BBC Festival of Remembrance viewers divided as Rod Stewart’s performance leaves them distracted
Sir Rod Stewart opened the 2021 Festival of Remembrance with a lively performance that left some BBC viewers unimpressed
23:43, 08 Nov 2025
Sir Rod Stewart’s energetic performance at this year’s Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at London’s Royal Albert Hall divided viewers.
The 79-year-old music legend opened the annual event, attended by senior royals and military veterans, with an animated rendition that sparked debate amongst audiences watching at home.
Despite the evening being devoted to honouring the nation’s fallen heroes, some fans felt his hip-shaking moves were “not exactly in the spirit of remembrance.”
One disgruntled viewer posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Because Rod Stewart gyrating his hips is how we all want to pay tribute to the fallen.”
Another commented, “Rod Stewart’s really going for it, but I’m not sure those hip gyrations are exactly in the spirit of remembrance,” and questioned, “Is this appropriate?” according to the Daily Express.
Someone else added, “Rod Stewart is totally inappropriate for the Festival of Remembrance.”
However, numerous supporters defended the veteran performer, citing his decades-long record of entertaining troops and supporting military charities.
One fan praised, “Sir Rod Stewart on BBC1 tonight made me so very proud and all our soldiers and airmen, and LADIES GOD BLESS YOU ALL THANKYOU YOUR ALL AMAZING THANKYOU.” (sic).
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Someone else complimented, “Sir Rod Stewart isn’t looking (or sounding) half bad for a man of 80! Good for him.”
Sie Rod, who previously graced the stage at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, is well-known for his dedication to charity work supporting our armed forces. He made a triumphant return to the stage to perform his chart-topping hit, Sailing.
The star-studded evening took place at the Royal Albert Hall and was hosted by Ted Lasso actress Hannah Waddingham. The line-up also included performances from Sam Ryder, Keala Settle, Blessing Offor, and The Wellermen, as well as stirring displays by the Central Band of the RAF and Royal Marines Band Service.
This year’s Festival of Remembrance marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, honouring the courage of those who served. It also acknowledged the resilience of military families and celebrated the progress made since the ban on LGBT service personnel was lifted 25 years ago.
Rod Stewart left viewers divided(Image: Getty)
Audiences praised the entire show, sharing their thoughts online: “The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance is always so beautifully put together. An incredible tribute to those who serve and have served our country.”
Some viewers recognised the sacrifices being remembered while expressing concern about the current state of Britain’s borders. One viewer remarked: “In the year that our government admitted that they have lost control of our border, it makes the #festivalofremembrance more poignant than ever. Let us pray we don’t see the day when we admit they all died in vain.”
The annual commemoration left many feeling emotional, with one viewer admitting: “10 minutes in and I’m already in tears.”
Another expressed: “Imagine not seeing your baby until it was 9 months old. It’s incomprehensible. We owe these men and women so much.”
Hannah Waddingham was praised for her “simply superb” hosting and “stunning” vocal performance as she sang “We’ll Meet Again”.
