When seven guys jump into their van from locations in and around ‘ull (It has a silent “H” Pete McCall informs us), to come to a sleepy (Posh where they allow the audience to drink from real glasses) suburb such as Carshalton, little did they realise what a treat they were in for! (And more importantly we were as well..).
Post pandemic entertainment (That’s the new “PPE” real must have for us to get back to life as we once knew) must be hard for all the performers. 2 years stripped of next to no work, fearing late cancellations due to new outbreaks and now facing rapid inflation which will make many think not only “Do I dare have a night out” but also “Can I afford a night out?”
Well, when we first saw this advertised, 4 of us said “It’s only a 5 minute walk down the road, let’s give it a try”. I circulated it to a few mates, and soon our numbers were increased by 150%. (If they do come back next year, then I’ll aim to increase it 400% or more).
I’ve seen plenty good and poor Rod “tribute style” shows, so this one I went with an open mind – although the scary part in their title had to be “Songbook” – please no “American” style to it I hoped.
Bang on time as the 7:30 showtime advertised, that legendary pre-curtain tune of “The Stripper” blasted out (Shame no curtain with the initials “RS” can be added to the dry ice floating from the stage) – and spot on, we were treated to the introduction of Hot Legs. It was then I suddenly realised, we were almost certainly in for a good night.
I won’t go through song for song (as I list the full set-list at the foot of the review), but Pete didn’t tell us stories of Rod’s life (Thankfully, as all good fans know it all from Grave digger, to Professional football and now Pot hole filler!) but you knew he was a real fan and loved his music, plus recalled great nights he had been to see Rod perform including Hyde Park and he had done a review for SMILER from a gig at Sheffield some years back.
His band were terrific, spot on 98% of the time, Pete’s own appreciation of them shone through. If you need introductions, go to their website https://rodstewartsongbook.com/ (Although the lead guitarist had changed and only been with the band for a couple of weeks – but you wouldn’t have realised).
Special mention goes to Rick Davis on saxophone for touring round with the audience whilst playing on “Sexy” – doesn’t quite top Jimmy Zavala dropping his trousers whilst playing Tora, Tora, Tora – but this is Carshalton after all.
The real highlight for true lifelong Rod fans though had to be the introduction to the 2nd set (after a 15 minute interval) – it was “roll back time” to 1980 – The Russell Harty show, where he interviews Rod with Alana pre-concert in Dublin, then introduces Rod to the stage for that fantastic opener Gi’ Me Wings, where Rod won’t let Russell off the stage.
This was a top night which Pete asked if he could meet us in the foyer afterwards and happily posed for photo’s with anyone and chat to us. The set-list below reflects many classics and gems to add.
If he’s performing anywhere near you, it’s really worth turning the heating down and buying a ticket. Looking at their website I’m tempted by 30th. July – Tunbridge Wells – Now Pete McCall if you wanted “Posh” – it certainly doesn’t come much more posh than “Royal” Tunbridge Wells.
Set-list:-
The Stripper (intro), Hot Legs, Some Guys Have All The Luck, Tonight’s The Night, You Wear It Well (1974* version!), Rhythm Of My Heart (For all the poor people of Ukraine), You’re In My Heart, First Cut Is The Deepest, I Don’t Wanna Talk About It, Forever Young, Can’t Stop Me Now, Downtown Train. (Interval)
Gi’ Me Wings, Stay With Me, Young Turks, The Motown Song, This Old Heart Of Mine, Sweet Little Rock ‘n Roller, Maggie May, Da Ya Think I’m Sexy, Twisting The Night Away, Baby Jane.
(Encores) Every Beat Of My Heart & Sailing.
*Pete McCall introduced You Wear It Well by quoting “This was one of Rod’s great hits way back in 1974 I believe, but I see we have a few fan club members here who will no doubt correct me if that’s wrong” …. So it’s no different from the original 1972 no.1 classic – just in case you or Pete were getting confused!
Photos By Colin Baker/Yve Paige
