During a concert in Germany, Sir Rod Stewart appeared to receive boos as images of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy were displayed.
The 79-year-old vocalist, who has voiced his opposition to Russia’s intrusion of Ukraine, was performing at Leipzig’s Quarterback Immobilien Arena on Friday.
Prior to singing his 1991 hit Rhythm Of My Heart – a song he refers to as a war anthem and has dedicated to Kyiv in recent performances – the Ukrainian flag was projected on the screen behind Sir Rod.
Subsequently, images of Mr. Zelenskyy were shown, eliciting loud boos, shouts, and whistles from the audience.
Videos circulating on social media depict the audience seemingly jeering as Sir Rod acknowledges the Ukrainian president.
Since 2022, the singer has consistently criticized Russia and recently referred to Vladimir Putin as an “arsehole” during an interview with Sky News.
He stated in February on Sky News’ Friday Night With Niall Patterson, “We must stand by Ukraine until the end.”
In October 2022, Sir Rod disclosed that he had provided a home for a family of seven Ukrainian refugees.
“Words cannot capture what we witnessed,” he told the Daily Mirror. “The bombings of innocent children, hospitals, and playgrounds.
“Like everyone else, we were absolutely devastated. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. This is pure evil.”
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Sir Rod is scheduled to return to Germany for a performance at Hamburg’s Barclays Arena later this week, followed by shows in Cologne on 25 June and Munich on 28 June.
A spokesperson for Sir Rod has been approached for a statement.
