Rod Stewart backs Possilpark football team Glasgow Perthshire FC and promises financial support

Rocker Rod has become a fully-fledged supporter of Glasgow Perthshire FC after a connection through Celtic and the music industry led him to the Possilpark-based club.

A little-known football team in the north of Glasgow has been given superstar backing thanks to legendary rocker Rod Stewart.

The Maggie May superstar has become a fully-fledged supporter of Glasgow Perthshire FC and has also promised to help out the club financially.

'The Shire' are a mid-table team in the lower reaches of the West of Scotland Football League. The Possilpark team exists on a shoestring budget and struggles to make ends meet, even though none of the players or management are paid for their services.

And now they hope that Rod’s support could lead to other backers getting involved with sponsorship.

Shire’s Vice President, Paul McLaughlin, explained how the tie-up with global music icon Rod came about and said: "It is great news for everyone at the club to have someone so famous who is interested football to be involved.

"John McLaughlin (no relation) is a successful singer, songwriter and producer who was born in The Milton, which means we’re his local team.

“He and his writing partner, Gordon Goudie, have written a number songs which are played at Celtic Park before and during every game and regularly on Celtic TV.

“Rod Stewart heard them over the years and enquired about the music. This led to him and John meeting up and going to Celtic games together.

“John also plays in a Glasgow band called Johnny Mac and the Faithful. When Rod heard them he immediately signed them up as his support act for his last world tour.

“Rod has another world tour planned for next year and they have been booked up to go with him again.

“Now Gordon Goudie is a Shire fan so I asked him if he could ask John to ask Rod about supporting a new community initiative which allows our fans free entry to all league games.

“Rod was delighted to help and on Saturday afternoon, before heading for Celtic's Scottish League Cup Semi Final with St Johnstone, he met John in Buchanan Street to autograph a few Shire jerseys for fund-raising purposes and make a short video to announce his backing.

“Rod’s keen to support football at grass roots level and it’s why he was so happy to get involved with us.”

The Shire’s free community membership scheme is the brainchild of Bill ‘Auld Man’ Adams, who’s been Shire’s manager for over 30 years and is the longest serving manager in Junior football.

Paul adds: “Possilpark has had it rough over the years but has survived through a strong community spirit.

“The area, like many others, was hard hit during the pandemic and Auld Man wanted to give something back to our community, so he used the best and only thing at his disposal, the football club.

“We’ve invited the community, both punters and businesses, to get involved with the club.

“Now we would love to see Rod at Keppoch Park for a home game — and like everybody else, he won’t have to pay to get through the gate!”

Rod Stewart, 76, wears a tracksuit and winter coat as he wraps up to watch son Aiden, 10, play football... after revealing regrets over timing of new album release

The music icon co-manages the children's team.

And last Sunday, Rod Stewart, 76, wrapped up warm as he proudly watched on as son Aiden, 10, played football in Hertfordshire.

The Forever Young hitmaker was every inch the doting dad in an Adidas tracksuit and a black winter coat as he flashed a wide smile while the match took place.

Doting dad: Last Sunday, Rod Stewart, 76, wrapped up warm as he proudly watched on as son Aiden, 10, played football in Hertfordshire

Clad in dark tracksuit bottoms and a white zip-up jacket, Rod strolled around the edge of the pitch wearing trainers.

The singer ensured he didn't catch a chill by layering up with a black padded coat boasting a faux-fur hood.

Rod Stewart, 76, is gifted with a signed programme as he and Ed Sheeran head home after star-studded Royal Variety Performance

Rod Stewart was gifted with a signed programme as he headed home from the star-studded Royal Variety Performance on Thursday.

The rocker, 76, made his way home from the star-studded event still dressed in his leopard print blazer with matching shoes and polka dot bow tie, carefully carrying his souvenir from the evening.

Rod joined a slew of stars taking to the stage at the Royal Albert Hall to perform for The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, including Anne Marie, comedian Judi Love, and the show's host Alan Carr.

Mega fan: Sir Rod Stewart left the Royal Variety Performance at Albert Hall on Thursday evening with a programme laden with signatures from the rich and famous

Rod was seen engaging in a conversation with Prince William during the show, after taking to the stage for a performance.

Rod Stewart, 76, and his wife Penny Lancaster, 50, continue to showcase their fashion credentials in the back of his famed Rolls Royce

They aren't strangers to making glamorous outings as a couple.

And Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster showcased their fashion credentials on Tuesday night whilst in the back of the crooner's famed Rolls Royce.

The 76-year-old Sailing hitmaker donned a dapper black fur coat, meanwhile his model wife, 50, wowed in a sparkling black-and-gold mini dress.

Riding in style: Rod Stewart and his wife Penny Lancaster continued to showcase their fashion credentials in the back of his famed Rolls Royce on Tuesday night

The ride home in the luxury vehicle concluded a busy day for the couple, who have been married for 14 years.

