Early Life and Education of Rod Stewart: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Rod Stewart. From birth to education, explore key events.

Sir Rod Stewart is a highly successful British singer and songwriter with a distinctive raspy voice. He began his musical journey in the early 1960s, busking and joining various bands like the Dimensions, Long John Baldry and the All Stars, and the Jeff Beck Group. He gained prominence as a member of Faces in 1969 while simultaneously launching his solo career with his debut album. His music blended rock, folk, soul, and R&B. His breakthrough came with the 1971 album 'Every Picture Tells a Story,' featuring the hit ballad 'Maggie May,' which topped charts in multiple countries. His subsequent album, 'Never a Dull Moment,' also achieved significant success, solidifying his position as a major musical artist. He has sold over 120 million records worldwide.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1904: Robert Joseph Stewart's Birth Year

In 1904, Robert Joseph Stewart, Rod Stewart's father, was born. He was a Scottish master builder.

1905: Elsie Rebecca Gilbart's Birth Year

In 1905, Elsie Rebecca Gilbart, Rod Stewart's mother, was born. She was English and grew up in Upper Holloway, north London.

1928: Marriage of Robert Joseph Stewart and Elsie Rebecca Gilbart

In 1928, Robert Joseph Stewart and Elsie Rebecca Gilbart married and had two sons and two daughters while living in Scotland before moving to Highgate.

January 1945: Roderick David Stewart's Birth

In January 1945, Roderick David Stewart was born at 507 Archway Road, Highgate, north London.

January 1945: Birth of Rod Stewart

On 10 January 1945, Roderick David Stewart was born in Highgate, north London, to Robert Joseph Stewart and Elsie Rebecca Gilbart.

1956: Introduction to Rock and Roll

In 1956, Rod Stewart's introduction to rock and roll was hearing Little Richard's hit "The Girl Can't Help It" and seeing Bill Haley & His Comets in concert.

Loading Video...

January 1959: Received Guitar

In January 1959, Rod Stewart's father bought him a guitar; the first song he learned was the folk tune "It Takes a Worried Man to Sing a Worried Song"; the first record he bought was Eddie Cochran's "C'mon Everybody".

Loading Video...

1960: Trials at Brentford

In the summer of 1960, Rod Stewart went for trials at Brentford, a Third Division football club, with the ambition of becoming a professional footballer.

1961: Joined Aldermaston Marches

In 1961, Rod Stewart became an active supporter of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, joining the annual Aldermaston Marches from 1961 to 1963.

1962: First Serious Relationship and Pregnancy

In 1962, Rod Stewart had his first serious relationship with art student Suzannah Boffey. She became pregnant, and the baby girl was given up for adoption, ending their relationship.

1963: Continued Participation in Aldermaston Marches

From 1961 to 1963, Rod Stewart continued to participate in the Aldermaston Marches and was arrested on three occasions for sit-ins.

1963: Adopted Mod Lifestyle

In 1963, Rod Stewart adopted the Mod lifestyle and look, fashioning his trademark spiky rooster hairstyle. He became fascinated by rhythm and blues and soul music, influenced by artists like Otis Redding and Sam Cooke.

1963: Deported from Spain

Over 18 months, Wizz Jones and Rod Stewart took their act to Brighton, Paris, and Barcelona, from where Rod Stewart was deported from Spain for vagrancy in 1963.

1964: First Meeting with Ronnie Wood

In 1964, Rod Stewart first met Ronnie Wood in a London pub, and the two soon became fast friends.

1975: Moves to Los Angeles and Releases 'Atlantic Crossing'

In 1975, Rod Stewart moved to Los Angeles and released the 'Atlantic Crossing' album with his new record company. This album marked a return to form and the Top 10 of the Billboard album charts.

1982: Car-jacking on Sunset Boulevard

In 1982, Rod Stewart's $50,000 Porsche was car-jacked on Los Angeles' Sunset Boulevard. The car was later recovered.

1990: Death of Robert Joseph Stewart

In 1990, Robert Joseph Stewart, Rod Stewart's father, passed away.

1996: Death of Elsie Rebecca Gilbart

In 1996, Elsie Rebecca Gilbart, Rod Stewart's mother, passed away.

May 2000: Diagnosis and Surgery for Thyroid Cancer

In May 2000, Rod Stewart was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and underwent surgery the same month. The surgery threatened his voice, and he had to relearn how to sing.

September 2002: Son's Sentencing

In September 2002, Rod Stewart's son, Sean, was sentenced to three months in jail, required to pay compensation, and ordered to attend anger management, drug, and alcohol treatment courses for attacking a man outside a restaurant in Los Angeles.

July 2007: Performance at Concert for Diana

On 1 July 2007, Rod Stewart performed at the Concert for Diana at Wembley Stadium in London. The event commemorated the life of Princess Diana. Stewart performed "Sailing", "Baby Jane", and "Maggie May".

Loading Video...

December 2007: Model Railroader Cover Story

In December 2007, Rod Stewart's HO scale model railway layout, Three Rivers City, was featured on the cover of Model Railroader magazine. Stewart expressed that being in the model railroad magazine was more significant to him than being in a music magazine.

December 2010: Model Railroader Cover Story

In December 2010, Rod Stewart's HO scale model railway layout, Three Rivers City, was featured on the cover of Model Railroader magazine.

2012: Autobiography Release

In his 2012 autobiography, Rod Stewart stated that he was never signed to Brentford and that the club never called him back after his trials in 1960. He concluded that music was easier than football.

September 2013: Presentation of Brits Icon Award to Elton John

In September 2013, Rod Stewart presented Elton John with the first Brits Icon award at the London Palladium, acknowledging John's impact on UK culture, and performed a duet with him.

February 2014: Model Railroader Cover Story

In February 2014, Rod Stewart's HO scale model railway layout, Three Rivers City, was featured on the cover of Model Railroader magazine, where he confirmed his colour-blindness in an anecdote.

2015: Presentation of the Scottish League Cup Trophy to Celtic

In 2015, Rod Stewart, a known supporter of Celtic Football Club, presented Celtic with the trophy after they won the Scottish League Cup Final.

June 2017: Model Railroader Cover Story

In June 2017, Rod Stewart's HO scale model railway layout, Three Rivers City, was featured on the cover of Model Railroader magazine.

September 2019: Revelation of Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Recovery

In September 2019, Rod Stewart revealed that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017 and had been given the all-clear after treatment.

2019: Railway Modeller Interview

In 2019, Rod Stewart stated in an interview with Railway Modeller magazine that his model railway hobby is "addictive".

January 2020: Arrest and Battery Charges

In January 2020, Rod Stewart and his son Sean were arrested and charged with battery following an incident at a Florida hotel.

2021: Sunday Times Rich List

In 2021, Rod Stewart was estimated to have a fortune of £215 million in the Sunday Times Rich List, making him the 12th wealthiest person in the British music industry.

2021: Resolution of Battery Case

In 2021, the battery case against Rod Stewart and his son Sean was resolved with both pleading guilty to simple battery in a plea agreement that included no jail time, no probation, and no fine.

March 2022: Pothole Repair

In March 2022, Rod Stewart and others filled potholes on a country lane near his Essex residence after an ambulance burst a tyre and his Ferrari could not pass. The county council cautioned against such actions.

November 2022: Refusal to Perform in Qatar

In November 2022, Rod Stewart revealed that he had refused to perform in Qatar the year before despite being offered over $1 million, citing the country's human rights record.