Rod Stewart has enjoyed an incredible career. On stage since the 1960s, Sir Roderick sits on a goldmine of sing-a-long tunes as one of the best-selling artists of all time. After a chorus of bagpipes, Rod opens his show in Manchester with a cover of Robert Palmer’s 1986 hit ‘Addicted to Love’.
Starting with a cover may be an odd choice, but this lays down the theme of the night. It would go on to be a set sprinkled with covers of handpicked tunes that the 77-year-old describes as the “songs of his heroes”.
Sam Cooke’s ‘Twistin The Night Away’ is a highlight later in the show, whilst his version of Etta James’ ‘I’d Rather Go Blind’ is dedicated to his late “dear friend” Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie, who passed away in November.
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It is refreshing to hear an artist explain their connection to songs in such depth. Rod illustrates his set with anecdotes from his remarkable time in the industry, including a story about his first-ever appearance in Manchester, on stage at The Twisted Wheel at the age of 13.
Of course it’s not just covers of other artists - Rod’s own magic shines through with performances of hits including ‘Tonight’s the Night’, ‘Have I Told You Lately’ and disco anthem ‘Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?’
Whilst the audience is predominantly made up of fans who have grown up with the Scot, it’s tracks like ‘Baby Jane’ that get those of all ages on their feet. ‘Maggie May’, his stand-out single taken from 1971’s ‘Every Picture Tells A Story’, is understandably another highlight.
Rod is joined on stage by a talented group of backing singers and musicians - including fiddle players and a harpist. The female vocalists provide brilliant backing to Rod - but there is also opportunity for them to take the limelight themselves, during Rod’s (many) outfit change-interludes. The singers take on a blistering version of Donna Summer’s ‘Hot Stuff’ as well as lighting up the crowd with ‘Lady Marmalade’.
Rod’s love of fashion and expression is just as strong as it ever was - as he is adorned in zebra print, sparkles and sequins throughout the night. He emerges from the wings wearing a yellow shirt and blue blazer as the first notes of his 1991 hit ‘Rhythm of my Heart’ are played.
Against a backdrop of the images from the war in Ukraine, the crowd cheers as Rod explains how the song’s lyrics were originally written about the Vietnam war - but that now “we have to be with the Ukrainians”.
This is not the only poignant message of the night, as 70s anthem ‘You’re In My Heart’ is accompanied by a visual backdrop of archive footage from his beloved Celtic FC, and ballad ‘Sailing’ is dedicated to the late Queen - who he performed for earlier this year at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
The two hour set comes to an end with ‘Stay with Me’ - the second Faces number of the night after ‘Ooh La La’, before Rod wishes Manchester a Merry Christmas and the curtain falls.
Swinging his microphone stand in the air, dancing around the stage and interacting with his legion of fans, Rod jokes that he “should know better at his age” - but if tonight’s performance is anything to go by, he isn’t ready to slow down any time soon.
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