Review By: Aisling O’Brien
Rod Stewart a man far more punctuational than myself, on a rainy Saturday evening took to the stage in The O2 at 7.45 sharp. I arrived in my seat a few moments later to Rod proclaiming that ‘it’s a Saturday night and we’re gonna have a party’ and that we did. At any gig I’ve attended in The O2 I’ve been on the ground, so I was taken aback to see the sheer scale of the 9,500 seated venue. Keeping the hits coming he belted out ‘This Old Heart of Mine’, accompanied by his talented backing singers and musicians, the ladies in short red little numbers and the lads in dapper suits. Rod the Mod looking as well as ever in only a suit he could pull off, which he did with his yellowy gold suit jacket. In keeping with the theme of the questionable slide show behind, the crowd were treated to an extended version of Rhythm of My Heart, which including solos from his lovely backing singers and a trumpet solo, which inspired a few cheeky comments from the man himself.
The stage itself was glistening white and Rods love of Celtic F.C could be picked up all around the venue from the Celtic crest on on the drum kit, to many a flag or jersey dotted around the crowd. Rod was his usual charismatic self having some banter with his adoring fans. Tom Waits ‘Downtown Train’ was next, as Rod finished the sing he proclaimed that he was ‘in a very good mood, if you couldn’t tell’. As the gig itself started quite early the place was packed but every now and again a few latecomers would frantically make their way to their seats. Introducing ‘a great little song by Van Morrison’, he performed, ‘Have I Told You Latley’ seamlessly. ‘It’s a Heartache’ got the crowd going, which I think is a perfect song for showcasing that famous raspy voice.
‘It Takes Two’ was another tune which got bums off seats, leading in to a touching tribute to Rod’s Dad ‘I Was Only Joking’ according to Rod was his fathers favorite song as it was the only song which mentioned the word dad in it, pictures of Rod with his dad accompanied the song. As Rod sang to the crowd that there would be an interval as he needs a costume change, he knew his friends in Dublin wouldn’t mind. What seemed like the majority of the crowd made their way to the bar to top up during the 12 minute interval.
Rod came storming back on the stage in a Cadburys purple silk suit which I don’t think any other 65 year old could wear, with a classic Motown hit ‘It’s the Same Old Song’ and ‘Rainy Night in Georgia’ which may have slowed the crowd down. That was until the audience erupted to the opening chords of ‘If You Want My Body’ and by the cheers from the crowd, I got the impression many did.
As Rod went for another costume stage, it was in the hands of the backing singers to keep the crowd entertained and that they did with the timeless Tina classic ‘Rolling’. As Rod sauntered back onstage this time in a striking pink jacket, he made his way through his own classics such as ‘First Cut is the Deepest’, ‘Don’t Wanna Talk About It’ and ‘You’re in my Heart’. He took a breather for a few minutes sharing some personal photos of his family, some random photos he found funny and a photo of himself in drag which led to ‘Hot Legs’ and football enthusiast he is, kicking footballs out to the crowd. Rod said his goodbyes with fan favorite ‘Maggie May’. Slowing down for the encore with ‘Sailing’ and finally wrapping up the evening with ‘Baby Jane’ at 10 on the dot.
All in all it was a great gig, which was very entertaining. Starting this tour in Dublin back in May and coming back to finish it off for the final night, I’m sure Rod wasn’t the only one there for a repeat visit. Although some hits were missing I think any Rod fan would have been more than satisfied with his performance,and one things for certain, whatever he wears he certainly does wear it well.