British pop singer Rod Stewart faced a hostile reception at a concert in Leipzig, Germany last week when he voiced his support for Ukraine. The crowd responded with boos when Stewart displayed images of the Ukrainian flag, devastation in Ukraine, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on a large screen behind him, while saluting Zelenskyy. He then shouted, “F*** Putin,” and dedicated his 1991 song ‘Rhythm of My Heart’ to Ukraine, a gesture that has become a recurring theme in his performances.
The jeering from the Leipzig audience is seen as a reflection of a growing unease in eastern Germany regarding the West’s continued support for Ukraine. Recent polls indicate that nearly half of voters in the region favor reduced assistance to Ukraine. Stewart has been a vocal critic of Russia since the start of its full-scale invasion in 2022, even offering support to a family of seven Ukrainian refugees fleeing the conflict.
Stewart’s current tour, billed as his final European tour, includes upcoming stops in Hamburg, Munich, Paris, and Vienna. It remains to be seen if the rock icon will continue to express his vocal support for Ukraine at these future performances.
