On for young and old with Rod
REVIEW By MARK DUNN
ROCKER Rod Stewart was back in Melbourne with his shock of blond hair, gravel-growl and army of slowly ageing female fans.
Actually, Stewart was a hit with a significant number of the younger section of the crowd and put plenty of energy into the performance for his 57 years.
Stewart showed Melbourne he’s still got what it takes in the passion stakes as he belted out his 31-year-old No. 1 hit Maggie May and everyone’s favourite Tonight’s the Night.
His R&B roots, spawned in his youth, remain almost as sharp as ever despite a throat cancer operation that put him out of action for 12 months two years ago.
A mixture of hits last night included You Wear It Well, Sailing, and The First Cut Is the Deepest.
Born in Scotland and raised in London where he once applied for a grave-digger’s job and showed promise as a professional soccer player, Stewart claims this is his last world tour after more than three decades on stage.
The father of five found stardom originally touring in support of the Rolling Stones and, like the Stones, is still able to hit his mark.
Wilbur Wilde, a devoted fan, was one of many who introduced his teenage daughter to the man who once labelled himself “God’s gift”.
“I was extremely impressed with his ball disposal skills,” Wilde said of Stewart’s half-time act of kicking soccer balls into the crowd.
Stewart flew in on Sunday with girlfriend Penny Lancaster, 29, and has been staying at the Park Hyatt.
© Herald and Weekly Times