Sir Rod Stewart has finally discovered why he did not perform at the 1985 Live Aid concert, correcting the long-held belief that he could not assemble a band in time. The 76-year-old singer told the BBC that his former manager turned down the invitation because he wanted Stewart to secure a slot on the CBS evening news in the United States.
“We actually were supposed to do it,” Stewart said. “But a few guys in the band told me that our ex-manager turned it down because I wasn't getting the right news coverage. He only wanted me to do it if I got on the CBS news at 10 o'clock. He said, 'If not, he's not doing it.' And that's not what it was all about. It was to raise money for kids. It wasn't about what news channel you were going to be on in America.”
The revelation comes as Stewart releases his 32nd studio album, The Tears of Hercules, which includes the love song “I Can't Imagine” dedicated to his wife, Penny Lancaster. The singer also discussed his recent knee replacement surgery, which he described as a “second lease of life” that allows him to move around the stage like he was in his 20s.
Stewart praised Lancaster's work as a special constable, saying she works Thursday nights near Tower Bridge. “She absolutely loves the police work,” he said. “She did eight months-worth of studying and physical exercise, and I supported her all the way.”