Earlier on in the evening, Rod and Penny cut stylish figures as they arrived on the set of The One Show.

The couple held hands as they strode to the studio where they met fellow guest Rosamund Pike.

Rod took a fashion step forward as he wore an all grey ensemble, opting for a floral coat over a grey turtleneck and pairing it with matching grey trousers and shoes.

Rod Stewart and Nile Rodgers lead Christmas concerts to fundraise for Nordoff Robbins

Nordoff Robbins, the UK’s largest music therapy charity, has announced its annual Christmas concert which will be both in person and online this year. The live concert will feature Sir Rod Stewart, and the online stream will see an appearance from Nile Rodgers.

The Nordoff Robbins Carol Service will be taking place on December 14 at St Luke’s Church, Chelsea. Alongside Stewart, Irish singer-songwriter Imelda May and saxophonist and presenter Jess Gillam will also be performing. The evening will feature a host of celebrities giving festive readings.

For those unable to attend in person, Nordoff Robbins is also offering a virtual event, The Stars Come Out to Sing at Christmas 2021, hosted by Rodgers. Streamed on December 19, the virtual concert will include carols and readings from artists from across the globe.

With Hipgnosis as its funding partner for the second year, the Nordoff Robbins Christmas events will be raising funds to enable the charity to support the lives of people in the UK affected by life-limiting physical and mental illness, disabilities, or feelings of isolation.

Throughout 2020, the charity’s trained music therapists helped the lives of 5,782 individuals, and aims to increase this number in 2022.

“Christmas is a special time and I’m thrilled to be sharing the seasonal joy in person at this year’s Nordoff Robbins Carol Service,” said Sir Rod Stewart. “Everyone can thrive through the power of music and that’s why Nordoff Robbins’ work is so important to me. Every music therapy session at Nordoff Robbins is unique because every person is unique. The charity’s trained music therapists understand that music evokes different reactions and responses in people who may not otherwise be able to connect with the world – and for many, can simply be life changing. I’m looking forward to treating fans to a festive night like no other – and asking you to give what you can to ensure this important work continues.”

Nile Rodgers also said: “Nordoff Robbins believes in the value of music for all people in our society – which is why it’s so close to my heart. I understand the power of music and have witnessed how music therapy can connect people who may otherwise feel isolated or disconnected from the world. It’s the universal values that we can all express through music that brings us together in a unique way. I’m honoured to be hosting this special online concert for the second year running, bringing together some of my friends from the music world, including one of my favourites – Sir Rod Stewart - who feel just as passionately as I do about the important work of Nordoff Robbins.

“Get together with family and friends and settle down for a musical treat on Sunday December 19 at 7pm from the comfort of your own sofa for Christmas carols with a difference as The Stars Come Out to Sing at Christmas 2021. The concert will help to raise vital funds for a whole range of people who need it most, including children with autism who rely on music therapy for a sense of connection and those affected by life-limiting illnesses or disability.”

Rod Stewart reveals why he didn't play Live Aid

Live Aid was one of the defining musical moments of the 1980s.

The gargantuan charity concert, held simultaneously in London and Philadelphia in July 1985, raised more than $127m ($326m in today's money) for famine relief in Africa.

A who's who of rock music, the 16-hour show included performances from Queen, Madonna, Bob Dylan, George Michael, Paul McCartney, David Bowie and Paul Simon.

But Sir Rod Stewart was conspicuously absent, even though he'd recently scored a major transatlantic hit with Some Guys Have All The Luck.

For years, the story has gone that he couldn't get a band together in time for the show (even though he'd wrapped up a world tour just three months earlier). But the star has recently discovered the real reason he was left off the bill.

"We actually were supposed to do it," he tells the BBC, "but a few guys in the band told me that our ex-manager turned it down because I wasn't getting the right news coverage.

"He only wanted me to do it if I got on the CBS news at 10 o'clock. He said, 'If not, he's not doing it.'

"And that's not what it was all about. It was to raise money for kids. It wasn't about what news channel you were going to be on in America.

"I only just found this out," says the star. "I thought it was weird that I didn't do it."

PICTURE EXCLUSIVE: Sir Rod Stewart, 76, commands attention in a leopard print blazer and striped trousers as he joins Carol Vorderman, 60, at gala

Sir Rod Stewart commanded attention as he hit the red carpet at the Football For Change fundraiser at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool on Saturday night.

Donning an unmissable leopard print blazer and a black pussybow tie, the singer, 76, certainly ensured he was the centre of attention.

Pairing a white shirt with a pair of gold-striped trousers, he completed his outfit with leopard print brogues shoes.

