Rod calls in The Navigation on his way to Liam’s match
At the weekend Rod called in The Navigation Inn, Thrupp Wharft and Winner of Milton Keynes Best Restaurant 2020, finalist 2021 & 2022.
Head Chef Daniel Hayfield told SMILER ‘Rod came to my restaurant The Navigation Inn Cosgrove on his way to watch his son play ice hockey. he was great to talk too, just a normal guy.’
Main Photo Thanks to Daniel Hayfield and Shai Tovey
Natasha O’Donoghue spotted Rod at the ice hockey match and took this photo.
Sunday Football
On Sunday Rod attended a football match at Holland on Sea, and Roy and Julia Warren found themselves standing next to Rod who was watching his son Aiden play,
This weeks Rod Art
This weeks Rod art is a Fabulous drawing of Rod by northern Italy based artist Ilaria F. from phronzoodle who told SMILER this week ‘Essentialy I love The Faces and I fell in love with Rod Stewartâs solo albums. During this year Iâve listened a lot of his music and this inspired me to draw him (I think I was listening âMandolin Windâ, a masterpiece)’
To see more amazing pencil drawings including some great Faces artwork go to https://www.instagram.com/phronzoodle/?hl=en
Human Rights Issues
In the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup, Rod sat down with the Sunday Times and shared that he once rejected the hefty amount to play a show in Qatar .
âI was actually offered a lot of money, over $1 million, to play there 15 months ago,â he said.
âI turned it down. Itâs not right to go.
“And the Iranians should be out too for supplying arms.â
The Vintage Explosion
You will have heard and seen Rod singing the praises of scottish band The Vintage Explosion on the radio and in the press over the last week .
Rod was blown away by William Hitchell’s vocals after hearing him sing the Sam Cooke classic A Change Is Gonna Come, saying he had “The best white-soul voice I’ve heard since Frankie Miller” after being sent a YouTube clip of his r’n’b band The Vintage Explosion performing.
Speaking to SMILER this week William said “I was absolutely flabbergasted when I heard Rod speak about me in such a complimentary manner! Can you imagine switching on the radio and hearing this?! To then see him mention us again in a second interview with the Sunday Times the following day was just amazing. This endorsement is totally priceless. He is an absolute legend in the music industry and knowing that he is giving us the thumbs up is very special”.
Check out the band at https://www.thevintageexplosion.com/?fbclid=IwAR2Yis94DeqqJ4FkL9FDRZjy3wh9ECjQ2cTNf-eb2tx4CwVVd0G5P69CGHw
Ange’s Win Wine
During the promotional interviews for his up coming Australian tour Rod was asked “Youâre probably Celticâs best known supporter and there is currently an Aussie in charge of your team⌠have you met Ange Postecoglou and how do you think heâs doing?”
Rod laughed, saying he’s a ‘lovely fella’, he added: “Are you kidding? I know Ange and his wife. I always see his wife in the directorâs box when I go up there to see Celtic.”
He went on to say that he sends him a special gift when they beat their rivals. He said: “Every time Ange beats Rangers, I send him a crate of Australian wine â I think itâs twice now. And if they beat them again I will send him another crate of Australian wine”.
Tour Kicks Off
The UK leg of Rod’s UK Tour kicked off in Nottingham on Wedneday with a fantastic concert and as usual the Motorpoint Arena deserve a big thank you for treating everyone with respect and letting us all sing and dance while keeping everyone safe, Our friends at the Arena let us show this great shot of Rod and the girls and if you want to see more of the shots by Laura Patterson Photography go to https://www.facebook.com/motorpointarenanottingham/
Photographer Paul W Dixon was at the show and took these stunning shots Paul commented ‘What a showman!! Amazing production and voice on point!!’
As promised Rod paid tribute to Ukraine he looked emotional as he saluted Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, whose image flashed up on a screen at the back of the stage, Harrowing images of war and children affected by the conflict were also shown during ‘Rythm Of My Heart’ which he sang towards the end of his two-hour set.
To see a full set of amazing photos by Paul W Dixon and read a superb review by Danielle Jeffery go to https://allmusicmagazine.com/rod-stewart-rolls-back-the-years-at-nottingham-arena-uk-16-11-22/?fbclid=IwAR1IKTbxhoySuyp3awuqwgcSZg6HS-NHsvRxTFllGoJgjl6oDehhZz9fVI4
You’re Celtic, United, but baby I’ve decided You’re the best support band we’ve ever seen..
Big shout out to Johnny Mac & The Faithful who again went down a storm on the opening night ..what a support act!
And Finally…
Ken Bruce on his Radio 2 show chatted to historical novelist Philippa Gregory about her picks for Tracks of My Years this week and on Tuesday Philippa chose ‘You Wear it Well’ as one of her tracks.
See you next week, and don’t forget if you go to any of Rod’s shows please send in any thoughts or pictures for next weeks news and gossip.