Everyone felt "Forever Young", sailing away with Rod Stewart and The Young Turks

Rod Stewart at Motorpoint Arena Nottingham:
 

Sadly, only one song remains from 2013's Time, which saw him return to songwriting, inspired by having explored old memories in 'Rod', his entertaining autobiography. Don't Stop Me Now goes down a storm, but Time's best songs, It's Over and Brighton Beach, are absent tonight, their place taken by 80s hits. The backdrop to Rhythm of my Heart does manage to feature a VE Day front page from the Nottingham Evening Post; and 1978's Hot Legs is particularly strong.
 

Rod Stewart wows thousands at Carlisle concert

Sir Rod Stewart wowed thousands of fans at Carlisle's Brunton Park with a packed night full of top class entertainment.

The newly-knighted superstar led a party on the pitch as about 16,000 people danced and sang the night away.

Showing he's still got stamina, style and his raspy voice the rocker performed a near two-hour set, with four changes of glitzy blazers, 25 songs and plenty of dancing.

Kicking things off with We're Having A Party the concert was a treat for fans from start to finish. He also sang his hits Some Guys Have All The Luck, Maggie May and You Wear It Well before bringing down the house with Da Ya Think I'm Sexy.

Rod's performance went down a storm as he crooned slower songs and rocked out others. Lynn and Neil Fraser, of Longtown, thought he was absolutely brilliant.

Neil, who first listened to Rod on vinyl, said: "I've followed him since I was 16 or 17. He can still put on a performance."

Throughout the night a relaxed Sir Rod commanded the stage like the old hand he is. Sitting down on stage to get comfortable, walking down among the front row, dancing around, kicking footballs into the crowd and serenading Brunton Park as they held up their torch lights and swayed.

As well as singing his own songs, Rod treated fans to a few covers including The First Cut is the Deepest and Etta James' I'd Rather Go Blind.

After a few acoustic songs, the crowd got going again and found their dancing shoes for a rendition of Young Hearts Run Free by Candi Stanton. Although people were not meant to stand on the sides, there was no stopping the dancers.

One member of Rod Stewart's fan club was is seeing him in Carlisle tonight for the 215th time. By the end of the year Barb Almond, of Lancashire, will have been at 220 of her idol's concerts.

She was with three others she's met though the fan club - Sue Oates, 64, from Scunthorpe, Louise Cotton, 57, of Staffordshire, and Maureen Davison, 66, of Buckinghamshire.

They have travelled as far as Rio in Brazil and were donning their signed memorabilia including a flag signed by the whole band and Rod himself which they claim is priceless.

"I've followed him for years. We go where he goes," said Barb, 63.

Maureen said: "He's never a let down but you never know what to expect. There's always a surprise

Rod Stewart ended the night by wishing Carlisle United good luck before a spectacular firework display that lit up the night's sky with fireballs of red, green and white.

Rod Stewart rocks Inverness… And hints that he could soon return

Veteran rocker Rod Stewart made a triumphant return to Inverness at the weekend – and teased fans by hinting that he could soon be sailing back to complete a Highland hat-trick.

Newly-knighted Sir Rod was bowled over by the rousing reception he received at the Caledonian Stadium, one of only two Scottish dates on his current “Hits” tour.

He revealed that no crowd had ever before managed to sing, unprompted, an entire verse from his 1971 classic Maggie May, until 18,000 belted it out in Inverness.

And as he returned to the stage for his encore, Sir Rod thanked the “brilliant” audience, and sent them into raptures by saying: “See you in three years.”

The 71-year-old, who had played the same stadium in 2010, clearly has no plans to retire, and on the evidence of Saturday night, why should he?

“I might be old but I can still rock, you know,” Sir Rod informed his tartan-clad backing singers mid-set, before launching into Ooh La La from his period in the Faces.

The day had begun several hours earlier for many of those who travelled from across the Highlands and Scotland for the gig.

Trains and buses from the north, south, east and west were bursting with fans as they converged on a sun-kissed Highland capital, creating a buzz of anticipation in the city centre throughout the afternoon.

Long queues to get into the stadium did not dampen the spirits, and the night soon got under way with a soulful set from Sir Rod’s daughter Ruby Stewart, and her band The Sisterhood.

Ruby was as impressed with the setting and atmosphere as her dad, declaring that it was the “best audience so far on the tour”.

Then, with the stage set, Sir Rod made his first appearance of the night to an adapted rendition of George Frideric Handel’s “Zadok the Priest” – better known to many as the theme to the Champion’s League football tournament.

It may have been the first time that 18,000 people had heard that song play at the stadium, but Caley Jags fans might dream that it will not be the last.

