SIR ROD STEWART // OVO HYDRO, GLASGOW
Glasgow’s Hydro was shaken up with a night of classic hits from Sir Rod Stewart and he was not holding back
★★★★☆ (4/5)
ROD STEWART // OVO HYDRO, GLASGOW - 29.11.2022
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN
Sir Rod Stewart is no stranger to the Scottish crowd. A land he calls his home and population of many who adore him. There are few who have the impact that Stewart has on Glasgow and this 77 year old is still giving it all he’s got.
A star all his life, Stewart worked with the groups The Dimensions and The Jeff Beck Group. Then, with Ronnie Wood, he joined The Small Faces in 1969 who renamed themselves The Faces to signify the line-up change. But, never one to stay still, Stewart was working on his own brand and released his first solo album that same year. In 1971, Stewart put out the solo album “Every Picture Tells a Story”. This work started to establish Stewart as strong, independent figure in the industry. The Faces parted ways in 1975 after a humbly successful career that has left them highly regarded by rock and roll fans and stars, but Stewart was more than ready to set sail on his own ship.
With 30 solo studio albums recorded by the icon, no one can question his work ethic. In 2007, Stewart was awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to music; and in 2016 he was given the dignity of Knight Bachelor for his work as a musician and his charitable efforts. In September of 2019, Stewart revealed at charity event that in 2017 he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The singer spoke of being given the all-clear and of the value of prostate exams for men. Stewart has faced cancer before as in 2000 he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer which he was able to have successfully treated without chemotherapy. Through trials and tribulations Stewart has been known for his positivity, warmth and his sense of humour.
With his performance at the Hydro, there was no shortage of personality. His opening number was the Robert Palmer blast ‘Addicted to Love’ which set the tone for the rest of the night to come – sing your heart out and re-live your youth. The frolicking ‘Ooh La La’ was played beside ‘You Wear it Well’ and the crowd were in ecstasy– here was an icon, and his hits that have brought smiles for nearly half a century.
The night was fast paced with Stewart playing hit after hit with only enough time between songs to squeeze in one of his many outfit changes. The crowd was on his side, singing heartily along with him. ‘The First Cut is the Deepest’ was one of the throw your arms out and shout it to the sky numbers where as ‘Maggie May’ was a hip shaker.
Stewart moved on to an acoustic section which saw the musicians gather on stage and perform hits which included ‘I Don’t Want to Talk About It’ and ‘You’re in My Heart.’ Though it had been an energetic start to the set, Stewart had a lively buzz to him even as he sat down to perform and he would spring up frequently dancing and whizzing around the stage. When he told the audience it was time to bring the energy back, it did not appear as if it had ever left.
Bringing the full band back, ‘Do You Think I’m Sexy?’ stirred up the arena and Stewart appeared with a smile that was cheekier than ever. The night was finished with an encore of the transcending Faces track ‘Stay with Me.’ The 70s rock song is a celebration of the chaos of rock and roll and displayed Sir Rod ‘The Mod’ Stewart as the extroverted showman he has always been.
A night to be truly enjoyed is a night with Sir Rod Stewart. As hard as it is to accept, the singer gives everything into the performance and although he still can turn it up it may be time for singer to turn it off and give himself a break. He played a spangled 2 hour set and gave the audience the night they had wanted however maybe it’s time for him to think about a slower pace and maybe it’s time to for him to enjoy a bit of the quiet life.
ROD STEWART - OVO HYDRO, GLASGOW - 29.11.2022
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN