It’s kind of wild to think about, but the date of birth Rod Stewart shares with the final months of World War II basically set the stage for everything he became. He was born on January 10, 1945. Think about that for a second. London was still under the shadow of the Blitz, food was rationed, and the world was in total chaos. Into this mess at 507 Archway Road in Highgate, Roderick David Stewart made his debut.
He was the "runt of the litter," the youngest of five kids born to Robert and Elsie Stewart. His siblings were all quite a bit older—eight years between him and the next one—which meant he was kind of spoiled but also grew up fast.
His dad was Scottish. His mom was English. This mix of identities is why you see him today wrapped in tartan, obsessed with the Celtic Football Club, yet sounding like a pure North Londoner. Honestly, if he’d been born just five years later, the "Mod" movement might have missed him entirely. But arriving in early '45 meant he was the perfect age to catch the skiffle craze and the British Blues explosion right as they hit.
The Highgate Roots and the Newsagent's Shop
Rod wasn't some rich kid. His dad was a master builder who eventually retired and bought a newsagent’s shop on Archway Road. The family lived right over the shop. If you’ve ever wondered where that "working-class hero" vibe comes from, it’s from delivering papers in the London fog.
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School wasn't really his thing. He failed his eleven-plus exam and ended up at William Grimshaw Secondary Modern. He was way more interested in:
- Model railways (a hobby he still spends millions on today).
- Football, specifically captaining the school team.
- Al Jolson, whom the family loved to sing along to on Saturday nights.
There's this famous story about him having trials for Brentford FC in 1960. People used to say he signed a professional contract, but in his 2012 autobiography, he cleared that up. He basically said they never called him back. He figured a musician's life was easier because you could get drunk and make music, but you couldn't really do that on a football pitch. Fair point, Rod.
Why 1945 Matters for the "Rod the Mod" Identity
Being a "war baby" shaped his early twenties. He was part of that first generation of teenagers who had money to spend on clothes and records. By the time he was busking around Europe with Wizz Jones in the early 60s, he’d already developed that signature spiky hair (which he famously kept in place with sugar water back in the day).
Because of that date of birth Rod Stewart has always had a foot in two different worlds. He has the discipline of the "silent generation" but the wild spirit of the Boomers. You see it in his career path. He didn't just become a star overnight. He paid his dues in the trenches:
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- The Dimensions (1963): Harmonica and backing vocals.
- The Hoochie Coochie Men: Discovered by Long John Baldry at a railway station.
- Steampacket: Supporting the Rolling Stones in '65.
- Jeff Beck Group: Redefining heavy blues-rock.
- The Faces: The ultimate "lads" band.
Most people don't realize he was already 26 by the time "Maggie May" hit Number 1 in 1971. He wasn't a teen idol; he was a seasoned pro who had been gigging for nearly a decade.
The Scottish Connection and the Football Obsession
Even though he's a Londoner through and through, Rod’s father, Robert, was from Leith, Edinburgh. That’s where the lifelong devotion to Scotland comes from. If you watch him at a concert today—even at 81 years old—he’s still kicking footballs into the crowd. It's a tribute to his dad and those early years in Highgate where the family lived and breathed the sport.
Rod Stewart in 2026: Still Sailing at 81
It’s January 2026 now, and Rod just celebrated another birthday. He’s 81. Most people his age are deep into retirement, but he’s currently in the middle of his "One Last Time" world tour.
He’s still got that raspy voice, though he’s admitted in recent interviews that he has to work harder to keep it in shape. He’s survived thyroid cancer in the early 2000s and more recently a battle with prostate cancer. He’s kind of indestructible.
The 2026 tour schedule is actually pretty packed. He’s hitting places like:
- The Hollywood Bowl (June 10)
- Red Rocks Amphitheatre (June 15)
- Jones Beach (July 31)
There is also a lot of buzz about a new Faces album finally dropping this year. Kenney Jones has been hinting at it for a while, and apparently, Rod and Ronnie Wood have been laying down tracks between tour stops.
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The Family Legacy He Built
Beyond the music, that date of birth Rod Stewart carries reminds us of the massive family tree he’s grown. He has eight children with five different women. While the tabloids loved to focus on his "blonde" phase in the 70s and 80s, he’s actually ended up as a very devoted family man.
He’s been married to Penny Lancaster since 2007. They met back in 1999 when she was a photographer on his tour. It’s his longest relationship by far. You’ll often see the whole "Stewart Clan"—all the kids from different marriages—hanging out together at his mansion or on vacation. He’s managed to keep the peace, which might be his most impressive feat.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're looking to celebrate Sir Rod this year or just want to dig deeper into his history, here is how you can actually engage with the legend in 2026:
- Check the Tour Dates: The "One Last Time" tour is extending through August 2026. If you haven't seen him live, this is genuinely likely to be the final "big" production tour.
- Listen to the Roots: Skip the hits for a second and go back to his first solo album, An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down (1969). It’s raw, folky, and shows exactly who he was before the glitz of the disco era.
- Visit Highgate: If you’re ever in London, walk down Archway Road. The house at 507 isn't a museum, but you can feel the history of the neighborhood that produced one of the greatest voices in rock.
- Follow the "New" Faces: Keep an eye on official announcements for the 2026 Faces reunion material. It’s the first time in over 40 years they’ve released new songs together.
Rod Stewart’s story isn't just about a guy who got lucky with a good voice. It’s about a kid born at the tail end of a war who decided that life was too short to be a silk-screen printer or a failed footballer. He chose the "easy" life of a musician and turned it into a sixty-year masterclass in survival.