It was the green-and-white of Glasgow giants Celtic which was most prominently on display at the Caledonian Stadium on Saturday night, however, as their number one fan took to the stage in Inverness.

“It’s a lovely night, a little chilly, but we will warm you up,” Sir Rod said after kicking off his 24-song set with “Having A Party”.

Introducing “Can’t Stop Me Now” from his 2013 Time album, the Londoner paid tribute to his Edinburgh-born father Robert Stewart for keeping faith in him before his big break, when “nobody else wanted to know”.

Donning a black-and-white leopard print jacket, Sir Rod was soon wowing the crowd with classics such as “You Wear It Well” and “Forever Young”, before displaying impressive technique for a man of his years as he volleyed more than a dozen footballs into the crowd during another Faces hit, “Stay With Me”.

With Scotland boss Gordon Strachan among those watching, the rocker may have been hoping that it was still not too late for a call-up.

After a 10 minute half-time break, Sir Rod turned up the tempo on his return to the stage, delighting fans with sing-a-long renditions of “Rhythm Of My Heart” and “Maggie May”.

“I tell you, that is the first time ever an audience has sung the entire verse,” he said after the latter.

The crowd had been on their feet since the moment Sir Rod took to the stage shortly after 8.30pm, but sat back in their seats, some of which were priced at up to £125 for the night, as he embarked on an acoustic section featuring “You’re in My Heart”, “The First Cut Is The Deepest” and “Ooh La La”.

A thumping Muddy Waters cover followed soon after, before Sir Rod rolled back the years with “Baby Jane” from 1983 and “Hot Legs” from 1977.

Paying homage to his Scottish roots, he went on to lead the crowd on an evocative rendition of “Wild Mountain Thyme”, while a giant Saltire shimmered on the huge stage screens behind.

Arms were then linked for “Sailing”, before Sir Rod returned to the stage for an extended encore version of “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy” – and a hint that he could be back before long.

As the thousands slowly made their way home under the Kessock Bridge, many were already eagerly-awaiting the return of the consummate showman

Caught Live! Rocker Rod gives fans a knight to remember at Rugby Park

SIR Rod Stewart gave us a knight to remember as he rocked the scrum at Killie’s Rugby Park.

Looking resplendent in his black and white leopard skin jacket against a stage which featured chequered piano, bongo and drum kit the Sexy singer was in his element as he blasted out Sam Cooke song We’re Having A Party. And so we did.

This Ole Heart Of Mine got hips shoogling and arms swaying while Tonight Is The Night was met by a chorusing crowd who knew every lyric.

As an intro to Can’t Stop Me Now Rod told his fans: “As you know my dad was from Leith and he supported me when record companies didn’t want to know. They said my nose was too big, my hair wasn’t right, my clothes weren’t right. Good old Bob Stewart.”

Songs like Forever Young were popular with their celtic twists and fiddling solos and even a costume change by Rod ( who donned a black sequin jacket) mid song and Tom Waits cover Downtown Train got everyone screaming as Rod met his front row and was showered with saltires and Celtic scarves to the sound of the sax.

Faces song Stay With Me also saw Rod arrive on stage in a resplendant regal looking red jacket as he kicked footballs into the crowd.

His audience lapped up every track, but it was the even bigger hits like Rhythm Of My Heart, Baby Jane, You’re In My Heart and Maggie May that got the soon to be chilly crowd going as dusk fell.

After the brilliant Hot Legs and Sailing Rod didn’t even need to ask the question Do Ya Think I’m Sexy.

He was tastier than a Killie Pie.

Sir Rod and Penny enjoy a day at Royal Ascot. 15/06/2015

Rod Stewart rocks Hull's KCOM Stadium with spellbinding concert

Arise Sir Rod, your public awaits you. He may be knocking on a bit but there's no denying there's still plenty of petrol in the tank, twinkle in the eye and lead in the pencil for Rod Stewart – the newest member of the rock aristocracy.

The legendary rocker arrived at Hull's KCOM Stadium last night after months of anticipation and it's fair to say he didn't disappoint.

In fact, "didn't disappoint" is being mealy mouthed, he blew the stadium away in a two-and-a-half-hour concert that seemed to fly by.

There was no filler, no lulls, no dead spots, just pure 100 per cent classics that even the most casual of rock fans will know of by heart and be able to sing along with.

Special mention must go to warm-up acts The Mariachis, a Mexican outfit giving twisted sombrero makeovers to songs such as Don't You Want Me Baby And The Final Countdown.

The four-piece put a huge smile on the audience's faces before Rod's own daughter Ruby took to the stage with her band The Sisterhood, a talented duo with tight vocal harmonies and a heartfelt performance. I suspect they'd be brilliant in a smokey dimly-lit club. After-party in The Adelphi anyone?

