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Rod Stewart's bizarre Ed Sheeran call out

<p>Rod Stewart has called out Ed Sheeran in a bizarre rant, saying he doesn't think the pop singer's music will stand the test of time. </p> <p>In a recent interview, the 79-year-old rocker was discussing what musicians would continue to be popular with the younger generations, although the interview quickly went awry when he couldn't remember the name of who he was thinking about. </p> <p>“You mean like ‘Maggie May’? Songs that will be played in 50 years?” Stewart said in response to the question. “I like whatshisname. Oh f**king great, Rod. Well done,” said the rocker, unable to remember the name of the star he was thinking of. </p> <p>“He’s British, really talented and his songs will be around,” he continued. </p> <p>When the interviewer suggested that Sheeran was the person whose name he forgot, Stewart was quick to hit back by proclaiming himself to not being a fan of the singer-songwriter. </p> <p>“No, not Ed, I don’t know any of his songs, old ginger bollocks. Jesus,” moaned Stewart.</p> <p>Ultimately, Stewart was thinking of another British singer: George Ezra. </p> <p>“Yes! I think he writes really tremendous songs,” he said of Ezra. “He’ll be around for quite a while.”</p> <p>Stewart's comments come after he admitted he wanted to move in a different direction with his music from now on. </p> <p>During an interview on<em> BBC Breakfast</em>, Stewart responded to a statement that host Charlie Stayt made, saying that “rock stars are performing into incredible ages now.”</p> <p>Stewart reacted and said, “I am actually stopping.”</p> <p>“I’m not retiring but I want to move on,” Stewart noted. “I had great success with The Great American Songbook … and I’ve just done a swing album with Jools Holland, which is going to come out next year, so I want to go in that direction.”</p> <p>“I just want to leave all the rock ‘n’ roll stuff behind, for a while, maybe.”</p> <p>“Everything has to come to an end sooner or later,” Stewart declared.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

Music

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"One of the greats": Elton John's stirring tribute to Michael Parkinson

<p>The entertainment world has been cast into a somber veil of mourning as it bids farewell to the iconic Michael Parkinson, the legendary interviewer who has left us at the age of 88.</p> <p>Elton John, David Attenborough, Michael Caine, Eric Idle ...the long list of luminaries who have joined the chorus of heartfelt tributes to the "TV titan" and the undisputed "king of the chat show" seems limitless.</p> <p>The poignant words of Oscar-winning Michael Caine resonate with a sense of irreparable loss: “Michael Parkinson was irreplaceable," he wrote. "He was charming, always wanted to have a good laugh. He brought the best of everyone he met. Always looked forward to be interviewed by him.”</p> <p>David Attenborough's reflection on his interactions with the man affectionately known as "Parky" evokes a sense of melancholic nostalgia: “He was extremely generous, he wanted you to shine and would always laugh at your jokes and give you an opportunity to make them sound funnier than in fact they were. It was always friendly, it was always thorough, it was always intelligent, it was always a pleasure to do it and I think that came over no matter who his interviewee was.”</p> <p>Elton John said Parkinson was “a TV legend who was one of the greats. I loved his company and his incredible knowledge of cricket and Barnsley Football Club. A real icon who brought out the very best in his guests. Condolences and love to Mary and his family."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwC4JoBMmKq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwC4JoBMmKq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Elton John (@eltonjohn)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The reminiscences continue, with Stephen Fry's words dripping with a bittersweet tone, saying that being interviewed by Parkinson was an experience of impossibly intense thrill.</p> <p>“The genius of Parky was that (unlike most people (and most of his guests, me included) he was always 100 per cent himself. On camera and off. ‘Authentic’ is the word I suppose,” he wrote. “For one of the shows I was on with Robin Williams, a genius of unimaginable comic speed and brilliance. Now they’re both gone.</p> <p>“One should get used to the parade of people constantly falling off the edge, but frankly one doesn’t. So long #parky.”</p> <p>The poignant announcement of the loss came from Parkinson's family. “After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family,” the statement read.</p> <p>“The family request that they are given privacy and time to grieve.”</p> <p>The memories flood in as the recollection of Parkinson's rise to prominence in the 1970s fills the air with a sense of wistfulness. His list of more than 2000 interviewees includes luminaries such as Sir Billy Connolly, Muhammad Ali, Prince Philip, Sir Elton John, Madonna, and Paul McCartney.</p> <p>Four-time guest Muhammad Ali's absence echoes through time as Parkinson's voice emerges: “When people ask me who I most enjoyed interviewing, I’m unable to give them an answer”, Parkinson once said in an interview. “If they ask me who was the most remarkable man I ever met, I answer without hesitation – Muhammad Ali. I interviewed him four times – I lost on every occasion.”</p> <p>These titanic verbal sparring matches stand as poignant testimonies of the show's indelible legacy, underscoring their magnetic effect on millions of viewers.</p> <p>Among the program's other poignant moments, the chaos induced by Rod Hull's puppet Emu assaulting Parkinson on his own talk show couch remains etched in memory. Parkinson jestingly admitted that his career would forever be epitomised by "that bloody bird".</p> <p><em>Images: Getty / BBC 1</em></p>

Caring

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Rod Stewart's rare, rockin' family reunion

