Rod Stewart at The Show

Story and Photos by Pat Krause

The iconic Rod Stewart gave dads the best Father’s Day gift when he arrived at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa. Stewart gave an awesome concert as part of his One Last Time Tour. He is now 82 and has been one of the top music artists for decades. His signature spikey blond hair and gravelly, raspy voice have thrilled fans for generations with memorable songs. He does not show his age as he dances across the stage. He is a singer and songwriter with many awards and accolades.

Rod Stewart

The show started with three bagpipers playing in front of the curtain. When the curtain parted, Rod Stewart came out with a very large group of musicians behind him. Six blond girls in white dresses and white boots danced to the music. He started the concert with a song from one of his past albums. Every song was a major production. There were three girls who played violins while dancing. The drummer showed his talent to the delight of the fans. There was a keyboardist, bongo drums, a huge sax and various other instruments.

Rod Stewart with backup singers

A couple of the songs included a fantastic harpist. Backdrop videos showed each artist at some point in a special cameo, where you could see their faces. The audience was so quiet when each song was played, and then screams and clapping erupted when the song was over. When he did “Forever Young,” the fans just swayed in their seats. His three backup girl singers sang “Proud Mary” and showed their fantastic voices. The crowd let them know how great they sounded. The girls also played a Scottish-type song with dances, two violinists and a big bass drum. It was so exciting.

Band shot

At some point during the concert, each musician had a solo performance, and Stewart would bring them up to the front of the stage to be recognized. During one song, the harpist took over along with the violinists. Guitarists and the sax player each had a big part of the songs when Stewart would start to sing. When he sang “Maggie May,” the audience started to stand up and got louder with shouts and whistles.

By the end of the concert, fans were on their feet and cheering. They threw balls into the audience and sang the last song before the curtain closed. Fans screamed and hollered until the curtains opened again for the encore songs. This was more than one man singing. It was a musical concert to end all concerts.

The solos gave Stewart time to rest, and it was reported he nearly fainted and needed oxygen during a concert in Las Vegas. Still, he walked the stage greeting people in the front rows and danced in all areas of the stage, always exuding energy and animation for the songs.

The Show always brings in the top performers and gives audiences shows to remember. Check out upcoming shows including Tom Keifer and L.A. Guns, The Commodores on July 3, Ko Joy, and more singers including Jake Owens, Dwight Yoakam and Pat Benatar in the near future.