Forever Young

The Zoo Crew is spinning the heartfelt anthem "Forever Young" by Rod Stewart from his 1988 album Out of Order, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This song holds a special place in Stewart’s heart, as he revealed in a 1995 Mojo magazine interview that he wrote it for his children, Sean and Kimberly, after realizing he’d missed five years of their lives due to his intense touring schedule. Stewart shared, “I love ‘Forever Young’ because that was a real heartfelt song about my kids… With these kids now I don’t make that mistake—I take them on tour with me, so I can watch them grow up.” This personal connection makes the song’s lyrics, like “Be courageous and be brave / And in my heart you’ll always stay / Forever young,” resonate deeply with listeners.

Another fascinating tidbit about "Forever Young" is its connection to Bob Dylan’s 1973 song of the same name. Stewart’s manager, Arnold Stiefel, explained to the Los Angeles Times that while the melody and music differ, the lyrical structure was similar enough that they sent the song to Dylan for approval. Out of respect, Stewart and Dylan agreed to share songwriting credits, and Stewart donated his royalties to organizations helping the homeless in America. The song’s universal appeal was amplified when NBC Sports used it in a commercial featuring highlights from major events like the 1988 Summer Olympics and Super Bowl, cementing its status as an American anthem, even though it only peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The music video for "Forever Young" adds a nostalgic layer, filmed on Potrero Road in Hidden Valley, Ventura County, California. It features Stewart singing to a child, played by Alex Zuckerman, against a backdrop of rural American scenes. Stewart’s emotional delivery shines in various renditions of the song, including a mellow version on his 1996 compilation If We Fall in Love Tonight, a piano-accompanied take on the 2009 The Rod Stewart Sessions 1971-1998, and live performances like his 1993 MTV Unplugged session and a 2014 duet with his daughter Ruby Stewart at the Festival de Viña del Mar in Chile. Fans on Facebook often share how the song’s uplifting message has touched their lives, with some recalling its use at weddings and memorials.

Rod Stewart, born Roderick David Stewart on January 10, 1945, in Highgate, London, kicked off his musical journey in the early 1960s with a blend of grit and passion. Growing up in a working-class family, Stewart was the youngest of five, enjoying a “fantastically happy” childhood filled with football and railway modeling. His music career began in 1962 when he took up busking with a harmonica, inspired by folk artists like Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan. By 1963, he joined the Dimensions as a harmonica player and vocalist, and in 1964, he became part of Long John Baldry and the All Stars. His big break came in 1967 with the Jeff Beck Group, followed by his role in Faces in 1969, where he honed his raspy, soulful voice. That same year, he launched his solo career with An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down, but it was his 1971 album Every Picture Tells a Story and the hit “Maggie May” that skyrocketed him to global fame.

Stewart’s early life wasn’t just about music—he embraced beatnik culture and left-wing politics, joining the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament’s Aldermaston Marches from 1961 to 1963, even getting arrested during sit-ins. He worked odd jobs, from laboring at Highgate Cemetery to designing wallpaper (until his color blindness got him fired). His love for Celtic football, a nod to his Scottish roots via his father, remains a lifelong passion, often celebrated in posts on his Instagram. With over 120 million records sold, Stewart’s versatility across rock, folk, soul, and disco has earned him inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist (1994) and with Faces (2012), plus a knighthood in 2016 for his contributions to music and charity.

Zoo Freaks can stay connected with Rod Stewart through his Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where he shares tour updates, throwback photos, and personal moments, like his model railway hobby. Fans also gather on sites like Rod Stewart Fan Club for exclusive content and community events. On Facebook groups like Rod Stewart Fans, Zoo Freaks can swap stories, memorabilia, and concert memories, keeping the spirit of “Forever Young” alive.