Vegas Birthday Shuffle

May 2nd 1978 (Chicago) was my 16th birthday and my first Rod Stewart concert. I’m so lucky to have celebrated my 60th birthday this past weekend seeing Sir Rod at Ceases Palace, Las Vegas Friday May 13th and Saturday the 14th.

My husband and I sat in section 102 and 106 the second night. These side/ front sections are excellent because it’s so close to the stage and usually filled with the fun Sir Rod fans who like to dance and have a great time.

Fridays show started an hour late due to Rod finishing an interview with Bill Maher in L.A. pre-show entry music was Depeche Mode, Just Can’t Get Enough. It’s become a celebratory chant for the post game celebrations for Glasgow Celtic. Then a little bagpipe music. Curtain goes up and Rod is on stage and opens with Addicted To Love. Rod said it was his first time performing it in Vegas. His voice sounded Rod perfect ! He looked incredible, fit and healthy.

Rod sang all his expected hits. Surprisingly he didn’t perform anything from his recent albums. He did include some tunes we don’t get to hear often such as Ooh La La, It Takes Two, Rather Go Blind and Killing of Georgie. His dedication of Rhythm of My Heart to Ukraine and those fighting for their freedom was genuine and sincere.

I felt like Saturday night went smoother for Rod than Friday. Maybe rushing in after an interview and on the first night back on this residency. At one point he discovered a tag still attached in his jacket and wardrobe had to come put and cut it off. Personally I enjoy these moment because Rod handles it with great humor. The crew handling the soccer balls off stage weren’t prepared and I think Rod got a little frustrated. He also noticed the man sitting near us that was seated and texting on his phone , right at the stage! Again Rod made sure to call him out with humor.
Yes he again was kicking out soccer ( footballs) on both nights to the delight of the audience. He announced it was his 177th show at the Colosseum. Its also the 11th year.

The band was as always fantastic and the beautiful backup singers sounded and looked incredible. Becca however had a sprained ankle. The show must go on and she was a trooper. They sang Call Me and Hot Stuff for Rods wardrobe changes. For the encore they all came out in Celtic Jerseys and finished with Sweet Little Rock n Roller.

Saturday was even better than Friday. Everything went smooth and the audience seemed like a more lively crowd. Lots of enthusiasm, dancing and singing along. Rod of course was dressed beautifully and looked so colorful and wore several pairs of shoes covered in crystals. And the hair and the nose were perfect!
I feel the highlights of the night for me were The Killing of Georgie and when Sir Rod and I had that moment of eye contact. As any Rod fan knows… that’s the million dollar moment.

After this weekend I believe Sir Rod has many many years of live performance ahead for us all to enjoy.. He’s never sounded better or looked so good. And he loves his fans.

Going to Las Vegas for my 60th birthday to see the charismatic Sir Rod was more then I could ask for.

Set list :
Addicted To Love
Wear It Well
Ooh La la
Infatuation
It Takes Two
First Cut
Forever Young
Maggie May
Rather Go Blind
Young Turks
Sexy
Rhythm of My Heart
Call Me ( girls)
People Get Ready
Killing of Georgie
You’re in my Heart
Have I Told You
Hot Stuff ( girls)
Some Guys
Baby Jane
Sweet Little Rick n Roller

Review By Irene Kinsella-Bynum

Photos By Irene Kinsella-Bynum

Montage By Tommy Kevitt