Rod Stewart’s Almost Collaborations: The Artists He Nearly Worked With
Rod Stewart — the raspy-voiced rock legend known for timeless hits like “Maggie May” and “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?” — has had a career spanning six decades and counting. Throughout these years, the iconic British rocker has shared the stage and studio with some of the biggest names in music. But what about those almost-collaborations that never quite made it to the spotlight? That’s right, there’s a treasure trove of near-misses and behind-the-scenes stories involving artists Rod Stewart nearly worked with, revealing just how eclectic and adventurous his musical interests truly are.
In this deep dive, we’re unearthing the fascinating tales of the major talents Rod Stewart was this close to teaming up with. From blues rock legends to powerhouse vocalists, these almost collaborations show a different side of Rod’s artistic journey — and trust us, they’re juicy.
Eric Clapton: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Dream That Almost Was
One of the most buzzworthy “what if?” moments in Rod Stewart’s career is his near collaboration with Eric Clapton. Both British rock royalty, these two icons have shared a mutual respect for decades, even jamming together on occasion. It was long rumored that Rod and Eric considered working on an album or at least a few tracks together.
Imagine the pairing: Stewart’s gritty, passionate vocals paired with Clapton’s signature blues guitar licks. It would have given fans a blend of rock, blues, and soul that few acts can match. Unfortunately, various scheduling conflicts and label issues ultimately shelved the project indefinitely. Still, the idea lingers as one of the great “almost matched” collaborations in rock history.
Tina Turner: The Queen of Rock ‘n’ Soul Who Nearly Joined Forces
Another legendary artist Rod nearly worked with is the incomparable Tina Turner. Known for her electrifying stage presence and powerhouse voice, Tina and Rod share a similar energy and raw emotion in their music. Rumor has it that Rod was considering a duet or joint tour with Tina during the late ’80s when both artists were at the peak of their solo careers.
Though nothing was officially confirmed, insiders suggest there was mutual interest behind the scenes. A duet between Tina and Rod would have been an explosive soulful-rock combination, potentially creating another unforgettable classic to add to their impressive catalogs. Sadly, this collaboration brushed past reality, leaving fans to imagine what could have been.
Stevie Nicks: A Missed Chance on a Rock Collaboration
Stevie Nicks, the mystic voice behind Fleetwood Mac and a solo powerhouse, is another artist Rod Stewart was reportedly interested in working with. Their voices are distinct but complementary—both known for emotional depth and a raw edge that connects deeply with audiences.
While the two did cross paths in music circles, nothing materialized beyond friendly exchanges and shared admiration. A collaboration between Rod Stewart and Stevie Nicks would have definitely been a standout moment blending rock and folk vibes in a powerful way.
Why These Almost Collaborations Matter
Rod Stewart’s near partnerships with these legendary artists highlight something essential: his ever-curious musical spirit. Rod has never been confined to one sound or one style, constantly exploring different genres and sounds, from rock and blues to folk and pop. These “what could have been” collaborations shine a light on his desire to push boundaries and unite diverse talents.
For fans, these stories are a bittersweet peek behind the curtain. You can’t help but wonder how these projects might have shaped the musical landscape or tweaked Rod’s discography. More than that, these near-misses remind us that behind every superstar, there’s a web of connections, plans, and projects that sometimes just don’t align — but always leave a trace of creative energy.
What’s Next for Rod Stewart?
In recent years, Rod Stewart has kept busy with tours, new music releases, and even exploring different styles, including a surprising move into the Great American Songbook with his “American Songbook” album series. Who knows? Maybe at some point in the near future, Rod will finally surprise fans with a high-profile collaboration that makes up for some of these missed connections.
Until then, fans can keep dreaming about what might have been if Rod Stewart had teamed up with iconic artists like Eric Clapton, Tina Turner, or Stevie Nicks. One thing is for sure — his legacy as one of rock’s most enduring voices remains untouchable, with or without these epic duets.
For all Rod Stewart fans eager to stay in the loop, keep following for updates on potential collaborations and exclusive interviews where more tantalizing stories about “almost” projects could come to light. Because in the world of music legends, sometimes the greatest stories are those that never quite happened.
By: koalafriend
