The iconic Rod Stewart brings a phenomenal and exclusive set to Radio 2 Live In Hyde Park

BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show presenter, Chris Evans, today announced that rock icon Rod Stewart is to play a one-time-only performance of some of his most popular but rarely performed hits at this year’s BBC Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park on Sunday 13 September in London.

With his singular voice, narrative songwriting and passionate live performances, Rod Stewart has built one of the most successful and enduring music careers of all time. Having recently passed his 50th anniversary as a recording artist, the two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee continues to add new chapters to an incomparable career. His 28th solo studio album, 2013’s global smash Time, entered the UK Albums Chart at No. 1, setting a new British record for the longest gap between No.1 albums - and marking the end of his nearly 20-year hiatus from songwriting.

Rod Stewart said: “This show is going to be a one-time-only experience. I'm excited to do some of the fan favourites that I also love — in football terms, these are the impact players that often get left on the bench.”

Stewart intends to draw from some of his most acclaimed hits from throughout his legendary career including In A Broken Dream (1969), Gasoline Alley (1970), Losing You (1971), Angel (1972), The Killing of Georgie (1976), I Was Only Joking (1978), Passion (1980), Every Beat of My Heart (1986), Motown Song (1991), Tom Traubert’s Blues (1992). Word has it, he will be debuting a few new surprises from an upcoming release.

‘A Festival in a Day’ taking place in London’s Hyde Park will also include a host of other musical greats including Bryan Adams, Giorgio Moroder, The Corrs, Leona Lewis, Kate Rusby, Will Young, Shaun Escoffery, and The Shires and Ward Thomas.

Jeff Smith, Head of Music for Radio 2 and 6 Music says: “It’s a complete honour to have Rod Stewart joining us for Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park this year. So many of Radio 2’s listeners have loved Rod’s music over the decades and I know Rod has put together a really special set of music for them and this special show Live In Hyde Park.”

Now in its fifth year, Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park is one of the live music highlights of the BBC Music calendar, with past performers including Jeff Lynne’s ELO, Smokey Robinson, Jessie J and Sir Tom Jones.

Coverage of the event, including full sets and performances from the day, will be available to watch on BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer and the Radio 2 website, which will also feature exclusive backstage footage, acoustic sessions and interviews from the event.