But then it was time for the main event.

Strutting his stuff in front of a packed out 25,000 audience Rod the Mod wandered on displaying a twinkle toed charm that belied his 71-years and helped roll back the decades to remind you exactly why he's up there with the likes of The Stones and The Who.

The newly-minted knight may be considered a national treasure these days, a heritage act rather than a young buck contender, but with heritage like this I'm more willing to get down with a spot of history for the evening

I think this is the first time I've ever been to Hull," he announced playfully as he strode on stage.

"Unless I was here in the 60s and I cant remember it."

Half of the singer's appeal is the fact that he comes across as a down-to-earth bloke, a bit cheeky, a bit of a rascal, the sort of geezer you'd love to have a pint with down the pub. The guy's got charisma by the bucket load.

And he even seemed to bring the sun with him.

The former Faces singer reckoned he'd watched the weather report before he'd come on stage and "it was raining everywhere but Hull".

Decked out in a white, leopard-print coat and black drainpipe strides he started proceedings with the apt Having A Party before launching into Some Guys Have All The Luck.

And from thereon in the hits just kept on tumbling out.

This Old Heart Of Mine, Tonight's The Night, Angel – dedicated to Muhammad Ali – You Wear It Well, Forever Young, Downtown Train made up the first half before the singer and his band took ten minutes. He probably wanted to go check on the footballs scores.

The second half kicked off – much like the singer's regular forays launching signed balls into the audience with what looked like a sweet right foot – with Rhythm of My Heart before he plunged into a back catalogue that contains a treasure trove of hits including Maggie May, You're in My Heart, I Don't Want to Talk About It, Sailing and Baby Jane.

My own personal highlight of the night was the stripped back acoustic version of First Cut Is The Deepest which showcased just how strong the singer's gravelled tones still are after all these years and swimwear models.

"Still not raining" he says, looking skywards with a grin before the encore is the now obligatory Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?

This Old Heart Of Mine, Tonight's The Night, Angel – dedicated to Muhammad Ali – You Wear It Well, Forever Young, Downtown Train made up the first half before the singer and his band took ten minutes. He probably wanted to go check on the footballs scores.

The second half kicked off – much like the singer's regular forays launching signed balls into the audience with what looked like a sweet right foot – with Rhythm of My Heart before he plunged into a back catalogue that contains a treasure trove of hits including Maggie May, You're in My Heart, I Don't Want to Talk About It, Sailing and Baby Jane.

My own personal highlight of the night was the stripped back acoustic version of First Cut Is The Deepest which showcased just how strong the singer's gravelled tones still are after all these years and swimwear models.

"Still not raining" he says, looking skywards with a grin before the encore is the now obligatory Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?

The production values were absolutely stunning.

The huge videos screen were lavish, the sound impeccable and the set design a colourful feast for the eyes.

And if that wasn't enough for you there was always Rod's truly dreadful orange waist coast, piped military jackets and a bevy of backing singer beauties in schoolgirl outfits to hold the attention.

With a 12-strong backing band, an impressive stage set-up and a climatic firework display that seemed to go on forever, it was obvious a lot of time and money had been put in to make this a truly memorable spectacle.

This was no fly by night money grab greatest hits tour.

Some of the tickets may have been an eye-watering £90 but you could see where the cash had gone. This was value for money showmanship.

Was it the best show ever to be grace the KCOM?

The wily old rocker certainly topped previous performances by REM, Bon Jovi, The Who and even his old pal Sir Elton.

All in all, a great night from a great knight. God bless Sir Rod and all who sing Sailing with him.

The 71-year-old was knighted in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for services to music and charity

Do You Think I’m... a Sir?

Rocker Rod Stewart certainly looks like a knight of the realm as he steps out with wife Penny Lancaster .

The 71-year-old was awarded the highest honour in the land this week when he was made a Sir in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

He picked up the accolade thanks to his services to music - which has spanned 50 years - and charity. The star is famous for songs like Da Ya Think I’m Sexy and Maggie May.

Overjoyed by the news, dad-of-8 Rod promised to “wear it well” - a reference to one of his famous hits.

He said: “I’ve led a wonderful life and have had a tremendous career thanks to the generous support of the great British public.

“This monumental honour has topped it off and I couldn’t ask for anything more.

“I thank Her Majesty and promise to ‘wear it well’.”

Looking sharp in a suit as he was spotted in London, it looks like he’s keeping his vow.

Sir Rod is currently on tour and announced his knighthood live in front of a sellout 27,000 crowd.

