British music legend Sir Rod Stewart has said that he doesn’t believe Ed Sheeran’s music will stand the test of time, even going so far as to claim he ‘doesn’t know any of his songs’.
Somehow ‘Shape of You’ and all the other number ones passed him by, apparently.
The rather surprising quote comes from a recent interview with The Times in which he talked about everything from his own music career, politics, collaborating with Jools Holland on a new swing album and his favourite songs of all time.
Highlighting tunes like ‘Uptown Funk’ by Bruno Mars and Prefab Sprout’s ‘Cars and Girls’, he was then asked if he thinks ‘timeless’ songs are still being made. Replying, “You mean like ‘Maggie May’? Songs that’ll be played in 50 years? I like whatshisname… British, really talented and his songs will be around.”
It was at this point that interviewer Jonathan Dean suggested Ed Sheeran, to which the 79-year-old simply responded, “No, not Ed — I don’t know any of his songs, old ginger b***cks. Jesus…”
All right, Rod, tell us how you really feel, why don’t you?
As the article goes on to detail, Stewart then began to sing “I’ll be riding shotgun…” and Dean quickly confirmed that George Ezra was the artist he’d been trying to think of.
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“Yes! I think he writes really tremendous songs”, Rod continues, “He’ll be around for quite a while.”
So, yeah, despite being one of the best-selling British music artists of all time himself, Rod seems to be fairly oblivious to the company he keeps in that bracket, as Ed Sheeran is also just outside of the top 50 best-selling artists of all time (57th) — even in the modern age of streaming.
While Rod Stewart ranks 16th in the charts with an EAS (equivalent album sales) total of 191,663,000, Ed isn’t too far behind him when it comes to the stats on 102.8m. Meanwhile, George Ezra — whether you and Rod might prefer him or not — isn’t in the top 100 and has several less number-one hits.
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Credit: Stephen Lavoie via iRocktographCredit: George Ezra (via YouTube)
Whether Rod Stewart truly doesn’t know any Ed Sheeran tracks or not, it goes without saying that most people do and the Halifax-born singer-songwriter has countless memorable tracks to his name.
‘A-Team’, ‘Thinking Out Loud’, ‘Bad Habits’, ‘Castle on the Hill’ — we could go on but unlike Rod you already now all the others.
What do you reckon, will Ed Sheeran’s music be remembered decades from now and, also, how many people will still remember Rod Stewart’s songs in the years to come?
You can line dance to Lily Allen’s West End Girl in full right here in Manchester
Thomas Melia
After a fun way to kickstart the New Year? Some people might suggest hobbies like ‘Tennis’, but how about a line dancing class playing Lily Allen’s new album in its entirety – we know which we’d rather do.
Grab your nearest ‘Nonmonogamummy’ or take ‘Madeline’, if you know one, because there’s a line dance class where you get to line dance to Lily Allen’s West End Girl in full right here in Manchester.
Hosted by Red Rodeo Club, a queer line dancing group based in Manchester, who have hosted monthly artist-inspired events city wide including Chappell Roan, Beyoncé, Charli XCX and more.
This troupe even managed to line dance all the way to one of Manchester’s most reputable LGBTQIA+ nights of the year, performing on the Archive stage at Homobloc just last month.
Now, Red Rodeo is returning with another special night that is sure to interest all the West Endand North West girls across Manchester, as it prepares a Lily Allen line dance spectacular later this month.
If you’re ‘Ruminating’ about attending this event, there’s absolutely no pressure or dance experience needed as the group prides itself on providing ‘classic boot-scootin tutorials with a party vibe’.
You’ll definitely be in good company regardless of your dance partners, as hosting the event is Violet Blonde, known for their extraordinary outfits and love of Country icon Dolly Parton.
We’re already onto a winner…
Your dance instructor for the night is the remarkable Shanika Sunrise, a rapper and producer, who boasts a seriously impressive roster of acts they’ve opened for, including Chappell Roan, Cupcakke and Moonchild Sanelly.
Opportunities like this aren’t always feasible for everyone, which is something this line dance group is aware of as they’re offering a ‘Red Rodeo Club Low Income Ticket’, suited for students, unwaged and disabled attendees.
Red Rodeo Club is bringing the ‘Lily Allen edition’ line dance class to Fairfield Social Club in Manchester on Thursday, 29 January 2026, from 7-10:30pm.
If you’re interested in grapevine stepping or electric shuffling your way to the Lily Allen West End Girl line dance event in Manchester, you can find tickets HERE.
The smash-hit daytime rave where you can still be in bed early is returning to Manchester
Clementine Hall
That’s right: Day Fever, the daytime rave designed to still get you tucked in at a reasonable hour, is coming back to Manchester city centre this year.
Following their biggest raft of shows across the UK and Ireland in 2025, the smash-hit night out that is very much aimed at those of us 30 and over – but fellow sleepy heads are obviously more than welcome – Day Fever are targeting big things in 2026.
Launched in early 2024 by actress Vicky McClure and Reverend & The Makers frontman, Jon McClure, Day Fever has become a cultural sensation.
From its debut in Sheffield to a tour that sees thousands of ravers hitting the dance floor each month, the message is clear: people want to dance and let loose, but still be in bed before 9pm – and let’s be honest, who can blame them?
The founders (L-R): Jon McClure, James O’Hara, Jonny Owen, Vicky and Chris McClure. (supplied)
Running from 3-8pm, Day Fever provides a proper night out that doesn’t completely write you off for the entire weekend.
“It started as a WhatsApp idea”, says Jon McClure. “Jonny just said, ‘A daytime disco, how good would that be?’ We’re all a bit nuts, so we just said, ‘Come on then!’”
“It feels like a massive house party at your nan’s,” laughs Vicky. “No drama, no egos, just people acting daft, getting dressed up, and having the best time.”
From here in 0161 and our mates over in Leeds, to Newcastle, Glasgow and many more, each Day Fever event has its own unique flavour.
There’ll be local DJs who know their crowds keep the energy high with a nostalgic mix of Northern Soul, disco, indie, and 90s classics. “Manchester goes mad for Oasis,” says Jon, “and if Vicky’s there, we have to play Whitney, it’s non-negotiable!”
For starters, just look at the turnout they got over Christmas:
Danny Jones -
13th February 2024 
