‘THERE'S NOT A DAY GOES BY WHEN I DON'T GET UP AND SAY THANK YOU'

IN THE WEEK SINGER SIR ROD STEWART TURNS 76, WE LOOK BACK AT HIS COLOURFUL CAREER, HIS COMPLICATED ROMANTIC LIFE AND HIS UNWAVERING LOVE OF THE BEAUTIFUL GAME

- LISA MARKS

Known for his flamboyance, cheeky sense of humour and gravelly voice, Sir Roderick David Stewart has entertained fans across the world for more than five decades with hits such as Sailing, Baby Jane, You Wear It Well and I Don’t Want To Talk About It.

The Highgate-born, Celtic-loving singer may be turning 76 – and currently recovering from an ankle operation – but he shows no sign of slowing down.

The youngest of five children, Rod was born on 10 January, 1945, to Scottish-born Robert and Elsie Stewart. He enjoyed a happy home life, and gravitated towards music after his dad got him a guitar when he was just 12.

As a youngster he was also a gifted footballer, but gave up an apprenticeship with Brentford football club to pursue music. He once said of that decision, “They’re the only two things I can do actually – play football and sing.”