Rod Stewart in the whiskey interview: “Avoid alcohol? That would be hypocritical!”
Rod Stewart has become a whiskey producer. Here he and his business partner Duncan Frew talk about drinking.
This is a text from April 2024.
Between May and June 2024, Rod Stewart is coming to Germany for nine concerts. “With him in his luggage,” to use this somewhat hackneyed but appropriate rock phrase for once, the 79-year-old not only has the songs from his back catalog, but also a few bottles of alcohol: With him “Wolfie’s Whiskey” the singer launches his own Scottish Scotch. Together with “Wolfies” managing director Duncan Frew, he asks burning questions about hard liquor. We spoke to both of them via Zoom.
Mr. Stewart, you are now also a whiskey producer. As a role model, how do you ensure that people don’t abuse alcohol…
Rod Stewart: Nope. I don’t convey that.
No?
Stewart: No. No one has ever asked me to be a role model for responsible drinking. It would be somewhat strange if I, of all people, celebrated a coming out in the world of rock and roll with the request: “Stop drinking!” That would be hypocritical. But if someone asks me for my opinion, it’s clear: I don’t want to seduce anyone into reaching for the bottle. It’s just as obvious.
It’s afternoon now and we’re both about to have a drink
Duncan Frew: Come on, you’re very responsible when it comes to drinking, Rod!
Stewart: No I’m not. The fact is: it’s afternoon now and we’re both about to have a drink. We are in Glasgow. I’m a Celtic fan. And we’re about to watch football.
You expressed the idea of bringing your whiskey to the front lines of the Ukrainian War to supply the Ukrainian soldiers. Is the plan still there?
Frew: We would do everything to make that possible.
Stewart: It shouldn’t be perceived as a publicity stunt, because that’s not what it’s supposed to be. It’s a delicate matter.
Frew: These would be more discreet deliveries, without much fanfare.
Stewart: Exactly, that’s why we’re telling a German journalist about it (laughs).
As a whiskey connoisseur, are there any alcoholic drinks that you dislike?
Stewart: I don’t like this Mexican drink. What’s that called again… tequila!
I don’t like drinks that are too sweet. Alcopops
Why not?
Stewart: Only crazy people drink that. When someone isn’t feeling well, I think: Was it the tequila?
Frew: I don’t like drinks that are too sweet. Alcopops. Give you the worst time of your life.
Rod, how often do you have a drink, before a concert, in the studio?
Stewart: I also drink on stage. But not very much. Rum-Cola. I’ve been doing it this way for 14 years. Goes straight to my head, but in a good way, and in this small amount is just good for my voice. At least I haven’t heard anything to the contrary. I then also talk to the audience: “Have you had a drink today?” The answer: “Yeah!”. But I also warn viewers not to drive their own cars anymore.
Is it a myth that drinking a lot of alcohol can also be good for your singing voice?
Stewart: Oh yes, alcohol can be terrible for your voice. But what can I say, over all these decades… my voice has gotten used to the alcohol. It basically heats up my lungs. Wine doesn’t work for me. I need it cold. I fall asleep with red wine.
Vocal break for 24 hours
Your voice hasn’t changed because of the alcohol?
Stewart: I couldn’t say. My warm-up before the performance still lasts an hour, as always. Running. Then comes the performance. Then a half-hour warmdown. Then comes the drink. Even a wine with the band. But before that: liters and liters of water, otherwise the performance won’t work. Afterwards and between the concerts: vocal break for 24 hours. Well, it’s not easy being me, is it?
Frew: The last time I met Rod in the USA was on one of the days when he wasn’t supposed to or didn’t want to talk.
It must have been heaven on earth.
Stewart: I’m not allowed to talk, but the others talk to me. I’m just having a wank then. Just kidding!
What do you two drink when you are in Germany?
Stewart: I like this sweet wine, what’s it called… Liebfrauenmilk. Moment: Liebfrauenmilk. It’s not that easy to pronounce. Liebfraumilch, but with good fish on the side.
Frew: Well, the most famous lager in Scotland is Tennent’s Lager. This has now also been brought to Germany.
First Celtic has to win their own league
Stewart: Where are you actually sitting during the conversation?
In Berlin.
Stewart: And do you know that Scotland are playing against Germany soon?
Uh, yes. It doesn’t look so good for your team either. The Germans are getting closer to good form.
Stewart: I really hope that the Scots fight, okay?
The group is difficult.
Stewart: Switzerland and Hungary.
The Hungarians are going to hell and the Swiss are always acting like it’s none of their business.
Frew: And where will the Scots end up in the group?
Third place.
First Celtic has to win their own league
Frew: Thanks for the conversation.
Nowadays, third place gets you further.
Stewart: Hear, hear. Hopefully that’s not your personal motto.
How about your team Celtic Glasgow playing in the Champions League again?
Stewart: First Celtic has to win their own league.
Back to Booze. How can you imagine the distillation of your “Wolfie’s Whiskey”? They wanted warm apple pie in it, cinnamon and vanilla. Rod’s favorite flavors.
Frew: It was important to us not to just take a photo of Rod and stick it on the bottles and the thing would run itself. In addition, the whiskey shouldn’t look too worn or taste too heavy, after all, that’s a rock and roll for us -Roll drink. One that’s supposed to be fun.
The whiskey is not yet a whole year old
The bottom of the bottle is decorated with a lyric: “The Rhythm of my Heart”. Would “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy” have been an option?
Stewart: Didn’t even think about it much. Could have been anything! “Hot Legs,” “Maggie May.”
Frew: Rod pointed out to me that “Rhythm of my Heart” references his Scottish ancestry. The melody was taken from the traditional folk song “Loch Lomond”. “Wolfie’s Whiskey” is produced and bottled by the whiskey manufacturer Loch Lomond. You have to think of this idea of hinting at Rod’s origins as an “Easter Egg.”
Will you also offer the whiskey as merchandise on your tour?
Stewart: Gladly!
Frew: The whiskey is not yet a whole year old. Until then there will definitely be a “Wolfie’s backstage room” where we serve the whiskey. There is the principle of “responsible drinking” – for Rod and me the principle of “responsible drinking” applies.
It’s become rare for rock stars to promote alcohol, hasn’t it?
Stewart: I perceive rather the opposite. Many people my age promote tequila, rum or whiskey. George Clooney, Bob Dylan, David Beckham. Well, Beckham may not be a rock star, and he’s a few years younger.
But younger musicians don’t do that anymore.
Stewart: Well, then I just say to them: good luck!