“I had a funny text from Elton (John) today: It said 'Congratulations darling, who would have thought a couple of old tarts from North London would be knighted?'

“Bless all of you, thank you.”

And the award-winning entertainer, who has been recording for 50 years, continues to perform sell-out tours around the world.

Last year his residency at The Colosseum in Las Vegas was voted the best in the American city.

Rocker Rod Stewart honoured as UK Queen's 90th birthday celebrations start

Veteran Scottish rocker Rod Stewart received a knighthood in Queen Elizabeth's birthday honors list on Friday as a weekend of events was launched to mark the official 90th birthday of Britain's oldest and longest-reigning monarch.

Known for hits such as "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?" and "Maggie May", Stewart was among more than 1,000 people to receive awards in the annual list which recognizes Britons from famous celebrities to community charity workers.

The queen herself was honored earlier on Friday at a National Service of Thanksgiving at London's St Paul's Cathedral, attended by dignitaries including Prime Minister David Cameron and all the senior royals.

In a ceremony laden with the pageantry that accompanies significant royal events, the monarch was greeted by a trumpet fanfare while the entrance to the cathedral was flanked by her Bodyguard of the Yeoman of the Guard, veteran soldiers dressed in scarlet uniforms.

It was a double celebration for the royals, with the occasion falling on the same day as the 95th birthday of Prince Philip, the queen's husband of 68 years.

"Your Majesty, today we rejoice for the way in which God's loving care has fearfully and wonderfully sustained you, as well as Prince Philip marking his 95th birthday today," Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury and spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion said in his sermon.

He said the country looked back at her decades of service to the nation, through war, hardship, turmoil and change, with deep wonder and gratitude.

The queen, who has been on the throne for 64 years, turned 90 in April but in keeping with a tradition dating back to 1748, she also has an official birthday, usually in June, to ensure celebrations take place when the weather is likely to be better.

It is when a list of honors is issued, with this year's recipients including 99-year-old singer Vera Lynn, who entertained British troops during World War Two, and Tim Peake, the first British astronaut to visit the International Space Station.

Other well-known figures to be honored were England cricket captain Alastair Cook, former England soccer player Alan Shearer and Jamie Murray, who topped the tennis doubles rankings this year - the first British man to be a world number one since computerized rankings were introduced in the 1970s.

On Saturday, Elizabeth will attend the traditional Trooping the Colour parade of soldiers in ceremonial uniforms in central London followed by a fly-past of Royal Air Force aircraft over Buckingham Palace.

To conclude celebrations, the queen hosts "The Patrons Lunch" for 10,000 guests at the largest street party ever to be held on the Mall, the grand avenue that leads to Buckingham Palace, an event organized by her grandson, Peter Phillips.

The guests will come from some of the more than 600 charities and other organizations of which she is patron with the festivities beamed to large screens in the capital's parks.

The government has said millions of Britons are expected to join the occasion at local street parties across the country.

(Reporting by Michael Holden; Editing by Stephen Addison)

Hot Rod ready to rock 'Park

Hundreds more top seats released for Rod Stewart concert at Ageas Bowl

The RSFC in Plymouth

To read more and watch video follow this link http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/VIDEO-Rod-Stewart-fans-jump-aboard-land-train/story-29371190-detail/story.html

Thousands of Rod Stewart fans packed Home Park for a glorious summer concert

To watch video click the link http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/Thousands-Rod-Stewart-fans-packed-Home-Park/story-29374634-detail/story.html

Rod Stewart in Norwich: Fans toast ‘excellent evening’ as singer kicks off UK tour with tribute to Muhammad Ali

Rod sang a stirring rendition of his 1972 hit Angel as giant pictures of boxing great Ali were beamed onto screens behind him

Rock legend Rod Stewart paid a poignant tribute to sporting icon Muhammad Ali as he kicked off his 2016 UK stadium tour in Norwich.

Rod sang a stirring rendition of his 1972 hit Angel as giant pictures of boxing great Ali were beamed onto screens behind him at a sell-out Carrow Road.

The former world heavyweight champion – one of the world's best-known sportsmen and cultural icons– passed away in hospital in Arizona, his family announced on Saturday.

Rod, who was accompanied at his gig at Norwich City’s stadium by wife Penny Lancaster and daughter Ruby Stewart whose band The Sisterhood supported him on the night, applauded Ali’s image as the crowd cheered.

Rod said: "What an amazing way to start the British leg of the tour. Thank you Norwich for a wonderful, joyous, happy evening.

“I hope you loved it as much as I did. Indeed I think some of you may have had a drink or two before the show!"

The tribute comes as it was revealed Ali's heart continued to beat for 30 minutes after he died in hospital.