Ladies' Man Rod At 73 'I'm Just Happy With A Hug!

With a New Album Due Out, the Rocker Reflects on How Life Has Changed
 

In the discreet and snug bar of an elegant London pub, Sir Rod Stewart CBE is contemplating the act of physical love and how it has changed for him over the years.

“Well, I need a bit of a start on the handle now, that’s for sure,” the 73-year-old chuckles. “Like a vintage car.”

Having parked that classic, he continues, “Sex becomes more spiritual, I think is the word, as one gets older. You know, I love sex with my wife, but I love just giving her a hug before we go to bed. Every night we have a kiss and a hug, and that doesn’t always lead to sex but it’s still lovely.

“You know when anyone gives you a hug, it’s the most important thing. When I’m away from her for a long time and I don’t get a hug, I really miss it. And I know it sounds daft, but I’m a great one for giving my children a cuddle.

“Because although my dad loved me, and I loved him, we didn’t hug each other. In the last 15 years of his life, I taught him to hug. Now I pass it on to my kids and we hug all the time. I got a lovely Father’s Day card. Brought tears to my eyes,” he says, the famously fibrous voice getting wobbly.

“It said, ‘Dad, Happy Father’s Day. I have so much to thank you for, but thank you for giving me big hugs every time Celtic score.’ It just broke my heart.”

Rod notes that his young sons, Alastair (12) and Aiden (7), to whom he is touchingly devoted, have hopped aboard the carousel of love.

“My seven-year-old made his girlfriend a paper ring and gave it to her,” he sighs. “But he’s like me, a big romantic... The 12-year-old, Alastair, has just had his heart broken for the first time. He doesn’t want to talk about it...”