Nashville was HOT HOT HOT

With a high temperature of 98F and Rod Stewart in town, one could say Nashville was the hotspot in the State on Tuesday July 5 and not be far off the mark. For a moment, I thought it was going to be even hotter.

We were able to check into our hotel about an hour early after agreeing that a room on the 21 floor was suitable for us. As we walked into the room, Steve said “I hope the fire alarm doesn’t go off” (this is a running joke between us as there was a period of time years ago that the fire alarm went off every place we stayed). I swear I had just set my bag down and the fire alarm went off. We just looked at each other and both realized we had 21 flights of steps to go down. Fortunately for everyone, this was a false alarm, and we did not have to evacuate.

Always a big part of attending shows is meeting newly acquainted Rod friends in person after being pen pals for a while and seeing old friends in person again. Nashville was no exception, and ALL this is especially cherished as we cautiously emerge from COVID restrictions. Crazy enough, a friend from Knoxville was seated right next to us; what a fun surprise! A while back when I turned 40, I attended 5 shows during the Human Tour with her, only having met her a few weeks before.

Cheap Trick is Rod’s special guest for this tour. I have never been a huge fan of Cheap Trick’s music, but I enjoyed seeing and hearing some of Rick Nielsen’s custom-made guitars, especially the crazy five-neck guitar. I am happy to have received one of his guitar picks to add to my collection.

Rod opened with a cover of Robert Palmer’s, Addicted to Love, and instantly I could tell the mood on the stage was great and it was going to be a fantastic night.

During the lead in to Ooh La La, Rod beamed as he told us he had a text from Ronnie Wood earlier saying his doctor has given him the “all clear”!!

I tell ya, the show has been totally rearranged, musically and order wise as well songs being added. We want to give a huge round of applause to Kevin Savigar, Musical Director and Amanda Carvill, Choreographer. A new spin to many old favorites gave the show more spark and energy. Steve and I were blown away with the musical arrangement and chorographical changes and the “new” show!!

With the change of order of the songs being performed came some angst for me though. Let me try to explain, hearing Ooh La La as the third song, and First Cut as eighth rather than acoustic; Having a Party as fifth and Sexy as thirteenth, I kept thinking WHAT!!?? No way is the show this far along already???!!! And I was beginning to think there was not going to be an acoustical portion of the show. I was delighted to be off kilter; it sure was nice to have 2 hours with Rod and the band and a 23 song setlist!

During the show Rod continues to showcase the individual talents in the band, which is always a treat.

I do like the huge screen at the back of the stage, but it sure is hard to look at the graphic and the videos when there is so much talent and frivolity on the stage! I did see that the knob video has returned which always provides a good chuckle!

Over the past few years, I have casually begun collecting guitar picks; they are fun to collect and sure don’t take up much room. I realized earlier this year, that I am missing Don Kirkpatrick’s. I have been taking a sign to other artist’s shows that reads “May I have your pick?” I have had good success with it so I made a sign that said “DON May I have your pick?” Unfortunately, due to the distance from the barrier to the stage, I was not able to get Don’s attention with the sign, but maybe next time I will succeed. Funny though, Rod saw the “Don” portion of the sign during one of Don’s solos and pointed to Don and smiled.

It was hard to tell who was having a better time, Rod and the band or the audience; however, my first impression was spot on, Rod and the band were in great moods, Rod’s instrument (voice) was near perfection, he is in fantastic shape, and that stage was HUGE, and he and the band worked every part of it!

Rod’s dedication of Rhythm of my Heart to Ukraine was total class.

I struggle with ballads at time (as a type A personality, I have trouble sitting still and “just absorbing”), but I could listen to Georgie on repeat for days; it is such a tragic story set to a beautiful melody.

As I delve into the Blues genre (how have I missed all this amazing music over the past 60 years?), Rod’s rendition (voice and emotion) of I’d Rather Go Blind touches me deep into my soul.

Steve grinned and commented during the acoustical portion, Rod just can’t sit still, can he??!!!

It seemed there were many first-time attendees and the chatter we overheard walking out and even back at our hotel was SO VERY positive. I, of course, was thrilled to bits that Rod put on his close to 50th HAT which I pitched to him during Sexy, because I knew I could not sail it to center stage during You’re in my Heart, and Steve was chuffed with his new football.

Have I told you that the show has been totally rearranged, musically and order wise, and it was TREMENDOUS??!! Don’t miss this tour, if you have never seen Rod perform in person, OR if you have seen him many times.

I will end here by saying, one of the greatest gifts you can give someone is thanking them for being part of your life. So first and foremost, to my husband, Steve, Rod, the band (present and past members), and to each and every RodFan I have met along the way, I thank you for being a part of my life.

Montage by Tommy Kevitt

Photos Vicky ‘The Mad Hatter’ Marrow