<p>When it comes to reunions with none other than legendary rock icon Rod Stewart, this ain't your regular family get-together. Rather, it's a rare cosmic alignment of almost all his children in the same place at the same time. </p> <p>Sir Rod, at a spry 78, boasts quite the tribe, with eight kids from three different marriages and a few past flings thrown into the mix. We're talking a generational span that could give the history books a run for their money. His eldest offspring is a seasoned 59, while the youngest is just a fresh-faced 12-year-old.</p> <p>Usually, you might catch Rod gallivanting about town with a couple of his kiddos, but this time, it's a whole extravaganza! He's managed to gather almost the whole brood for a picture. And we bet he had to pull some serious strings and break out all his dad jokes just to make it happen.</p> <p>Penny Lancaster, Sir Rod's wife, was the genius behind capturing this monumental moment on their family holiday in Spain. Picture this: Rod flashing his rockstar grin, surrounded by seven of his beloved offspring and their significant others. It's a regular rock 'n' roll galaxy right there!</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CuwfTK0sClQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CuwfTK0sClQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Penny Lancaster (@penny.lancaster)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Now let's talk about the missing star – Sir Rod's eldest daughter, Sarah Streeter. She was the first to grace Rod's life when he was just a young buck of 17. A family affair, but with a twist – Sarah was adopted and didn't find out about her superstar dad until she was all grown up. But fret not; they reunited, and now she's officially part of the extended rockstar clan.</p> <p>Next up, the glam diva Kimberly Stewart, the love child from Rod's first marriage. She's followed in her mum's footsteps and delved into the world of modelling and acting – and she even had her own reality show. </p> <p>Then there's Sean Stewart, Rod's offspring from the same union. He's taken a shot at acting and reality TV too, but it seems he had a bit of a "cashing out" situation with his inheritance. Third time's the charm, they say, but maybe it's time to let go of that clothing brand, Sean!</p> <p>Now, let's meet the musical maestro, Ruby Stewart. Rod's got some good genes, and she's rocking out just like her old man. She and her musical duo, The Sisterhood Band, released an album that gave us a sweet taste of the summer vibes. And in a true "like father, like daughter" moment, they even covered one of Rod's hits together. </p> <p>But wait, there's more! Introducing Renee Stewart, Rod's child from his second marriage to Rachel Hunter. She's ditched the rockstar life for a zen path as a yoga teacher. Namaste to that!</p> <p>Liam Stewart, the ice hockey champion, slides into the scene as the brother to Renee. He's got a knack for the sport and has played with some seriously icy teams. Talk about having a cool career!</p> <p>Alastair Wallace Stewart, the oldest son of Rod and his current wife, Penny, is already working his charm in the modelling world, proving that talent runs in the family.</p> <p>And last but not least, there's Aiden Patrick Stewart, the youngest bundle of joy. He might be just 12, but he's already got a strong passion for Celtic F.C., just like dear ol' dad. </p> <p>So there you have it, folks, the epic saga of Rod Stewart and his magnificent offspring. They span decades, genres, and life adventures, making this rockstar family a force to be reckoned with. Keep on rockin' and rollin', Rod and crew!</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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“I want to move on”: Rod Stewart announces the end of an era

<p dir="ltr">After more than six decades establishing himself as a legend in the wide world of rock’n’roll, Rod Stewart has announced that he’ll be taking things in a whole new direction. </p> <p dir="ltr">The British music star was chatting to host of <em>BBC Breakfast</em>, Charlie Stayt, when he made the revelation in response to a comment about how “rock stars are performing into incredible ages now.” </p> <p dir="ltr">“I am actually stopping,” Stewart declared, before going on to share that “I’m not retiring, but I want to move on.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He noted that he’d enjoyed “great success” with his album, <em>It Had to Be You: The Great American Songbook</em>, and that he’d “just done a swing album with Jools Holland” that is set to release in 2024. </p> <p dir="ltr">“So,” he said, “I want to go in that direction.” </p> <p dir="ltr">The 78 year old had more to say on the matter, offering more in the way of an explanation to fans who may still be struggling to come to terms with his decision when he said, “I just want to leave all the rock’n’roll stuff behind. For a while, maybe.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Everything has to come to an end sooner or later.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Stewart, who was joined by Boy George for the interview ahead of their tour together, also shed some light into his immediate plans after his 2023 tour, telling Stayt that he was “really looking forward to doing something else, especially singing with Jools’ band.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“It borders on rock‘n’roll anyway,” he noted, “it’s just not ‘Maggie May’ and ‘Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?’”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">'Everything has to come to an end sooner or later'</p> <p>Singer Rod Stewart has told <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBCBreakfast?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBCBreakfast</a> he's giving up rock and roll as he prepares to go on tour with Boy George<a href="https://t.co/Y29oI6E5Pk">https://t.co/Y29oI6E5Pk</a> <a href="https://t.co/odrQmQkOlT">pic.twitter.com/odrQmQkOlT</a></p> <p>— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCBreakfast/status/1667049131867529217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">And while some fans of the singer weren’t immediately onboard with the change of tune, others were supportive, taking to social media to share their well wishes ahead of Stewart’s new venture. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Good for him - I loved the <em>American Songbook</em> album,” a fan wrote. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Something to look forward to- Love them both,” another shared. </p> <p dir="ltr">One user took the opportunity to reflect on Stewart’s career so far, writing, “he put on AMAZING shows!  Saw him first in 1975, and three others before 2010.  He really could blow!!!”</p> <p dir="ltr">And another followed suit, telling the others that “I would HAPPILY hit a Rod Stewart convert just to hear him play his <em>Great American Songbook </em>tracks. Just loved it when he did those tunes. I like all of it! Look forward to the swing album, too! Music!”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: BBC Breakfast / Twitter</em></p>

Music

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Rod Stewart lists $105 million LA mansion

<p>Legendary rocker Rod Stewart has put his mega mansion on the market.</p> <p>The listing comes just days after the star’s former Malibu home was listed for an asking price of $49.5m (AU$74.2m), with the Wall Street Journal first reporting his current Los Angeles compound is asking for $70m (AU$105m).</p> <p>With a European style, situated in the gated enclave of North Beverly Park, the property spans 3,065 sqm with a pool and a soccer field.</p> <p>Although a soccer field is a rarity in LA, it’s no surprise Stewart, 78, is an avid soccer fan.</p> <p>The 78-year-old was even spotted in Malibu playing football with the Scottish national team on the beach after inviting them to play there.</p> <p>The Journal noted that according to sales records, Stewart purchased the property in 1991 for $12,08m. He also owns a home in Palm Beach, Florida.</p> <p>Images of the home showcase Old World-style finishes such as ceiling mouldings and medallions, Corinthian columns, crystal chandeliers and stunning marble floors in various patterns.</p> <p>The main house boasts nine bedrooms, one being the primary suite with a sitting room and a terrace that looks over the pool.</p> <p>The main wardrobe is also found in the primary suite — one large enough to store the rocker’s massive show collection.</p> <p>Elsewhere offers entertaining areas, including a flashy speak-easy with eye-catching jade green-painted walls.</p> <p>A main-floor great room showcases a bar and a loggia to spend time with guests outdoors.</p> <p>The listing also includes a three-stories-tall guest house with two gyms.</p> <p>Michelle Oliver of Douglas Elliman has the listing and declined to reveal why the British icon has decided to sell.</p> <p>She noted it is suitable for owners who are seeking “a return to maximalism” and for “something that looks different and stands out.”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty / Realtor.com</em></p>

Real Estate

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Rod Stewart’s second grandchild in just three days!

