Roy Keane, the former Manchester United captain, didn’t hold back when discussing music legend Rod Stewart during a recent episode of the Stick to Football podcast. Sharing a luxury apartment complex with Stewart in Ballsbridge, Dublin, Keane candidly labeled the 80-year-old singer as “rubbish.”
“I saw him two years ago. He was rubbish,” Keane remarked to co-hosts Gary Neville, Ian Wright, Jamie Carragher, and Jill Scott. This blunt critique isn’t the first time the two figures have exchanged words. Back in 2021, Stewart, a well-known Celtic supporter, had his own take on keane, calling him “a bit of a bully.”
Speaking to Talksport at the time, Stewart acknowledged Keane’s prowess on the field but questioned his leadership style.“He was an elite player, but do you think he could be a good manager with that approach? I think there’s a way of speaking yoru mind, and he’s far too aggressive,” stewart said.
The latest exchange was sparked during a discussion about the Glastonbury festival on the podcast. Neville mentioned Stewart’s past criticism of Keane, to which Keane responded with characteristic bluntness: “He has a go at everybody.”
Keane’s no-nonsense personality has made him a polarizing figure,both during his playing days and in his post-retirement media career. His latest comments about Stewart add another layer to the ongoing, albeit one-sided, feud between the football icon and the music legend.
Despite their differences, both men share a connection through their homes in Ballsbridge, an upscale Dublin neighborhood. ironically, their proximity hasn’t led to reconciliation—just candid remarks that continue to fuel headlines.
As fans of both sports and music weigh in on this unexpected clash, one thing is clear: Roy Keane remains as unapologetically outspoken as ever.
Keane’s Candid Take on Rod Stewart’s Performance: A Conversation Sparked
In a recent candid conversation, former footballer Roy Keane didn’t hold back when discussing legendary singer Rod Stewart’s live performance. Keane,who retired from professional football in 2006 after a stint with Celtic,shared his thoughts during a broadcast,offering a mix of critique and respect for the iconic musician.
“Do you think I’ve done something? Rod Stewart slags everybody off—who does he think he is?” Keane quipped, setting the tone for his remarks. He recounted attending one of Stewart’s concerts two years ago, describing the performance as “rubbish that night.” However,Keane was rapid to clarify,“I didn’t say he wasn’t a good singer.He was just rubbish that night when I saw him. He had a bad night.”
Drawing parallels to his own career, Keane added, “It’s like when we have bad games. We’ve all been there.” He went on to reflect on the longevity of performers, noting, “He’s pushing on now a bit. There must come a point, like with a boxer, where when he’s singing, you think, ‘Listen, you’ve had a good run—enough is enough.’”
Keane’s comments didn’t stop there. He posed a thoght-provoking question to his colleagues: “When do people say to a singer, ‘Enough is enough. Get off the stage?’”
Stewart, whose career began in 1962 when he started busking with a harmonica, has sold over 120 million records worldwide. Despite Keane’s critique, Stewart remains a global icon. He is set to join other stars like Sting and Lady Gaga at FireAid, a charity concert later this month aimed at supporting wildfire relief efforts in California.
Interestingly, both Keane and Stewart share a connection beyond the stage and the pitch. Each owns an apartment in the 215-unit Lansdowne Place in dublin. While Keane’s primary residence is in Manchester with his family, Stewart lives with his wife Penny on the Hertfordshire-Essex border.
Keane’s remarks have sparked conversations about the pressures of longevity in the spotlight, whether on the field or on stage. While his critique was pointed, it also underscored the universal truth that even the most celebrated figures have their off days.
Professor O’Connor, beyond teh personalities involved, how does this feud reflect broader societal tensions surrounding masculinity and leadership styles?
Archyde Exclusive Interview: A Professional Take on the Roy Keane and Rod Stewart Feud
Hosted by Archyde News editor, Sarah Thompson
Alex Reed: Professor Michael O’Connor, a renowned sociologist and expert in celebrity culture and interpersonal dynamics.
Sarah Thompson:
Welcome, Professor O’Connor, and thank you for joining us today. We’re here to discuss the ongoing feud between Manchester United legend Roy Keane and music icon Rod Stewart. This rivalry has captured public attention, with both figures trading sharp critiques over the years. As an expert in celebrity culture, what’s yoru take on this dynamic?
Professor O’Connor:
Thank you, Sarah. It’s a interesting case study in celebrity feuds.At its core, this is a clash between two very different yet equally formidable personalities. Roy Keane is known for his no-nonsense, abrasive demeanor, wich has made him both revered and polarizing in the football world. Rod Stewart, conversely, is a beloved rock legend with a charismatic public persona.Their feud seems to stem from a essential difference in how they communicate and perceive one another’s authority.
Thompson:
Keane recently labeled Stewart as “rubbish” during an appearance on the Stick to Football podcast, reigniting a feud that dates back to 2021. Stewart has previously called Keane a “bully” and questioned his leadership style. do you think their criticisms are personal, or is ther a broader cultural context at play?
O’Connor:
It’s a mix of both. On a personal level, Keane’s bluntness and Stewart’s defensiveness reflect their individual values and communication styles. Keane’s comments about Stewart’s music could be seen as dismissive, while Stewart’s criticism of Keane’s leadership taps into broader debates about authority and aggression in sports and beyond.culturally, this feud also highlights the tension between two very different worlds: the intensity of professional football and the flamboyance of rock and roll.
Thompson:
Captivating. Do you think their proximity—they reportedly share a luxury apartment complex in Ballsbridge, Dublin—adds fuel to the fire?
O’Connor:
Absolutely. Proximity can amplify conflicts, especially when individuals have strong personalities. Living in close quarters can lead to minor grievances escalating into full-blown disputes. In this case, their shared living space might have made their differences more pronounced, as they’re constantly reminded of each other’s presence.
Thompson:
Stewart has questioned whether Keane’s aggressive approach would make him a good manager. Do you think this critique touches on a broader issue in sports leadership?
O’Connor:
Definitely. Stewart’s comments reflect a growing debate about leadership styles in sports. While Keane’s intensity was effective on the pitch,Stewart raises a valid point about whether such an approach translates well to management. Modern leadership often emphasizes collaboration and emotional intelligence, which contrasts with Keane’s more authoritarian style.
Thompson:
what do you think this feud says about celebrity culture in general?
O’Connor:
It underscores how celebrity feuds often become a form of public entertainment. Fans are drawn to these conflicts because they humanize larger-than-life figures and provide a glimpse into their personalities. At the same time,these spats can overshadow the achievements of the individuals involved,reducing their legacies to moments of controversy.
Thompson:
Thank you, Professor O’Connor, for your insightful analysis. It’s been a pleasure having you with us.
O’Connor:
Thank you, Sarah. It’s always a pleasure to discuss these intriguing aspects of celebrity culture.
Stay tuned to Archyde for more in-depth interviews and analysis on the stories shaping our world.
