Sir Rod Stewart’s Ukraine Tribute Sparks Controversy at Leipzig Concert

British music icon Sir Rod Stewart recently found himself at the center of controversy during a concert in Leipzig, Germany, where he faced a divided audience response to his outspoken support for Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia.

The incident occurred during Stewart’s sold-out performance when he introduced his hit song Rhythm of My Heart with a heartfelt tribute to Ukraine. The singer, adorned in the colors of the Ukrainian flag, dedicated the song to the Ukrainian people and their armed forces.

He further expressed his sentiments by publicly denouncing Russian President Vladimir Putin, which was met with a wave of boos and whistles from parts of the audience, as reported by German media outlets.

In concerts held in Copenhagen and Amsterdam, Rod Stewart’s support for Ukraine was appreciated by the audience. Beyond his music, he has also been active in helping Ukrainian refugees in the UK, reportedly offering them housing.

Germany, a key European player in the ongoing conflict, has been largely supportive of Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022.

However, the country’s stance has also sparked internal debate and political shifts. Michael Roth, a prominent foreign policy figure within Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s SPD party, publicly praised Stewart’s gesture as a symbol of solidarity with Ukraine. Nevertheless, public opinion remains divided, with concerns about Germany’s involvement potentially escalating the conflict or its financial implications.

The mixed reception Stewart faced reflects broader societal divisions within Germany, highlighted by recent gains made by far-left and far-right political factions opposed to the government’s support for Ukraine in the recent EU elections.

These developments underscore the complexity of international solidarity efforts amidst geopolitical tensions.

Read full article at Yahoo.