<p>It’s been an exciting week for British icon Rod Stewart as he’s been blessed with a second grandchild just three days after the <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/rod-stewart-s-son-gives-touching-nod-to-dad-in-new-baby-s-name" target="_blank" rel="noopener">birth of his grandson</a> Louie.</p> <p>The singer’s daughter has just welcomed a baby boy into the world.</p> <p>Ruby, 35, is the rocker’s daughter, who he shares with ex Kelly Emberg.</p> <p>The new mum announced the news on Instagram, revealing she and fiancé Jake Kalick had welcomed a boy named Otis Stewart Kalick.</p> <p>"This love… unlike any other love I've ever known," Ruby wrote alongside a sweet series of snaps of her new bub.</p> <p>"I am only a mirror of what I feel from you… I can't remember what life was like before you…. But nothing else matters now that you're here… Your arrival into the world marks the beginning of our family… it all started with you Otis."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CsOr_dCM6XX/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CsOr_dCM6XX/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by 𝐑 𝐔 𝐁 𝐘 𝐒 𝐓 𝐄 𝐖 𝐀 𝐑 𝐓 (@rubystewart)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Ruby’s sister Renee Stewart commented, “Love you so much… can’t wait to meet you Otis! Aunty Nay Nay x”</p> <p>While the singer's ex-wife Rachel Hunter wrote, “Beautiful. Love you"</p> <p>Ruby announced the exciting news on Mother’s Day after the arrival of Otis on May 9.</p> <p>Kalick also took to Instagram to share photos of his newborn, writing, "Otis Stewart Kalick showed up, 12 days late for his reservation, happy and healthy. Otis' Mom is incredible. Happy first Mother's Day <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rubystewart/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@rubystewart</a>."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CsOwvtqLIFq/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CsOwvtqLIFq/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jake Kalick (@itsjakeyouguys)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Stewart, 77, has eight children and Otis' birth marks his third grandchild.</p> <p>Ruby is Stewart’s only child with ex Emberg. The couple dated in the late 1980s and split in 1990.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Rod Stewart’s son gives touching nod to dad in new baby’s name

<p>A new bundle of joy has arrived for the Stewart family as the British rocker’s son Liam Stewart has just welcomed his first child with girlfriend Nicole Artukovich on May 12.</p> <p>Taking to Instagram to announce the exciting news, Liam 28, also shared how he honoured his father in his newborn baby boy’s name.</p> <p>"Welcome lad 💚 you American, British, Croatian, Kiwi,” Liam captioned his post, before revealing the name.</p> <p>"Louie Mark Roderick Stewart 5.12.23.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CsJ1bovPRBQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CsJ1bovPRBQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Liam Stewart (@discostew94)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Rod Stewart’s wife Penny Lancaster commented, “Congratulations ❤️ that’s the look of love. Can’t wait for a hug 🤗”</p> <p>While Aussie singer Natalie Imbruglia wrote, “Omg!!! Magical… lifetimes of blessings .. congratulations 💚✨”</p> <p>Roderick is, of course, the rockstar’s first name, and Louie marks the birth of his second grandchild, with his daughter Kimberly Stewart welcoming Delilah del Toro in 2011.</p> <p>New Zealand model Rachel Hunter, who Rod shares Liam and Renee with, also celebrated the arrival of Louie with a touching Instagram post.</p> <p>"A beautiful Trinity – Welcome Louie, there are no words for me other than immense love, the beautiful support you both bring to each other,” she wrote, alongside a photo of the new parents and Louie.</p> <p>"Nicole you are a Queen. Love you All so much. Just Blossoming & glowing, lots of happy tears 🙌🏽🌸💙🧡🙌🏽 No words just look at this pic. Heart burst 💙💥💙 @discostew94 @nicoleartukovich also Nicole's amazing mum @tinaartukovic sending you lots of hugs 🤗 Can't wait to meet you next week Louie 🤗”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Rod Stewart’s son blows through inheritance

<p>Rod Stewart’s son, Sean Stewart, has allegedly spent all of his inheritance in an attempt to rebrand his clothing line.</p> <p>A source told <em>Page Six Style</em> exclusively that Sean had “cashed out” the funds he would have received upon his father’s death in order to salvage the failing Dirty Weekend brand.</p> <p>“It’s insane because this is the third time I think he’s relaunching Dirty Weekend,” the source revealed. “Maybe third time’s the charm.”</p> <p>Reps for Sean and Dirty Weekend did not return <em>Page Six Style’s</em> requests for comment.</p> <p>In March, the son of the British rockstar posted about his company’s rebrand and credited artist Hector De Marquez for helping him with the relaunch.</p> <p>“Really proud of the work me and @hectordemarquez have put into rebranding dirty weekend,” the 42-year-old captioned the Instagram post.</p> <p>“Someone who finally sees my vision. What makes a successful business and entrepreneur is the team you have behind you.”</p> <p>The brand was originally launched in 2022.</p> <p>He also recently married his partner Jody Weintraub in Las Vegas on Valentine’s Day.</p> <p>He had known his now-wife, also 42, since high school. She is the daughter of late producer Jerry Weintraub.</p> <p>The pair eloped and made their way back to Los Angeles to celebrate the special day with the infamous musician and his ex-wife Alana Stewart, who is Sean’s mother.</p> <p>The British icon married Alana in 1979 but they divorced after five years.</p> <p>Stewart, 78, has been married to his current wife, Penny Lancaster, for 14 years.</p> <p>During Stewart’s 2023 Australian tour, the lovebirds <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/relationships/rod-stewart-s-secret-ceremony" target="_blank" rel="noopener">renewed their vows</a> in a secret ceremony.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Rod Stewart’s secret ceremony

