by At first glance, Michael Bublé and Rod Stewart may seem like unlikely friends.
Bublé is known for his smooth jazz stylings and classic pop covers, while Stewart is a rock legend with a raspy voice and rebellious image. However, over the past decade these two musical icons have developed an obvious rapport, often praising one another in interviews and even collaborating on stage together. So how did a crooner nearly 40 years Stewart’s junior forge such a strong connection with one of rock and roll’s enduring figures? A closer look at their shared experiences suggests bonding over mutual respect, musical collaboration, and off-stage interactions likely played a key role in their unlikely friendship.
Mutual Respect and Admiration
No matter their stylistic differences, it’s clear Bublé and Stewart hold immense respect for one another’s talents and careers. Stewart has called Bublé “one of the greatest singers in the world” with “incredible technique,” while Bublé says of Stewart, “he’s the best, he’s the king.” Sharing the stage together has surely fostered appreciation. Both men have experienced immense commercial success through sheer dedication to their craft over decades. Watching each other perform live, they’ve likely gained newfound respect for the other’s stage presence, work ethic, and ability to connect with an audience.
This mutual admiration was on full display when the pair sang a duet of “Sway” together at one of Stewart’s concerts in 2010. Introducing Bublé, Stewart said, “I’ve watched this man from the very beginning and marveled at his talent.” For his part, Bublé has said Stewart was one of his earliest musical inspirations. Experiencing their talents up close through co-headlining tours has deepened the respect between these two living legends.
Shared Experiences on the Road
In 2011 and 2013, Bublé and Stewart embarked on co-headlining North American tours together, spending months criss-crossing the continent and performing for packed stadium crowds night after night. Touring together at this scale provides a bonding experience like no other. It’s easy to imagine the camaraderie built while traveling together on luxurious tour buses, swapping stories of epic shows and industry changes over the decades, or commiserating over life on the road away from family.
Behind the scenes, they’ve surely bonded over more grounded tour experiences too – from sound checks to meet-and-greets, dealing with demanding fans or fickle weather. The grueling pace of touring also fosters understanding of the challenges one another face. These shared experiences over many months on the road have clearly created a tight bond between Bublé and Stewart that comes through in their public admiration of one another to this day.
Collaborating Creatively on Stage
While touring together, Bublé and Stewart took their connection to another level through on-stage collaborations. Beyond Stewart’s guest introduction of Bublé, the pair have frequently joined forces for rousing duets. At various tour stops they performed soulful renditions of classics like “Sway,” “It Takes Two,” and “Have I Told You Lately.” Throwing themselves into these musical partnerships before massive crowds requires intense trust, communication, and creative synergy between artists.
The positive audience reactions to their collaborations no doubt spurred Bublé and Stewart to keep testing their vocal chemistry. Working together intimately to craft memorable musical moments is a bonding experience like no other. It’s clear they relish the challenge of blending their distinct styles seamlessly before fans. Their on-stage collaborations show not just mutual respect, but a true artistic rapport has developed between these two masters of pop and rock.
Off-Stage Friendship
While touring fuels on-stage chemistry, it’s the off-stage interactions that often cement true personal bonds between artists. Based on their glowing quotes about one another, it’s evident Bublé and Stewart’s relationship has evolved into a strong friendship outside of work as well. They’ve surely spent downtime socializing and getting to know one another on a personal level away from the demands of performing.
With Stewart’s reputation as a notorious prankster and storyteller, he likely keeps Bublé entertained on the road. And their families sometimes join tours, allowing opportunities to bond over shared experiences of balancing career and family. Five years after their first co-headlining tour, Bublé spoke of Stewart like “family,” suggesting their rapport has evolved into a meaningful personal connection and mutual support system over the years. While their musical styles differ, it seems Bublé and Stewart’s personalities mesh well and genuine caring has developed between the friends.
An Unlikely But Lasting Bond
In the span of just one decade, Michael Bublé and Rod Stewart have forged an unlikely but lasting bond through sharing the rock and roll stage together. Their connection stems from a foundation of mutual artistic respect built over witnessing one another’s immense talents up close and in person. Months spent touring side by side then nurtured camaraderie through shared experiences on the road. Collaborating musically before massive crowds demonstrated true creative rapport between the superstars.
And it’s through off-stage interactions that their professional relationship evolved into a strong personal friendship. While their styles differ, a genuine caring and support for one another has developed over the years. The unlikely pairing of a jazz crooner nearly 40 years Stewart’s junior with a rock legend has blossomed into one of music’s most heartwarming friendships. Through touring together, Bublé and Stewart’s bond shows how sharing life on the road can cultivate lasting and meaningful bonds between even the most disparate of artists.
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