Rod Stewart is best known for his music, but his artistic pursuits outside of the industry reveal a multifaceted talent and passion for various forms of creativity. One of his most notable non-musical pursuits is his deep interest in model railroading, a hobby he has embraced for decades.
Model Railroading
Rod Stewart has long been passionate about model trains, and his dedication to the craft is impressive. He has spent over 20 years building an intricate model railway at his home, an endeavor he calls a form of "art." His model railway is a 1:87 scale representation of a fictional 1940s American city, complete with buildings, landscapes, and realistic train routes. Stewart has gone on record saying that he often works on his model train setup while on tour, sometimes requesting extra hotel rooms so he can continue his work. The level of detail and craftsmanship in his models has garnered admiration from both fans and fellow hobbyists. In fact, his work has been featured on the cover of Model Railroader magazine multiple times, which is a significant accolade in the model train community.
Visual Art and Painting
In addition to his model railroading, Rod Stewart also has an interest in visual art, specifically painting. While he has not publicly pursued a full career as a visual artist, Stewart has painted for personal enjoyment over the years. His artistic tendencies are reflective of his broader creative mindset, often channeling the emotions and themes from his music into visual expression.
Soccer and Sports
Though not necessarily an artistic pursuit in the traditional sense, Stewart’s lifelong passion for soccer is another important part of his life outside music. A devoted fan of Celtic FC and Manchester United, Stewart has often used his love for the sport as a way to connect with fans and celebrate his Scottish heritage. He has even played in charity soccer matches and continues to attend games regularly. Soccer represents a form of community and camaraderie for Stewart, offering a different kind of creative outlet—one rooted in teamwork, discipline, and strategy.
Fashion and Style
Rod Stewart's fashion sense has also played a significant role in his public persona. Throughout his career, he has been known for his distinctive style, which blends rock star flamboyance with classic British tailoring. Stewart’s influence on fashion, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, extended beyond his music and contributed to his status as a cultural icon. His sartorial choices—like his penchant for bold prints, spiky hair, and fitted suits—were a form of self-expression that highlighted his creativity outside of his music career.
Writing
Rod Stewart has also dabbled in writing, publishing his autobiography, Rod: The Autobiography, in 2012. The memoir received praise for its candid, humorous, and insightful look into his life and career. In the book, Stewart offers personal reflections on his experiences in the music industry, as well as his passions outside of it. This endeavor showed Stewart's capacity to engage in storytelling and introspection, further solidifying his place as a well-rounded artist.
In summary, Rod Stewart's artistic pursuits outside of music reflect his diverse interests and creative spirit. From his impressive work in model railroading to his love of soccer, fashion, and painting, Stewart has consistently explored new ways to express himself beyond the world of rock and roll.