<p>Sir Rod Stewart and his wife Penny Lancaster have shared in a secret ceremony down under.</p> <p>As busy as he was entertaining the masses, the British rocker, 78, found the time to renew his vows with his model wife, 52, for a second time.</p> <p>According to <em>Women’s Day</em>, the vow renewal took place during their time in Sydney.</p> <p>The lovebirds arrived in Australia in early March 2023 to kick off Stewart’s tour where he wowed the nation with a string of performances.</p> <p>Stewart and Lancaster managed to sneak off to a special ceremony accompanied by their sons Alistair, 17, Aiden, 12 and their 18-year-old niece Raphaella.</p> <p>Rod “spaced out his tour” so that their sons could attend the vow renewal, <em>Woman’s Day</em> claimed.</p> <p>According to an insider the pair had plans to renew their vows for a while but held off until this year.</p> <p>They celebrated the special day afterwards at dinner with Aussie TV presenter Richard Wilkins.</p> <p>The insider, a friend close to the family, said, “There’s a very good reason why Rod’s insisted he space out his tour dates – it’s the perfect place and the perfect time to renew their wedding vows.</p> <p>“Now they can’t wait and are using this chance to do something special while here.</p> <p>“Penny and Rod love being in love.</p> <p>“They think there’s something fun about celebrating their vows in different locations around the world, so why not do it all again in Sydney!”</p> <p>Stewart and Lancaster first met after she offered to take photos of him during one of his tours in 1999.</p> <p>The 52-year-old had recently made the switch from modelling to photography just a few years before meeting him.</p> <p>The couple tied the knot eight years later at a beautiful ceremony in Portofino, Italy.</p> <p>They continued the love-fest during their lavish honeymoon in a yacht at the same location.</p> <p>The pair first renewed their vows on their 10th wedding anniversary in 2017.</p> <p>They share two kids together, while Stewart shares his eldest child Sarah with his ex Susannah Boffey.</p> <p>The singer also has a daughter Ruby with his ex-girlfriend Kelly Emberg and Renee and Liam were born while he was married to his ex-wife Rachel Hunter.</p> <p>His daughter Kimberely and his son Sean were born during his marriage to ex-wife Alana Stewart.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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Searching for a sizzle: Rod Stewart spotted at Bunnings!

<p>Legendary rocker Rod Stewart has been spotted shopping at Bunnings in Sydney’s Balgowlah.</p> <p>The 78-year-old, who just wrapped up his tour down under, was seen in all white when he popped over to Sydney’s Northern Beaches perhaps in search of the store’s famed sausage sizzle before learning the snags are a weekend-only affair.</p> <p>One man posted a photo of the British star with staff, paired with the caption, “Rod Stewart spotted at Bunnings in Balgowlah feeling somewhat disappointed to hear that they only do snags in bread on the w/e.”</p> <p>The tweet, originally posted to the Manly Observer, received a fair bit of attention.</p> <p>One comment read, “Road crew sent him out to pick up some gaffer tape apparently,” complete with a winky face emoji.</p> <p>Another Twitter user explained this wasn’t the first time Stewart has been spotted out and about in Sydney of late, writing, "He was spotted all the way out in Pendle Hill the other day. Apparently he's a bit of a train model enthusiast and popped into the store.”</p> <p>In a Facebook post, Stewart was seen visiting Woodpecker Railways, a small family-run shop in New South Wales.</p> <p>In an interview with 3AW he revealed he is quite the fan of Bunnings.</p> <p>"I love Bunnings," he said. "I found this particular angled wood that you can't get in England so I'm trying to get it to England, but we haven't found our way to do it yet."</p> <p>Stewart is just another celeb to join the list of Bunnings lovers.</p> <p>Fellow Brit Harry Styles was spotted wearing the classic Bunnings hat on stage during his Australian tour, while Ryan Gosling and Sydney Sweeney have been pictured with Bunnings umbrellas while filming in Sydney.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Twitter</em></p>

Music

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Rod Stewart's ultimate surprise for like-minded hobbyists

<p>Rod Stewart has paid a surprise visit to a local business in Sydney's west, mingling with like-minded hobbyists. </p> <p>On Wednesday night, the 78-year-old rockstar took to the stage of Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena in front of 21,000 adoring fans, performing his classic hits in a signature leopard print jacket. </p> <p>But just hours before, he stopped in at Woodpecker Model Railways, a model train store located in Pendle Hill, in search of model trains to add to his vast collection.</p> <p>"Look who casually walked into our shop," the business shared on their Facebook page, alongside a photo of staff members smiling with the rock legend.</p> <p><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fwoodpeckermodelrailways%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0Nfb2LeEtR5yXAcfCiBW8g4GVLqncdVbNz9AKJnZVwFzB345DUXMDt3C6ZvcGpReyl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="504" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>"That's amazing!!!" one follower wrote on Facebook.</p> <p>"WOW how awesome !! Lucky you !!I think I would be in total admiration [and] shock if Rod walked into a shop I owned or was in lol," another said.</p> <p>"A very accomplished modeller..... sings a bit as well....." another wrote.</p> <p>Rod Stewart has long been known as a <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/property/real-estate/rod-stewart-s-hidden-track-inside-his-beverly-hills-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">keen model train builder</a>, revealing in a 2019 interview with Railway Modeller magazine that he had been working on a giant and intricate model of a United States city at home for the previous 23 years.</p> <p>Following his admission in the interview, BBC Radio 2's Jeremy Vine suggested Stewart did not build the model himself, to which Stewart rebutted as he called into Vine's show to set the record straight himself.</p> <p>"I would say 90 per cent of it I built myself," Stewart insisted to Vine. "The only thing I wasn't very good at and still am not is the electricals, so I had someone else do that."</p> <p>"A lot of people laugh at it being a silly hobby, but it's a wonderful hobby," he said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Music

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“Worth the wait”: Backstage with Rod Stewart

<p>Rod Stewart has finally returned to Australia, after years of Covid-19 restrictions meant he had to postpone his highly anticipated tour Down Under. </p> <p>Long time fan and friend of the musician Richard Wilkins was one of many who saw the entertainer at his very best during his show in Melbourne, with Wilkins telling Today that the show did not disappoint. </p> <p>"He was in sparkling form last night, putting on a fabulous show and I had the pleasure of catching up with the great man, both backstage and on stage in his inner sanctum," Wilkins said.</p> <p>Stewart have Wilkins an exclusive tour of the stage being set up, while he candidly shared one of the many reasons behind his success: the closeness of his band. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">EXCLUSIVE: We went backstage with Sir Rod Stewart ahead of his Melbourne show last night! 🌟<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9Today?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9Today</a> | WATCH LIVE 5.30am <a href="https://t.co/0RhkPD0k8J">pic.twitter.com/0RhkPD0k8J</a></p> <p>— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTodayShow/status/1635756324712480772?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>"They're a good bunch of guys, brothers and sisters - We party with each other, go out to dinner, drink together - No shagging though, they're all spoken for," Stewart said with a cheeky grin.</p> <p>Rod Stewart has regularly toured in Australia since the 1970s and has been itching to get back to the place that has always been encouraging of his music. </p> <p>"This is very special, we haven't been able to come down here since 2017 - we waited a long time for this," he said.</p> <p>"I wouldn't take their money without putting on a show. You know that, Richard, I'm an old showman."</p> <p>Rod Stewart's <a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/rod-stewart-tickets/artist/736200" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australian tour</a> will conclude with his performance at the A Day on the Green festival in Bowral, NSW, before he heads to New Zealand where he will share the stage with Cyndi Lauper. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Today</em></p>

