Sir Rod Stewart shrugs off Remembrance Festival controversy in new update amid backlash to 'inappropriate' routine

Alex Davies

By Alex Davies


Published: 09/11/2025

- 18:15

The 80-year-old rocker was met by a mixed reception after taking to the Royal Albert Hall stage on Saturday evening

Sir Rod Stewart has proven he's not letting any naysayers keep him down following a series of negative comments he received on Saturday evening.

The Maggie May hitmaker joined Hannah Waddingham, members of the Royal Family, and several other big names to pay their respects to the country's fallen heroes and surviving veterans at this year's Festival of Remembrance.


Sir Rod opened the show, performing a unique rendition of the song Sentimental Journey, the track made famous by Doris Day back in 1944.

Later in the event, he returned to deliver a more sombre performance, this time taking on the classic ballad, Sailing.

Sir Rod Stewart met with veterans after the event

Sir Rod Stewart met with veterans after the event

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INSTAGRAM

However, both performances were met with floods of complaints, albeit for rather different reasons.

Sir Rod's opening track came under fire for its upbeat nature, given the poignancy of the event. Many X users took to the social media platform to complain about the singer's "gyrating hips".

Meanwhile, his take on Sailing was also the subject of criticism, with some claiming Sir Rod failed to hit the right notes for the emotional occasion.

The singer did receive plenty of support from his backers, and undoubtedly one person who'd have been his biggest fan on the night was his wife, Penny Lancaster.

Sir Rod StewartSir Rod Stewart started the show with a Doris Day classic | PA

Proving that the backlash wasn't dampening Sir Rod's spirits, the Do Ya Think I'm Sexy singer joined his wife for a video soon after.

Ms Lancaster began: "On my way home from a fantastic evening this evening with my wonderful husband at the Royal Albert Hall for the amazing Remembrance Festival.

"So I thought I'd take this opportunity to say there are a few more tickets available to my amazing event in Soho on November 30th. I look forward to seeing you there."

Sir Rod gatecrashed the video to provide a typically humorous input: "And I'll be there to make sure it's fun and jolly."

Sir Rod StewartSir Rod Stewart gyrated and shimmied across the stage | PA

"See you there," Ms Lancaster signed off with a smile as she and her other half shared a chuckle.

Ms Lancaster also shared a snap of Sir Rod meeting some of the veterans who were in the audience to watch him perform during the Festival of Remembrance.

"Rod meeting veterans after last night's Royal Albert Hall Remembrance Festival," Ms Lancaster captioned the post, alongside a picture of a rose and the tagline: "Lest we forget."

The cheery nature of the updates appears to suggest Sir Rod wasn't particularly downbeat following the event, despite the controversy surrounding his performances.

Sir Rod is yet to return to social media himself since appearing on the Royal Albert Hall stage.

However, following Ms Lancaster's update from after the event, it appears she's not the only member of his family keen to show their support.

Children Alastair and Ruby Stewart were among those reacting to Ms Lancaster's post, with both of them sharing love-heart emojis.

Meanwhile, Ms Lancaster's fans weighed in to combat some of the negativity on X with their praise for Sir Rod's performance.

Sir Rod Stewart's performance

Sir Rod Stewart's performance at the Royal British Legion's Festival of Remembrance caused debate

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PA

Reacting to the update, one Instagram user penned: "What a wonderful tribute. I watched the show tonight. Cried loads, so emotional, just makes you so proud of our wonderful armed forces.

"There are not enough words to describe what remarkable people they were and are now. Where would any of us be without any of them?"

A second echoed: "I was lucky enough to be at the Royal Albert Hall last night and hear Sir Rod sing Sentimental Journey and Sailing. Not a dry eye in the house. A wonderful experience x."

And a third weighed in: "Love you guys just the best family," followed by a series of love heart emojis. (sic)