Rod: I wouldn’t play Qatar even for $1m
Star snubs gay-hate state
SIR Rod Stewart has revealed he snubbed a lucrative offer to perform in Qatar over its dismal human rights record.
The rocker entered into the debate over the World Cup being hosted in the Gulf country, where homosexuality is illegal and can be punishable by death.
And Sir Rod, 77, warned any gay fans planning to travel there to be wary.
He said: “I was actually offered a lot of money, over $1million, to play there 15 months ago.
“I turned it down.
It’s not right to go.
And the Iranians should be out too for supplying arms. Tell you what, supporters have got to watch out, haven’t they?”
Sir Rod’s stance is in stark contrast to a host of British stars who are taking the Qatari cash to perform out there.
Singer Robbie Williams, 48, is to play at the Doha Golf Club on December 8, 10 days before the World Cup final, as part of the Qatar Live series of concerts.
Paul O’Grady has slammed the singer for accepting the role. He said: “I’m surprised at Robbie.
“There’ll be a backlash by the LGBTQ community if he does perform.
“No amount of money would get me there.”
Robbie also came under fire for performing at the 2018 tournament in Russia as well as playing to oligarchs who were later sanctioned by the UK Government after Moscow invaded Ukraine.
Fatboy Slim, 59, real name Norman Cook, will be one of the headliners at Qatar’s MDLBeast Aravia festival, along with Jorja Smith, 25.
DJ Calvin Harris and singers Craig David and Tinie Tempah are also all performing at events during the World Cup.
Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, 70, has hit out at musicians taking Qatari money. He said: “It is incredibly hypocritical for these celebrities who have made a big deal of supporting LGBT rights to perform at events run by a viciously homophobic dictatorship.”
The Mirror revealed this month how Sir Rod was renting a house in Berkshire for a family of seven Ukrainians who had fled the war.
He is paying all the bills, too.
The singer has given two other refugees jobs at his Essex mansion, including as a gardener and a housekeeper.
Sir Rod has pledged to address the conflict on stage next month after he kicks off his UK tour this week.