Music

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“Two of my best mates gone”: Rod Stewart opens up on double tragedy

<p>Rod Stewart is in mourning after the loss of his two brothers just months apart.</p> <p>On Friday, the singer posted a short but sweet tribute on Instagram to his brother Bob, who passed away last November, just two months after the passing of his eldest brother Don.</p> <p>Sharing a photo of the program from Bob's funeral service at Islington Burial Chapel in London, he wrote, "I said Farewell to my Brother Bob today, with his coffin draped in a Rangers flag (life long Glasgow Rangers fan)."</p> <p>"We loved our game days up in Scotland together, " he wrote, reminiscing on their sweet memories together.</p> <p>Bob passed at the age of 87, just a day short from his 88th birthday.</p> <p>"Now he joins Brother Don, rest in peace boys. Two of my best mates gone within just a few months."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CnEx0ufN7b0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CnEx0ufN7b0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sir Rod Stewart (@sirrodstewart)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Several family members also expressed their love in the comments, with his wife and TV star Penny Lancaster sharing an inside joke, writing, "I loved that he called me Pencil instead of Pen."</p> <p>His daughter, Ruby Stewart, commented with a simple dove emoji, commonly used to symbolise peace, freedom, or love.</p> <p>In December, the British singer announced on Instagram that he was mourning the loss of his two brothers. </p> <p>“It’s with great sadness that I announce the loss of my brother Bob last night, who joins my brother Don on the great football pitch in the sky,” he captioned, with an image of a candle flame and the words “Rest in Peace”.</p> <p>The British singer is the youngest of five children, surviving his brothers along with two of his sisters, Mary and Peggy.</p> <p><em>Image Credits: Getty</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Why Rod Stewart turned down a $1 million gig

<p>Rod Stewart has shared why he turned down a $1 million deal to perform in Qatar. </p> <p>The 77-year-old rockstar said that he was offered the seven-figure deal over a year ago, but refused because of the Gulf state's human rights record.</p> <p>When discussing the controversy surrounding the World Cup host nation, where homosexuality is illegal, the singer told the <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/dfab9724-5f6f-11ed-8611-a128c33d7159?shareToken=f282a0832e5a291ac08bf40e06ba678c" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sunday Times</a> he thought it would be wrong to play a set there. </p> <p>"I was actually offered a lot of money, over $1m, to play there 15 months ago," he said. </p> <p>"I turned it down. It's not right to go. And the Iranians should be out too for supplying arms," he said in reference to drones supplied by the country to Russia, which was barred from the tournament.</p> <p>He added that he thinks fans attending matches in Qatar, where being gay can lead to imprisonment and even the death sentence for Muslims, "have got to watch out".</p> <p>Stewart has been considered an ally of the LGBTQ+ community, previously saying he was "surrounded by gay men in the 70s".</p> <p>One of the singer's hit songs, The Killing of Georgie, is about the murder of a gay friend and made waves when it came out in 1976, when very few mainstream songs discussed the experiences of gay men. </p> <p>He said it would have been "good" to sing the song as a protest during the opening ceremony of the football tournament. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Money & Banking

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The retirement of Roger Federer is the abdication of tennis royalty

