Rod Stewart Calls Ed Sheeran an ‘Old Ginger Bollocks’
Rod Stewart was not holding back in a recent interview. The 79-year-old rock star didn’t have nice things to say about fellow British musician Ed Sheeran. He started by mocking newer artists when asked if musicians were still making timeless music. He said, referring to one of his own songs, “I’m sure they are. You mean like ‘Maggie May?’ Songs that will be played in 50 years?”
He continued, “I like whatshisname. Oh f—ing great, Rod. Well done. He’s British, really talented and his songs will be around.” A reporter asked if he was referring to Ed Sheeran, and he responded, “No, not Ed, I don’t know any of his songs, old ginger bollocks. Jesus.”
Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images
Later, it was revealed that he was thinking about George Ezra and praised him for writing “tremendous songs.” It seems that Stewart has a problem with the music industry as a whole, not just newer artists. He opened up about how things are very different from the height of his fame and added that artists seem to be only prioritizing fame these days. He added, “We were brave in those days to go into the music business. We didn’t know where it would take us, but record companies were different. They would give you a try. Also, the people I came up with – the [Rolling] Stones, Elton [John] – we all came into it because we loved the music. Money and fame didn’t factor – it was a burning ambition to sing. That may have changed. Now it’s more, ‘Ooh, let’s have a go at music. I don’t even have to play well. Maybe I’ll get rich.’ Fame comes before everything. All kids want is fame.”
Ian Gavan/Getty Images
Sheeran himself was recently in the midst of some industry problems when he was involved in a court battle after being accused of copying Marvin Gaye‘s “Let’s Get It On” in his 2014 song, “Thinking Out Loud.” After playing music for the jury, they ruled in Sheeran’s favor after hearing that the songs were not that alike.
Birth of Rock 'n' Roll
February 2024
"Long live rock," we like to say, but how did it come to life? Revisit the memorable moments, music and movies that made teens go beat crazy back in the 1950s.
Buy This Issue