Because of the prevailing human rights issues, Rod Stewart turned down a high-paying concert offer.
Rod Stewart has revealed he turned down a potentially record-breaking financial offer for a concert in Saudi Arabia due to concerns about human rights abuses in the country. Stewart cited discrimination against women, LGBTQ+ people and the press as key points in his decision.
Hope for positive change
“I’m grateful that I have the choice whether or not to perform in Saudi Arabia,” Stewart told the Daily Mirror. “So many citizens there have extremely limited options… women, the LGBTQ+ community, the press. I want my decision not to go to shine a light on the injustices there and spark positive change.”
The statement is also available as an Instagram posting:
Cancellation of appearance at the World Cup in Qatar
In the past, Stewart has turned down similar offers on ethical grounds: such as the offer of almost a million to perform as part of the World Cup in Qatar because it was “not right.” “I was actually asked 15 months ago and the offer was over a million dollars,” Stewart told the Sunday Times. “I turned it down,” he admitted. “It’s not the right place to go. And the Iranians should also stay out because of the supply of weapons.”
In November 2021, Rod Stewart released his current record, THE TEARS OF HERCULES – his 31st studio album.