The hand of friendship has been offered to bands from Norfolk by one of the biggest pop stars in the world.

As he prepares for his first concert at Carrow Road in June, Rod Stewart told the EDP yesterday: 'Wouldn't it be good if we could get a local band to start the show?'

Mr Stewart said he would be pleased to share the stage with local talent. 'We will see what happens and I am really looking forward to coming to Norwich, especially to play at Carrow Road,' he said.

The devoted Celtic supporter, who is a big fan of city manager Paul Lambert, former Celtic hero and captain, said: 'Your team is doing really well at the moment and they have got a good man in charge. He was a good player and he is a good manager. I'm pleased to see Norwich winning.'

He has also been impressed with the 25,000-plus crowds packing the stadium, week in and week out. Now he hopes for a full house when he arrives for what he promises will be a sensational rock 'n' roll show to light up the city.

'I just love touring. That's what it's all about,' said Rod, now aged 66. He became a father of eight when baby Aiden was born in February. 'Of course it's great but that's it now. No more children,' he said.

He is now about to get together with his band to start rehearsals for the American leg of his 2011 Heart & Soul Tour tour which kicks off in America later this month. 'I have got a fabulous band, we have been together, for a long time, and we all get along so well,' he said.

Then they will return to Britain where the roadshow will play Newbury Racecourse and football grounds at Swansea, Leeds and Aberdeen before heading to Norwich on Wednesday June 8.

'It's going to be a good night. I'll be singing all the old favourites and I may be doing some numbers of my new American Songbook series,' said the legendary showman.

He may be a pensioner he shows no sign of slowing up and is looking forward to the year ahead.

'I love performing just as much as I always did - and it's much easier now than it was in the old days,' he laughed. 'We get looked after better nowadays.'

• Don't miss the Big Interview with Rod in the EDP2 tomorrow.

• Tickets at various prices to see Rod are available from the EDP Office, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich, NR1 1RE. Tel 01603 772175 or visit www.edp24.co.uk.