<p>This is a time of endings. In the midst of the all-consuming <a href="https://theconversation.com/media-coverage-of-queen-elizabeths-death-began-well-but-quickly-descended-into-farce-190645" target="_blank" rel="noopener">media spectacle</a> surrounding the death of Queen Elizabeth II, “tennis royalty” in the form of Roger Federer <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-15/roger-federer-announces-retirement-from-tennis/101446316" target="_blank" rel="noopener">retired</a> in the same week and in the same city that she is laid to rest.</p> <p>When the career of a sporting celebrity concludes, it is widely represented as if they have died, in what journalists call “sports obituaries”.</p> <p>The person in question is usually still alive and will probably go on to be successful in the business, media and/or charity sectors. But the experience of watching them perform live at the stadium or on screen immediately mutates into nostalgic reflection.</p> <p>So, what can be said about the sporting life of “Roger”, one the few people often known solely by their given name?</p> <h2>The final curtain</h2> <p>When the institution of sport emerged during the late industrial revolution in the 19th century, it changed, as Allen Guttmann famously put it, “<a href="http://cup.columbia.edu/book/from-ritual-to-record/9780231133418" target="_blank" rel="noopener">from ritual to record</a>”. It became all about the numbers and the score.</p> <p>By this measure, Federer’s sporting record is <a href="https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/roger-federers-records-milestones-2022-09-15/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">formidable</a> – world men’s number one for the best part of six years, 20 Grand Slam singles titles (including six Australian Opens), the only player to win at least ten titles on clay, grass and hard court surfaces, and sundry other tennis achievements.</p> <p>Of course, it has not all gone smoothly. The body that was his finely tuned instrument on the tennis court increasingly failed him, although the steely determination of the champion never wavered.</p> <p>Until, facing one last hurrah but probably playing on one leg, he chose to lower the curtain at the event that he co-created.</p> <p>Named after his tennis hero, the <a href="https://lavercup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Laver Cup</a> is a testament to Federer’s unusually intense immersion in tennis history and, ultimately, his own place within it. Federer, who arrived as a <a href="https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/The_Master/2N79DwAAQBAJ?hl=en&amp;gbpv=1&amp;dq=federer+biography&amp;printsec=frontcover" target="_blank" rel="noopener">teenage firebrand</a>, admires not just the impressive tennis record but also the demeanour of <a href="https://www.tennisfame.com/hall-of-famers/inductees/rod-laver" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rod Laver</a>.</p> <p>An elegant and courteous stylist who was instrumental in the professionalisation of tennis in the 1960s, he has been a significant role model for Federer.</p> <p>Laver is not just acknowledged as a superlative tennis player, but widely respected and admired. In emulating him, Federer generally behaved well on and off court, although unlike Laver, he sometimes wept with frustration or joy.</p> <p>In the pure aesthetics of tennis, Federer arguably eclipsed the master. No cold-eyed counting of tournament wins can capture the beauty of his backhand, the flourish of his forehand.</p> <h2>King Roger and the big three</h2> <p>In the early days of his career, the Swiss-South African Federer could have gone the way of Australian <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-the-ash-barty-and-special-k-tennis-triumphs-say-about-australia-and-the-buttoned-up-sport-industry-175993" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nick Kyrgios</a>, who is more than a decade younger. Both supremely talented and combustible, Federer and Kyrgios went in different directions.</p> <p>Federer became “<a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/king-roger-c6xpgkd8t?region=global" target="_blank" rel="noopener">King Roger</a>”, as he was anointed by the august Times of London in 2018 – a player who trained hard, curbed his temper, and won Wimbledon at the age of 21.</p> <p>Kyrgios, by contrast, emerged as “<a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-10964325/Wimbledon-2022-Stars-slam-Nasty-Nick-Kyrgios-SPAT-direction-abusive-fan.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nasty Nick</a>”, attracting media and spectator interest as much for his confrontational on-court antics as his sometimes sublime tennis.</p> <p>Even if Kyrgios begins to win Grand Slams while continuing to <a href="https://www.crikey.com.au/2022/07/05/people-cant-look-away-from-nick-kyrgios/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fascinate younger tennis</a> fans, it is unimaginable he will come close to Federer’s elevated place in the pantheon.</p> <p>Federer’s place in tennis history has been enhanced in part by his membership of the “<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/feb/01/obsession-with-big-three-nadal-djokovic-federer-ruined-tennis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Big Three</a>” alongside Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic – or the “Big Four” if Andy Murray is included.</p> <p>With more than 60 Grand Slams between them, the three rivals dominated men’s tennis, supplying the kind of “golden age” narrative so beloved of terminally sentimental sport fans.</p> <p>Now, with Nadal also prone to injury and Djokovic sacrificing tournaments by refusing to be <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-59890943" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vaccinated</a> against COVID, Federer’s retirement signals the end of this era.</p> <p>The departure of “<a href="https://nypost.com/2022/08/28/all-hail-queen-serena-williams-on-the-verge-of-future-triumphs-in-new-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Queen Serena Williams</a>” from the women’s game and the youth of the singles winners in the 2022 US Open is further evidence that the wheel has, perhaps mercifully, turned in favour of renewal.</p> <p>But longevity is a major aspect of Federer’s status. He has been at or near the top of tennis for most of the 21st century.</p> <p>Just as most people have only known one Queen of England, young and middle-aged tennis fans have had the comforting certainty of King Roger plying his trade on the world tennis circuit.</p> <p>Unlike constitutional monarchies, though, those of the sporting world are produced by performance, not heredity. The new tennis regime is yet to take shape.</p> <h2>Astonishing athleticism</h2> <p>I only saw Roger Federer in the flesh once.</p> <p>It was two decades ago in London’s shiny <a href="https://www.nike.com/retail/s/niketown-london" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NikeTown</a>, and young Roger – an up-and-coming professional contracted to Nike – was playing an exhibition game with oversized tennis balls and undersized racquets. My initial cynicism was overwhelmed by the astonishing athleticism on display.</p> <p>I thought he’d do well then, but had no idea I was witnessing the rise of the House of Roger.</p> <p>Federer, we are told, may return to such spaces to play post-retirement exhibition games. The <a href="https://rogerfedererfoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Roger Federer Foundation</a>, dedicated to alleviating child poverty through education, could use the money.</p> <p>But before the next phase of King Roger’s life there must be the <a href="https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/Media_Events/MxzQnVZhQE0C?hl=en&amp;gbpv=1&amp;dq=live+events+broadcasting&amp;printsec=frontcover" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ceremonial media moment</a> of his appearance in the O2 arena in London, this week’s global capital of farewell ceremonies.</p> <p><strong>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-retirement-of-roger-federer-is-the-abdication-of-tennis-royalty-190832" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.</strong></p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Retirement Life

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Sir Rod Stewart spotted in Italy with entire family for very special occasion

<p dir="ltr">Sir Rod Stewart and his wife Penny Lancaster have celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary with their seven children.</p> <p dir="ltr">The big family were spotted in the city of Portofino in Italy with Penny sharing an adorable snap of them posing for the camera. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Stewart Clan comes together #family #kids #siblings @sirrodstewart @alastairwstewart @thekimberlystewart @seanstewart @rubystewart @renee__stewart @discostew94 #aidenstewart,” she captioned the image. </p> <p dir="ltr">The photo shows the 77-year-old rocker along with his children, Alastair, 16, Sean, 41, Kimberly, 42, daughters Ruby, 35, Renee, 30, Liam, 27 and 11-year-old Aiden.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CguX_xns_2F/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CguX_xns_2F/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Penny Lancaster (@penny.lancaster)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">In a separate post, Penny shared another photo with her stepdaughters Kimberly, Renee and Ruby on stairs</p> <p dir="ltr">Penny and Sir Rod started going out in 1999 and got married in 2007, eight years after they first met. </p> <p dir="ltr">Sir Rod was first married to actress and model Alana Hamilton, the former wife of actor George Hamilton, from 1979 to 1984. He then married model Rachel Hunter from 1990 to 2006.</p> <p dir="ltr">He now shares kids Alastair and Aiden with Penny. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

International Travel

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Cricket legend Rod Marsh farewelled by sporting royalty