Wow! Sir Rod Stewart (2R) commanded attention as he joined Jamie Carragher, Carol Vorderman and Dominic Calvert at the Football For Change fundraiser at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool on Saturday

The Maggie May hitmaker accessorised his look with a Celtic badge and wore his blonde locks in his typical shaggy hairdo.

Rod Stewart plans to team up with Paolo Nutini for World Cup anthem if Scotland qualify for tournament

The superstar singer also reveals how his dream would be to see one of his sons play for the national side or Celtic.

Sir Rod Stewart wants to team up with Paolo Nutini to record a new Scotland anthem if we qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

We need to win in Moldova tomorrow to seal a spot in the play-offs but long-time Scotland supporter Rod is confident we will make the finals for the first time since France in 1998.

The 76-year-old, whose song Ole Ola for our 1978 World Cup campaign reached No4 in the charts, said: “That would be fabulous. Maybe Paolo and I can get together with other Scots artists and the team and do a song together.”

Scotland’s anthem for Euro 2020 earlier this year was disco favourite Yes Sir, I Can Boogie and the Da Ya Think I’m Sexy singer is also up for a cover.

He said: “Get the squad in and Paolo and I can sing a verse each – but let’s get to the World Cup first. However, I think we will win tomorrow and then it will be down to the play-offs.”

Rod also revealed his biggest dream is to see on of his youngest sons putting on a Celtic or Scotland strip as a player.

The father of eight has four sons and tried to get Liam, 27, his son with Rachel Hunter, interested but he’s now a professional ice hockey player.

But Rod is still hopeful his youngest sons could become footballers – especially youngest child, Aiden, 10.

He said: “Seeing one of them play for Celtic or Scotland would make me so proud. Aiden looks the most dedicated. I have a pitch at the house and he’s out there practising all the time.

“I tried to push Liam into playing football. He’s a big Celtic and Scotland supporter and has a thistle and a lion tattooed on his arm, just like me.

“Fathers have such an influence on who their kids support and I love Scotland.”

Rod had a trial for Brentford when he was 16 but chose music over football. He will bring Liam and his two boys with wife Penny Lancaster – Aiden and Alastair, 15 – to Celtic’s Scottish League Cup semi-final against St Johnstone at Hampden next Saturday.

He said: “It’s for Alastair’s birthday. All he wants is to sit with the Green Brigade.”

While some have called Rod “Scottish” he is adamant he has never said that.

He was born in London to a Scots dad, Robert, a builder from Leith, who with English wife Elsie had two sons and two daughters here before moving to England.

Rod said: “The Scottish influence in the Stewart household in London was very strong. I’m known as the Cockney Scotsman and I’m very proud of that.

“But at no time have I ever said I’m Scottish. For all intents and purposes, I’m not but my connections are very strong.

“I fell in love with the Scotland team when I was a teenager and was taken by my dad and two brothers to see Scotland play England at Wembley. The penny dropped and I’ve felt a connection with Scotland ever since.”

Rod Stewart snaps up keys for new pad in ‘gorgeous’ Ireland

Don’t be surprised if you see singer Rod Stewart propping up the bar in one of the many watering holes around the Ballsbridge area.

The legendary star (76) has said that he has just bought an apartment in the heart of Dublin 4 near the Aviva stadium and hopes to move in over the next few months.

Sports-mad Stewart, who this week announced a Dublin date in his global tour in 2022, has said that his palatial new property has the added benefit of giving him a birds-eye view of some of the matches.

“If I get out on my balcony, I’m going to see (rugby and football) crowds on a Saturday afternoon. The oceans and beaches, it’s gorgeous,” he said.

The multi-award-winning star told the Daily Telegraph that he has been “looking for a house there for some time” and that he loves the social life over here.

I love the pubs in Dublin. So I hope to move in during the next six months,” he said.

Given that money is no object for the singer, who’s worth an estimated €300m, he has sparked speculation that he has bought in the Lansdowne Road area of Dublin 4 given its proximity to the sports stadium.

There was huge excitement among his Irish fans this week after he confirmed that he would perform a date in Dublin and one in Belfast next year as part of his The Tears Of Hercules tour.

ROD'S RAGE

Rod Stewart lashes out at ‘woke snowflakes’ as he defends ‘calling everyone darling’

ROD Stewart has defended "calling everyone darling" as he blasted woke snowflakes for ruining British terms of endearment.

The Stay With Me rocker, 76, said people nowadays are too easily offended.

Sir Rod, who is married to ex model Penny Lancaster, raged: “You’re not allowed to call anybody ‘darling’ or ‘love’ – that’s all out the window now.

“I think that they’re friendly terms, as long as it’s not shouting across the road, ‘Allo, darling, what you got in that basket?

“All the girls in my band I call darling, and I don’t think their husbands or boyfriends are offended. I call men friends darling. I call Elton (John) darling.”