Fans were left stunned after rock legend Rod Stewart took a sharp swipe at Ed Sheeran, dismissing the chart-topping singer as “old ginger b*****ks” and claiming he didn’t know a single one of his songs. The unexpected dig has since set social media ablaze, igniting a heated debate between supporters of Sheeran’s global success and those backing Stewart’s praise for fellow artist George Ezra.
Speaking to The Times, Stewart, 79, was asked if timeless songs were still being written today. The rocker, best known for hits like Maggie May and Da Ya Think I’m Sexy, replied:
“I’m sure they are. You mean like Maggie May? Songs that will be played in 50 years?”
He then began describing a British male artist whose work he admired but stumbled over the name. “I like what’s-his-name… He’s British, really talented, and his songs will be around.”
When the interviewer suggested Ed Sheeran, Stewart quickly shut it down.
“No, not Ed — I don’t know any of his songs. Old ginger b*****ks. Jesus…”
Moments later, Stewart broke into a line from Shotgun, revealing he was referring to George Ezra instead.
“Yes! I think he writes really tremendous songs. He’ll be around for quite a while.”
The comments struck a nerve online. Many fans defended Sheeran, pointing to his staggering achievements: 14 UK number-one singles, over 270 million records sold worldwide, and a £300 million fortune from tours and albums like Subtract and Autumn Variations. With four Grammys and a spot among the most successful British artists of all time, Sheeran’s legacy seems firmly cemented.
Still, Stewart stood by his belief that today’s music industry lacks the passion of his generation. He argued that artists of his era, like The Rolling Stones and Elton John, pursued music purely out of love — not for fame or fortune.
“We were brave in those days. Record companies gave us a try. We just wanted to sing. Now it’s more like, ‘Let’s have a go at music, maybe I’ll get rich.’ Fame comes before everything. All kids want is fame.”
The clash is particularly surprising given Stewart and Sheeran’s mutual friendship with Elton John, and the fact the two had never publicly clashed before.
While Ed Sheeran’s camp has remained silent, fans continue to spar online — some applauding Rod for “telling it like it is,” while others argue Ed’s global success speaks for itself.
One thing’s clear: what began as a casual interview has now sparked one of the year’s most unexpected celebrity feuds.