<p>The sporting world has farewelled cricketing legend Rod Marsh at a private funeral at Adelaide Oval. This follows the talented wicketkeeper's death from a heart attack.</p> <p>Marsh, aged 74, was rushed to hospital after he had suffered a massive heart attack while visiting Bundaberg in Queensland for a cricket charity event before passing away on the 4th of March.</p> <p>Fellow cricketing legend Dennis Lillee spoke about his former teammate during the ceremony for the first time since Marsh's death.</p> <p>'I still can't believe our mate, and mate to many, is not around anymore,' Lillee began.</p> <p>'It's taken me days to be able to write my thoughts down on his amazing bloke. I don't want to talk about his cricket ability, that's been very well documented.</p> <p>'It's the person Rod Marsh that I love.'</p> <p>Lillee was joined on the during the service by teammates John Inverarity and Bruce Laird, who all shared memories of Marsh and paid their respects.</p> <p>The renowned bowler started his speech by recalling a significant memory he shared with Marsh during their cricket-playing days where the pair drank a soft drink and beer respectively.</p> <p>He later added: 'People often ask me if I missed playing - my answer was no, I don't, but I do miss my teammates of 14, 15 years.</p> <p>'Again, I miss my mate, and will keep remembering the good times. He was a one off, let's all celebrate a life well lived.'</p> <p>Marsh's funeral saw more than 800 people in attendance, with cricket icons including Allan Border, Adam Gilchrist, Justin Langer, Shane Watson, and Glenn McGrath were spotted in attendance.</p> <p>TV personality and former first-class cricketer James Brayshaw hosted the service. He opened the ceremony by speaking about the cricketer's life, family and career.</p> <p>'We are here to celebrate, to respect the passing of a great man,' he stated.</p> <p>Graham often choked up during his speech as he paid tribute to his brother.</p> <p>'I always remember my brother Rod for his devotion, loyalty, love for his family and friends.'</p> <p>Following on from his brother's speech, fellow wicketkeeping great Adam Gilchrist narrated a mini-documentary on Marsh's life that played out for attendees on the projector screen at the funeral.</p> <p>Rod Marsh's oldest son Paul eventually took to the stage to speak about his father.</p> <p>'Words could never do justice to how much respect, gratitude, and appreciation I have for what Rod did for me and taught me about cricket and, more importantly, about life,' he said.</p> <p>'It's been an incredibly tough and emotional few weeks for our family, but as we got today's celebration of Dad's life, the two overriding emotions I have for him are pride and gratitude.'</p> <p>Paul Marsh later said: 'I'm incredibly grateful for the example he set for all of us to learn from. He was a fantastic father and grandfather, and Mum could not wish for a better husband.'</p> <p>He then thanked the cricket community, his father's former teammates and close friends for their support and kind words during the difficult time.</p> <p>The crimson-coloured coffin was decorated with flowers on top. Framed pictures of the cricketer and the teams he played with were placed on the stand behind the coffin.</p> <p>Marsh's cricket shirt and blazer with the number 7 emblazoned on the back were spotted off to the side next to a candle with the Cricket Australia logo, while a Fremantle Dockers scarf - the AFL team he barracked for - hung off a marble column in the background.</p> <p>The family also thanked staff at Bundaberg Hospital, the Australian Cricketers' Association and Queensland Bulls Masters officials for keeping him alive.</p> <p>Marsh's death coincided with Australia's first Test against Pakistan. Players wore black armbands in the legend's honour.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

News

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“Good for the soul!”: Sir Rod Stewart wows fans with good deed

<p dir="ltr">Sir Rod Stewart has <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/sir-rod-stewart-shows-off-road-work-skills-after-his-ferrari-couldnt-get-through/YMW3CFMIXAFZWTBWLHW37O7HCQ/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shared</a> his newest skill to the delight of his many fans - and it involves a spade and plenty of high-vis gear.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 77-year-old singer took to Instagram over the weekend, sharing clips of him working to fill gaping potholes near his home that he says “no one can be bothered” to fix.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Working for a living, filling holes is good for the soul! 🕳😇” he captioned the post.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-380188ae-7fff-6f56-1580-780a7122c69d"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">He recruited a team of friends to help him repair the road near his house in Harlow, Essex, and described in the clip how the potholes had caused several incidents and even stopped his Ferrari from getting through.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca-eLDONvT1/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca-eLDONvT1/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sir Rod Stewart (@sirrodstewart)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“This is the state of the roads near where I live in Harlow, and it’s been like this for ages,” he says in another clip, while his friends can be heard shovelling in the background.</p> <p dir="ltr">“People are smashing their cars up. The other day there was an ambulance with a burst tyre. “My Ferrari can’t get through here at all so me and the boys thought we’d come do it ourselves.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Stewart also took the opportunity to criticise the government spending “millions and millions of pounds” on the M11 highway rather than fixing local roads.</p> <p dir="ltr">His good deeds received a flood of support from fans and friends, as well as from his daughter Ruby - who commented with a love heart - and Kimberly - who posted several applauding emojis.</p> <p dir="ltr">“👏Bravo Rod! 🕳👏,” Faces bandmate Ronnie Wood commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">“And not a hair out of place,” one fan added.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Legend Rod! That road is a nightmare!!! Appreciate it,” a fellow road user wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Well said. I live in Harlow and the roads are getting a joke with the amount of holes,” another said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“And I thought my town was bad at filling potholes! Good for you!” a fourth shared.</p> <p dir="ltr">Some joked that Stewart was coming full circle by filling in holes after doing a short stint of work measuring grave plots at Highgate Cemetery when he was younger.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-38ea8385-7fff-8aca-2449-90fd85a2d506"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“Takes you back to your graveyard days I’m sure,” one person commented, referencing the <a href="https://www.neatorama.com/origin/2012/10/21/Rod-Stewart-Was-Never-a-Gravedigger/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">popular myth</a> that he was a gravedigger.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/03/rod-dig.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Sir Rod Stewart took matters into his own hands to fix the dangerous potholes near his Essex home. Images: @sirrodstewart (Instagram)</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Others shared their concern for the rocker’s health ahead of his North American tour in the US and Canada later this year.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Don’t hurt yourself I got tickets to see you in June,” one concerned fan said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Good for you, take it easy, don’t want a sprained muscle before touring!!” another commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">Stewart made the difficult decision in January to cancel his tours in Australia and New Zealand due to ongoing cases of COVID-19.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My dear friends, once again I feel we’ve all been cheated by this evil disease, so it is with great regret that I announce my shows for 2022 have had to be cancelled,” he said <a href="https://www.livenation.com.au/show/1300298/rod-stewart/melbourne/2022-03-16/en?irgwc=1&amp;clickid=Wu0TYCWS6xyITgVTtF0KkW%3ALUkGTi5yJtyxm3Q0&amp;camefrom=CFC_BUYAT_253533&amp;impradid=253533&amp;REFERRAL_ID=tmfeedbuyat253533&amp;wt.mc_id=aff_BUYAT_253533&amp;utm_source=253533-Zumic%20Entertainment&amp;impradname=Zumic%20Entertainment&amp;utm_medium=affiliate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in a statement</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m absolutely gutted with disappointment and when I do eventually get there we’ll have the party to end all parties. Guaranteed!”</p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><em>Image: @sirrodstewart (Instagram)</em></p>

