Introduction
ROD STEWART REVEALED A SECRET FROM HIS WILDEST ROCK ’N’ ROLL DAYS — BUT WHAT HAPPENED INSIDE JAMES CORDEN’S CAR LEFT EVERYONE LAUGHING!
What happens when one of rock music’s greatest legends climbs into an ordinary car, turns on the radio, and starts revealing stories from a life that has spanned more than half a century of musical history? The answer is one of the most unforgettable episodes of Carpool Karaoke ever recorded. When Rod Stewart joined James Corden for a drive through Los Angeles in July 2015, nobody could have predicted just how entertaining the journey would become. Between timeless songs, outrageous memories, unexpected confessions, and a surprise appearance by a famous rapper, the legendary British singer reminded audiences why his personality has always been every bit as remarkable as his voice.
On July 14, 2015, Rod Stewart, then 70 years old, appeared alongside James Corden on CBS’s The Late Late Show for an episode of Carpool Karaoke that quickly became a memorable celebration of rock-and-roll history. What began as a seemingly ordinary drive to work turned into a journey through Stewart’s extraordinary musical career. From the opening moments, the chemistry between the two British entertainers was unmistakable. Corden’s enthusiasm was infectious, while Stewart responded with the relaxed confidence of a man who had spent decades performing before enormous crowds and had accumulated more stories than most people could tell in a lifetime.
The musical adventure began with “The First Cut Is the Deepest,” a song that has occupied a special place in Stewart’s repertoire for generations. Originally written by Cat Stevens, the composition became one of Stewart’s most beloved recordings when he released his interpretation in 1976. Its emotional honesty, delicate melody, and unforgettable refrain perfectly complement his unmistakable raspy voice. As the familiar recording filled the car, Corden enthusiastically joined in, expressing his genuine admiration for the song. Stewart, meanwhile, sang with the casual ease of someone revisiting an old friend rather than performing a carefully rehearsed television number.
For Americans who grew up during the golden age of radio, the moment carried a particular nostalgic charm. There was something wonderfully familiar about two people singing together while driving through the city. No elaborate stage, no complicated lighting, and no orchestra were necessary. All that mattered was a great song and the pleasure of sharing it. Stewart’s voice, seasoned by decades of performances, still possessed the unmistakable character that made him one of the defining singers of the 1970s. Even in the casual setting of a moving car, his musical identity remained instantly recognizable.
But as the conversation shifted from music to memories, the atmosphere became considerably more unpredictable. Corden asked Stewart to recall the most outrageous moments from his rock-and-roll career, particularly his years performing with The Faces, the famously energetic British group that helped establish his reputation before his solo career reached extraordinary heights. Stewart laughed as he remembered the band’s rebellious reputation, especially their notorious adventures in American hotels. According to his account, the musicians had developed a habit of creating such extraordinary disturbances that certain establishments eventually refused to welcome them.
Then came one of the funniest revelations of the entire journey. Stewart claimed that The Faces had once been banned from Holiday Inn hotels, forcing the group to check in under another famous band’s name: Fleetwood Mac. The story left Corden thoroughly entertained. Stewart explained that the band’s rowdy reputation and large gatherings had contributed to their difficulties with hotel management. Whether every detail has survived the passage of time precisely as it happened is impossible to establish from the anecdote alone, but the story captured the mischievous spirit that characterized an unforgettable era of British rock music.