career, his thoughts on the state of the music industry today, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

From the gritty beginnings of playing in small pubs to the dizzying heights of stadium tours, Stewart’s journey has been one filled with both personal and professional evolution. His insights into maintaining longevity in music offer a rare glimpse into the mindset of an artist who has never stopped growing—and never stopped surprising the world.

Finding His Voice: The Early Years

Rod Stewart’s love affair with music began in the 1960s, a period of seismic change for British youth culture. Born in London to a working-class family, Stewart initially flirted with the idea of becoming a professional footballer. “Football was my first love,” he said. “But the moment I picked up a guitar and started singing, I knew I’d found something that really moved me.”

By the mid-1960s, Stewart had already started to carve out a name for himself, performing with bands like The Jeff Beck Group and Faces, and earning a reputation as a dynamic and passionate frontman. The soulful rasp of his voice—equal parts grit and beauty—was his calling card. But Stewart was more than just a powerful singer; he was a showman. On stage, he exuded the swagger of a rock star, but with a certain self-effacing charm that made him approachable. “I loved performing,” Stewart recalled. “There was nothing like being up there, connecting with the audience.”

Stewart’s breakthrough came with his third solo album, Every Picture Tells a Story, released in 1971. The album’s lead single, “Maggie May,” became a massive hit, propelling Stewart into international stardom. From there, his solo career skyrocketed, with hit after hit cementing him as one of the defining voices of the era. But what set Stewart apart from many of his contemporaries was his ability to blend various influences—rock, folk, soul, and pop—into a sound that was distinctly his own.

“I was always looking for something new,” Stewart explained. “I never wanted to be pigeonholed as just a rock singer or just a soul singer. The magic happens when you mix it all together.”

Embracing Change and Evolving With the Times

One of the key factors in Stewart’s longevity has been his willingness to embrace change. While some artists stick to a formula, afraid of alienating their fanbase, Stewart has always been unafraid to take risks—both musically and stylistically. From the punk-influenced Blondes Have More Fun in 1978 to his unexpected pivot to The Great American Songbook standards in the early 2000s, Stewart has continually pushed the boundaries of his own sound.

“I never wanted to do the same album over and over,” Stewart said. “You have to grow, or you become stale. And, more importantly, your audience grows too. The people who loved me when I was in Faces are now parents or even grandparents, and their kids might be listening to me too. You’ve got to evolve if you want to stay connected.”

Stewart’s ability to adapt has not only kept his music fresh but has also allowed him to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the music business. In a world where technology has completely upended the way music is produced, distributed, and consumed, Stewart has managed to stay relevant. He embraced streaming platforms and social media with surprising ease, recognizing that reaching younger audiences requires a presence in the digital sphere.

“It’s not like the old days where you’d put out a record, go on tour, and that was it,” Stewart said. “Now, there’s this whole other world—YouTube, Instagram, TikTok—and if you’re not part of it, you’re missing out on a huge audience. But at the end of the day, it’s still about the music. If the music’s good, people will find it.”

Lessons in Longevity: Staying Grounded and Inspired

When asked what the secret to his longevity is, Stewart doesn’t hesitate: “It’s passion. You’ve got to love what you do, or it’ll show.” After five decades, Stewart’s passion for music and performing remains undiminished. But he also credits his longevity to staying grounded, keeping his personal life as a foundation to support his career. Despite the ups and downs of fame, Stewart’s family has always been a central part of his life.

“You’ve got to have something outside of the music,” Stewart said. “I’ve always made sure that my family comes first. I’ve got eight kids, and they keep me grounded. It gives me perspective and reminds me what’s really important.”

Stewart has also maintained a rigorous work ethic, refusing to rest on his laurels. “I still feel like there’s more to accomplish,” he said. “There are always new songs to write, new albums to make. The moment you feel like you’ve done it all, that’s when it’s over.”

For Stewart, staying inspired means surrounding himself with talented musicians and always being open to new ideas. Whether it’s collaborating with younger artists or drawing from the diverse array of influences that have shaped his sound over the years, he remains eager to learn and grow. “The worst thing you can do is stop learning,” he said. “I’m still learning every day, and that’s what keeps it exciting.”

Navigating Fame and Staying True to Himself

Over the years, Stewart has faced his fair share of the pitfalls of fame, but he’s never let it consume him. “It’s easy to get caught up in the rock and roll lifestyle, especially when you’re young,” he admitted. “But I always tried to keep a balance. I’ve made mistakes, sure, but I’ve learned from them.”

One of the most important lessons Stewart has learned is the importance of authenticity. Despite his larger-than-life persona, Stewart has always remained true to himself, never taking himself too seriously. His sense of humor and self-awareness have endeared him to fans, and he’s never shied away from poking fun at his own image. Whether it’s his flamboyant wardrobe choices or his headline-making romances, Stewart has always taken it in stride.

“You’ve got to have a laugh,” Stewart said with a grin. “If you can’t laugh at yourself, you’re doing it wrong.”

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Rod Stewart?

After more than 50 years in the music business, you might think that Rod Stewart would be ready to slow down. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. In recent years, Stewart has shown no signs of stopping, continuing to tour, release new music, and even take on new creative challenges.

“I love performing. That’s never going to change,” he said. “As long as people want to see me, I’ll keep doing it.”

Stewart’s recent albums have shown that he’s still at the top of his game, blending his classic sound with modern production to create something timeless. His voice, though a little more weathered with age, still carries the same emotional depth and raw energy that made him a superstar all those years ago.

As for the future, Stewart is keeping his options open. “There’s still so much I want to do,” he said. “Maybe another Great American Songbook album, maybe something completely different. Who knows? The fun is in the not knowing.”

At the end of the day, what’s clear is that Rod Stewart’s passion for music and performing hasn’t dimmed. He’s a man who’s weathered the storms of fame, embraced change, and come out on the other side stronger than ever. And as long as there’s an audience willing to listen, Stewart will keep doing what he does best—making music that speaks to the heart, across generations.

In the words of Stewart himself, “You don’t do this for the money or the fame. You do it because you love it. And I still love it, more than ever.”