British rock icon Rod Stewart slammed Donald Trump’s talk of annexing Canada during a July 22 Toronto show, delivering a viral finale celebrating Canadian pride.
British rock legend Sir Rod Stewart turned his July 22 show at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage into a full-blown political rally when he slammed President Donald Trump’s threats to make Canada the “51st state.”
Closing out the sold‑out concert on his One Last Stop Tour, Stewart rolled video footage set to a cheeky parody of Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive,” complete with brand‑new lyrics championing Canadian resilience.
As the audience cheered, the screen displayed lines like, “Your tariffs tried to break us, but we only grew strong… not a snowball’s chance in hell we’ll be your 51st state.” When the music faded, Stewart swaggered back onstage and bellowed, “51st state my f—ing ass,” he told the audience while pumping his fist. “Go on Canada!”
His trademark grin and raised fist turned the moment into an instant viral sensation on TikTok and X, with fans applauding the unfiltered call‑out.
“Never thought I’d see Rod Stewart become our national anthem,” tweeted one Canadian fan, while another joked, “Best political stand since Rush’s ‘Freewill.’” Even American concertgoers have applauded the move as a bold use of rock ’n’ roll to push back on divisive rhetoric.
Stewart—now 80—has long mixed humor and politics onstage, but this was by far his most pointed statement of the tour.
Rod Stewart in Toronto …. "51st state my effn ass". Who doesn't love Rod Stewart? 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/5JjZsV6HF3
— guyfelicella🇨🇦🍁 (@guyfelicella) July 23, 2025
Trump’s “51st state” comments first surfaced this spring amid escalating trade disputes, when the president warned Canada could be absorbed if tariffs didn’t come down. Canadian officials dismissed the remarks at the time, calling them rhetorical bluster.
Stewart’s performance reminded the world that music can deliver a message more effectively than any political speech.
Opening act Cheap Trick joined the spirit of fun, with lead singer Robin Zander later quipping that Toronto fans were “the most Canadian crowd” he’d ever seen. With a career spanning six decades, Stewart has faced everything from chart battles to political protests—but few moments have sparked as much online buzz as this one.
Whether you love him or roll your eyes, Stewart’s Toronto finale will be remembered as a rock‑star‑style mic drop. What did you think of Sir Rod’s grand gesture? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!
