NOVEMBER 7, 1973
ENGLAND
WATFORD, HER TFORDSHIRE,
EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY, DON’T IT?
Rod Stewart has long been known for his prowess on the football pitch—sorry, soccer field. Fellow debauched rock legend Elton John, less so. But both were invited, at the height of their early fame, to train with the Watford Football Club, based 20 miles northwest of London. The experience must have been a positive one for John, as well—he bought the team three years later and remained its chairman until 2002.
92 NOVEMBER 2009 / SAVE LIVES WITH SPIN.COM
not a clue, but bless him, he does love the game. He’s a great tennis player, even today, carrying a bit of extra weight. We were both asked to train with the first-team squad, which is why the two pros to the left there are looking so incredulous. At that time, both our careers were really flying—those players were probably as awestruck to be around us as we were to be around them. You can tell from our expressions, we’re taking it very seriously.
This is what I did for a living for a while. When I was 16 or 17, I had a chance to turn pro, but that was exactly the same time I first heard Sam Cooke and Otis Redding and started trying to sound like them. Then I was asked to join Long John
Baldry’s blues band, and I never looked back. But I still kept playing football regularly, and even when I toured, I’d find a field and have a trainer with me. Funny, funny days. I’d go to bed at five in the morning, then wake up at 8: 30 to play. It’s pretty habit-forming.
I’ve been kicking soccer balls at my concerts for 30-odd years now—it helps bring attention to the game. I support Glasgow Celtic. If you go to one of my shows now, you’ll find at least 30 Celtics jerseys in the crowd. I’ve done very well for their merchandise.
photograph by EvEning nEws/rEx usa
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