Still full of magic and passion

© CPU – Ymke Dirikx

Sir Rod Stewart turned 79 this year and is currently on his “One Last Time” tour. So he was probably on stage for the last time and so the Belgian fans had to go to the Antwerp Sports Palace where the European leg of that tour started on 11 May 2024. It has been 2016 since Rod the Mod played in Belgium again and so the hall was completely filled, Although the top ring seemed closed. The expensive tickets must have been a reason, but people who managed to get one saw nearly two hours of classics, experienced a fantastic production and a plucky septuagenarian still there.

Just after 8:30, Depeche Mode’s “Just Can’t Get Enough” suddenly started blaring over the speakers and the crowd immediately knew what time it was. The curtain covering the stage rose and Robert Palmer’s original song “Addicted To Love” immediately blared. The audience quickly stood up and began rocking with Rod Stewart who was backed by five musicians. It turns out that this isn’t his full band after all, because more of it was added during “You Wear It Well.” In the end we reached eleven and this gave the songs more power and skill.

© CPU – Ymke Dirikx

However, it’s always Rod Stewart who steals the show. Even at his blessed age, he still knows how to pull off exciting dance moves and entertain the crowds. He also hadn’t forgotten how to seduce, so he charmed a ninety-year-old woman in the audience by asking her if they had ever dated: Of course, you don’t have to teach him the tricks of the trade anymore. The man was constantly walking in all directions on stage to get the audience excited, but also by leaving breaks in the songs every now and then so people could sing along.

While Stewart initially appeared on stage in a flamboyant outfit, the outfit was changed several times during the show. We’ve seen him in leopard print, a smart white suit, and finally wearing a red shirt and yellow suit jacket. The fact that he had to make these costume changes during the show gave the band room to come out on top from time to time. For example, the five young women who accompanied him took their opportunity on “I’m So Excited” and “Lady Marmalade” to show the power of their voices. Beyond that, I didn’t really feel like it was value-added, but it was fun. They were also wearing the same colors that Rod Stewart constantly wears, so we noticed that everything had been thought of.

© CPU – Ymke Dirikx

Musically, his band also left a lasting impression. For example, the song “Forever Young” featured a powerful riff. The Scottish song tradition is highlighted by additional drums, guitar solos and even some tap dancing. There were also several solos in the set. Violin solos on “The First Cut Is the Deepest”, a harp solo and several saxophone solos. In the two hours that the show lasted, we were always able to try something, and the time flew by, meaning this whole performance was certainly well put together.

Of course Rod Stewart can’t always hit the high notes, but the speed with which he was on stage made up for it all. We can also see his love for Celtic Glasgow striking. For example, the logo was covered by the drum and he told us he traveled to Glasgow especially the day before to watch the game against Rangers. They won the game so it was a very good feeling there. This was reiterated during “You’re in My Heart (The Final Cheer)”, where we saw images of the match and it was also indicated that Celtic are the Scottish champions (although this is not 100% confirmed yet). In addition to his passion for love, it is clear that he also has a passion for football.

© CPU – Ymke Dirikx

Alternating between ballads and fast-paced dance numbers gave everyone space to relax or throw themselves fully into action. “Some Guys Have All the Luck” turned out to be the end of the regular set, and then the curtain fell. Some text appeared on the screen to encourage the audience to be more excited to get him back and with the phrase “Da Ya Think I’m sexy?” It was immediately a huge success as the first repeater. The signature groove had to be sung loudly by the audience and soon after “Sailing” was the beautiful closing track. Sportpaleis opened their throats for the last time and showed Belgium’s love for Ruud.

Rod Stewart eventually sailed off the stage and who knows, this may have been his last time on Belgian soil as an artist. It would have been a nice send-off, because the guy gave us a whole scene in Sportpaleis. We saw a surprisingly refreshing band that could take the Brits’ songs to the next level, and the sometimes strong backing vocals gave Stewart’s raw voice some calm. Plus, Ruud is still just as energetic and can still move like the best. The energy and spirit of the past is still within him and it seems that he will never forget his tricks.

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Make the list:

Addicted to Love (Robert Palmer cover)
You wear it well
This Old Heart of My Heart (Weak for You) (Isley Brothers cover)
It’s Heartache (Bonnie Tyler cover)
forever young
The First Cut is the Deepest (Cat Stevens cover)
I Don’t Wanna Talk About It (Crazy Horse cover)
May Maggie
I’d Rather Be Blind (cover by Etta James)
Young Turks
Baby Jane
Downtown Train (cover of Tom Waits)
I’m So Excited (Indicator Sisters cover)
Tonight tonight (you’ll be fine)
You’re in my heart (final tribute)
Have I Told You Lately (Van Morrison cover)
Lady Orange (Hardcover at Eleven O’Clock)
It Takes Two (Kim Weston cover)
Some Men Have All the Luck (cover of The Hooded)

Da ya think I’m sexy?
Sailing (Sutherland Brothers Band cover)