Sir Rod Stewart may be one of Britain’s most successful music legends, but even he admits getting all eight of his children together is no easy task. And according to the rocker, there’s one playful threat that always seems to work.
In a previously unearthed interview, the “Maggie May” singer revealed that organizing family gatherings can be a challenge because his children are constantly busy with their own lives. However, Rod joked that he has found the perfect way to ensure they show up.
“They always have plans,” he said. “So I say, ‘If you don’t come, it is coming out of your inheritance’. So they show up.”
The music icon, who turns 82 on June 10, is father to eight children from five different relationships. His family includes daughter Sarah, whom he welcomed as a teenager, Kimberly and Sean from his marriage to Alana Stewart, Ruby from his relationship with Kelly Emberg, Renee and Liam with former wife Rachel Hunter, and sons Alastair and Aiden with his current wife, Penny Lancaster.
Despite the size of his family, Rod has always made an effort to keep everyone connected. Over the years, many of his children have joined him on family holidays and special occasions, demonstrating the close bond they continue to share.
The singer also admitted that parenting has changed over the decades. While he encouraged his older children to become independent and build successful careers on their own, he confessed that he sometimes struggles not to spoil his two youngest sons.
“It is a fine line between spoiling them and depriving them. I sort of go either way. Penny is much better than I am – I’ll give them anything,” Rod explained.
He added that he has always pushed his children to stand on their own feet, saying: “With the older kids I say, ‘You have got to do it yourself, prove to me you can earn your living’. And that is what they do.”
Rod also credited his youngest children with helping him maintain a youthful outlook on life. “The two youngest keep me young, beyond doubt,” he said.
The family-focused revelation comes just days after the veteran performer was forced to cancel two shows from his Las Vegas residency after being diagnosed with a sinus infection. The British star had been due to perform at Caesars Palace but was ordered to rest his voice while recovering.
Apologising to fans, Rod said: “My apologies to my family of fans. I am on vocal rest as I recover from a sinus infection. I look forward to seeing you at a future show at Caesars Palace or on tour this summer.”
While his health setback disappointed concertgoers, Rod’s humorous confession about using inheritance as leverage offered a rare glimpse into the realities of managing one of Britain’s most famous and largest celebrity families.
