I set off for the Falkirk gig dressed in my kilt along with a T . Shirt that said ” Nae Blondes Nae Money and on the back of it it said just Scottish and happy, I called in the Beancross to have a drink with some SMILER members and even met SMILER’s famous Norwegian Ninja Jan Kittelsen!
Weather is a major issue in Scotland even Rod Stewart commented on it! It was a perfect night warm and dry and the crowd ranging -from 5 to 85 – were baying for the genius that is Rod from humble beginings of Archway Rd. London to World renowned entertainer. When he strutted onto the stage I’m sure even the mythical Kelpies ¬ massive metal horses sited close to the stadium bowed their heads to this rock legend.
He kicked off with “This old heart of mine” and continuing with all the classics, he had the audience in the palm of his hand. During an an acoustic interlude when Rod sat on his bum and encouraged the the crowd to do the same ¬ The seductive tones of the harpist were magical. No joking and messing about or time wasting just Rod doing what he excels at.
When he sings these ballads it’s as if he has lived every word of the lyrics The screen above his head showed less well known images of Rod ¬ From young Teenage mod strumming an old guitar to family photos of Don,Bobby,Rod,and Mary and their parents.
The atmosphere never flagged and in fact ramped up even more in the final half hour of the two hour set culminating with Maggie May, Baby Jane and Do ya think I’m sexy.
Tonight in Falkirk was the Night.
Review By Garry Sturrock
Photographs By Julie Cartwright