Photo Melisa James Askew
The SMILER Vegas Crew
The SMILER Vegas crew have been out and about enjoying Rod’s latest Vegas dates and Iris L. Alexander sent us some great shots
And said “Rod was in rare form. Full of energy and funny, Near the beginning of the concert he exclaimed he was so excited and telling himself calm down. I wonder what he was so excited??❣️ Anyway I can almost say that this concert was the best I have attended, Rod was just Amazing. When he sang Down Town Train, it touched my heart so much I was on the verge of crying. I am so looking forward to seeing him again♥️♥️❣️“
And our good friend Roland Macher also got some great pictures
Melisa James Askew and Donna Hamaker met up with Rod on Wenesday and presented him with pictures from his recording session at the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in 1975. Rod asked if it was still a recording studio. When Melisa said yes, Rod said he would like to make a visit there again one day and they could be his guests.
On Wednesday Rod brought some of his 30 year old wardrobe back out since his kids have told him it is back in fashion [See our main photo].
And a quick warning ..John [Raff] Rafferty will soon be on his way out to Vegas so don’t forget to buy him a Wolfie’s for his birthday!
I’m aware my days are numbered
Rod gave an interview to The Sun (via Music News) where he reflected on his nearing 80th birthday in January.
“I’m aware my days are numbered but I’ve got no fear,” he said. “We have all got to pass on at some point, so we are all in the same basket.
“I am going to be enjoying myself for these last few years as much as I can. I say few – probably another 15. I can do that easy mate, easy.”
Adding “I’m not like I was in the ’70s and ’80s and I can’t stay up all night, get drunk and go mad and still have a voice just like that.
“Nowadays I have to protect my voice before and after every show.”
No Vegas Wolfie’s for Johnny
our good friend John McLaughlin was due to fly out to Las Vegas on Tuesday to perform with Rod to promote Wolfie’s whisky but was told he needed an operation to fix his right hand
John told The Scottish Sun: “I broke my finger a few years ago playing football and decided to try and fix it myself by using a pencil as a splint and some gaffer tape.
“Needless to say that didn’t work so I needed an operation to fix the tendons as it was turning into a claw hand.
“That didn’t take, so I’m going in on Tuesday for a second op – it’s bad timing because that’s the night Rod asked me to play in Vegas to promote Wolfie’s.
“I can actually still strum the guitar with my hand – although instead of three chords, I’m down to two – but with the risk of blood clots I was advised not to take a long-haul flight.
“It’s a shame because the last promo gig we did for Wolfie’s in London in November I ended up singing Irish Rover with Ginger Spice (Geri Halliwell-Horner).”
Now playing in the SMILER office
Thank you to Daniel Grindstaff Music who sent us a copy of his fantastic new album ‘Heroes & Friends’ that includes the runaway hit Forever Young a great cover of the Rod classic.
Daniel says “This project is very special, recording it has been a huge honor and proof that dreams can come true! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make it possible- my friend Stephen Burwell for his time and incredible talent and all the heroes and friends that joined me in the studio, each of you made my vision for these songs come to life and your kindness will always be remembered. Thank you Paul Brewster, Dolly Parton, Doyle Lawson, Trey Hensley, Andy Leftwich, Jimmy Fortune, Jeff Tolbert, Kevin Richardson, Rickey Wasson, Darrin Vincent, Rhonda Vincent, Shawn Lane, Jeff Parker, Kent Blanton, Derek Deakins, Josh Doss, Jesse Brock, Josh Swift, Mike Rogers and John Meador. Thank you to the folks at Bonfire Music and everyone in radio supporting my music! You can purchase physical copies at my website and stream the album wherever you listen to music! “
“Be courageous and be brave and in my heart you’ll always remain Forever Young”
For more information go to https://danielgrindstaff.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawEWF4VleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHTkzd5oGz9zjJdO7YcQC0Sh1pywCHBgS6_NOPvjz0x9c05hzPDbjD2lwJw_aem_6LklGaleMOGcaRH4l5f1AA
Ben Elton
During his publicity interviews for his Authentic Stupidity tour of the UK and Ireland, stand-up comedian Ben Elton spoke to Hot Press in Ireland Asked who is nominee for the world’s best-dressed person was Ben replied “I don’t really think about stuff like that, but the best groomed man I ever knew was Rod Stewart. He’s always turned out to perfection”.
And finally…
As you will all know Rod will be celebrating his 80th Birthday in January and as we have done for all Rod’s other milestone Birthdays SMILER will be sending our congratulations and you are all invited to join in
You can send in your Birthday Wishes to be included in a special Issue 104 of SMILER magazine from today.
Please send any photos [Of you, you and Rod, You and a Rod album sleeve..whatever you want to go with your message], poems, art or just your birthday message to me [email protected] and don’t forget to inlude your name so Rod knows who it is off.
Please send them in early so you don’t miss out.
SMILER was there for Rod’s 40th, 50th, 60th and 70th birthdays and Rod loved reading all your messages for each of them, He will get his copy of SMILER 104 in time for his big 80th and we know he will once again love reading messages from the best fans in the world
See you next week..And please keep your Vegas photos coming in!