Sir Rod Stewart and Jools Holland surprise onlookers at St. Pancras International to celebrate the announcement of their new album
St. Pancras International played host to a surprise performance by Sir Rod Stewart and Jools Holland today, with an exclusive performance of songs from the duo’s upcoming album ‘Swing Fever’, set for release in February 2024 via Warner Music.
Spectators were thrilled as Stewart and Holland, who are both model railway enthusiasts, chose to delight travellers and shoppers alongside an 18-piece band with a surprise performance within the station’s main Arcade in front of the magical St. Pancras Christmas Tree. The performance follows in the footsteps of world-famous performers including Elton John, Ed Sheeran, John Legend, and Jeff Goldblum, as well as the public day-to-day, and celebrates the duo’s album announcement earlier today.
Public pianos were launched at St. Pancras International in 2012 when the City of London Festival celebrated its golden anniversary on a grand scale. The pianos remained available to play ever since, with Elton John also gifting a piano to St. Pancras himself in 2016. The station has become known for regular performances from stars, talented members of the local area, and even visitors from afar. The station’s main Arcade, which is host to the pianos, has become a hub of cultural activity over the years, creating a strong sense of community and lively destination for exciting arts experiences.
Wendy Spinks, Commercial Director at St. Pancras and HS1 Ltd, said: “As a destination at the forefront of new and exciting arts and music experiences, we were honoured to host Sir Rod Stewart and welcome back Jools Holland for an impromptu performance today. It was a brilliant surprise that brought smiles to star-struck Christmas shoppers and those travelling through. One of many incredible magical moments at St. Pancras this season!”
Sir Rod Stewart and Jools Holland’s album, ‘Swing Fever’, is a 13-track sparkling salute to the timeless songs of the big band years. For the first time, Britain's new partners in swing have united on record to share their peerless dexterity on a tribute to such truly great songs as 'Ain't Misbehavin’, 'Frankie And Johnny’, 'Sentimental Journey' and 'Lullaby Of Broadway’.
Jools Holland, commenting on the spontaneous charm of Swing Fever, said: "The effect that this music has on me, and whenever I put it on where people are, they feel this thing, they want to move. Music is an expression of a lot of different things, and joy is an important part of what it does. You can feel the joy in this music, and it's unashamed joy as well.