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“Larger-than-life”: Sporting world mourns Rod Marsh

<p dir="ltr">Tributes have poured in after it was confirmed that legendary Australian wicketkeeper Rod Marsh <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/cricket-legend-rod-marsh-dies-aged-74-20220304-p5a1na.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">passed away</a> at the age of 74.</p> <p dir="ltr">Marsh died in Royal Adelaide Hospital after suffering a major heart attack eight days earlier. </p> <p dir="ltr">After initially receiving treatment at Bundaberg Hospital in Queensland, where he was placed in an induced coma, he was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/critical-rod-marsh-moved-to-another-hospital" target="_blank" rel="noopener">flown to Adelaide</a> to be closer to family and friends.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-e258488f-7fff-56ad-59c3-d8e143133d29"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">His eldest son Paul, the CEO of the AFL Players Association and former CEO of the Australian Cricketers Association, released a statement confirming the news.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">A statement from Paul Marsh on behalf of the Marsh Family. <a href="https://t.co/43PTWunUiB">pic.twitter.com/43PTWunUiB</a></p> <p>— Australian Cricketers' Association (@ACA_Players) <a href="https://twitter.com/ACA_Players/status/1499542771430211589?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“On behalf of my mother Ros and brothers Dan and Jamie, it is with immense sadness that I advise that my father Rod passed away peacefully early this morning,” Paul said on Friday.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He has been an incredible husband, father and grandfather and we have been so fortunate to have had him in all of our lives.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We are so grateful for all of the love and support our family has received from so many people over the last week. It has given us strength in the most difficult week of our lives.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-7e8cfe9c-7fff-75dd-92f5-81a4815492c5"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Marsh was considered one of Australia’s finest cricketers, playing 96 Tests for the country between 1970 and 1984.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rod Marsh.</p> <p>A brilliant wicketkeeper and hard-hitting batter, Rod's contribution to Australian cricket was outstanding and he will be truly missed.</p> <p>Our thoughts are with his wife Ros, children Paul, Dan and Jamie and his many friends. <a href="https://t.co/DXR0rEyZjx">pic.twitter.com/DXR0rEyZjx</a></p> <p>— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricketAus/status/1499547981871484929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Greg Chappell, who was captain during the last eight years of Marsh’s career, described him as the Australian team’s “spiritual leader” during his playing days.</p> <p dir="ltr">Australia men’s Test captain Pat Cummins paid tribute just hours before the first Test against Pakistan kicked off on Friday, describing Marsh as a “fearless” player and an “all-time great”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Rod was a colossal figure in Australian cricket who gave close to 50 years of incredible service to Australian cricket, from his debut in the Ashes series of 1970/71, through his time as national selector, when many of the current group of Australian men’s players came into close contact with him,” Cummins said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He was brilliant to deal with because he knew the game inside and out, but also had a way of dealing with you to put you at ease.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I, along with countless other people in Australia, grew up hearing stories of him as a fearless and tough cricketer, but his swashbuckling batting and his brilliance behind the stumps over more than a decade made him one of the all-time greats of our sport, not just in Australia, but globally.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-9bed152d-7fff-8cbc-80aa-58b5c124a0da"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“When I think of Rod I think of a generous and larger-than life character who always had a life-loving, positive and relaxed outlook, and his passing leaves a massive void in the Australian cricket community.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sad to hear the news that Rod Marsh has passed. He was a legend of our great game &amp; an inspiration to so many young boys &amp; girls. Rod cared deeply about cricket &amp; gave so much-especially to Australia &amp; England players. Sending lots &amp; lots of love to Ros &amp; the family. RIP mate❤️</p> <p>— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneWarne/status/1499563703083044865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Others have taken to social media to pay tribute to the athlete, including former cricketers Shane Warne, Fawad Ahmed, and Shane Watson.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-1eab8ca2-7fff-d902-b897-79ee8ee04926"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“Sad to hear the news that Rod Marsh has passed. He was a legend of our great game &amp; an inspiration to so many young boys &amp; girls. Rod cared deeply about cricket &amp; gave so much - especially to Australia &amp; England players. Sending lots &amp; lots of love to Ros &amp; the family. RIP mate,” Warne wrote.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Extremely Saddened to hear about<br />Rod Marsh. Thoughts and Sympathy to his family. It was an absolute honour and privilege to get to know him on 2015 Ashes tour. A man of integrity. And a true legend with great sense of humour.<br />You will be extremely missed 😞💔 <a href="https://t.co/ns4WGedJwC">pic.twitter.com/ns4WGedJwC</a></p> <p>— Fawad Ahmed (@bachaji23) <a href="https://twitter.com/bachaji23/status/1499542255849246723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“Extremely saddened to hear about Rod Marsh,” Ahmed tweeted. “ It was an absolute honour and privilege to get to know him on 2015 Ashes tour. A man of integrity. And a true legend with great sense of humour. You will be extremely missed.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-878bb45f-7fff-fcd9-6ea0-118b562e152d"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for Rod and his amazing skill to know how to get the best out of every young cricketer. He just cared! My love and thoughts go to Ros and the boys. RIP mate,” Watson said.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rod Marsh not on this planet anymore, I am absolutely shattered. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for Rod and his amazing skill to know how to get the best out of every young cricketer. He just cared!! My love and thoughts go the Ros and the boys. RIP mate. 😢😢</p> <p>— Shane Watson (@ShaneRWatson33) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneRWatson33/status/1499552014711549954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Marsh retired with a then-world record of 355 dismissals and became the first Australian wicketkeeper to score a Test century.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though he no longer played, Marsh stayed involved in cricket, becoming a commentator and running Australia’s National Cricket Academy.</p> <p dir="ltr">He was inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in 2005 and the ICC Hall of Fame in 2009.</p> <p dir="ltr">Marsh is survived by his wife Ros and their three children Paul, Dan and Jamie.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-6d2a1421-7fff-784b-5ca4-f9869e3f1fbd"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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