Rod did an incredible show last night in Pittsburgh. However that could be written the day after any of his shows this tour. Media reviews as well as fan experiences have been nothing but positive.
This was only the second show for me this tour—my first being in Hershey last summer. Rod was supposed to come to Pittsburgh last year but was postponed till this year. But it was worth the wait.
This was also the first time Dave didn’t come with me with the exception of a show in Vegas when he was hospitalized with pneumonia right before Covid hit. I really missed him!
Rod’s voice was in over the top form! You never would have know that some 10 days ago he had to cancel a show in Canada because he injured his vocal cords during warm up.
The rendition of “Maggie May” similar to how he did it with Britain’s philharmonic was in my opinion the show-stopper. I was in awe even though I’ve heard him sing it live numerous times since the 70’s. He prefaced it with the familiar story of shagging an older woman at a music festival in Britain in 1969 which he estimates lasted about 12 seconds. I’ve always wondered how “old” she was though. Rod would have been in his early 20’s which means “Maggie”could have been considered an older woman at the age of 30-35???? (I’m open to hearing if anyone has more definitive information about that.) Well anyhow after he delivered an absolutely beautiful version of “Maggie May” he said and I quote: “Who would have thought that having an orgasm-for the first time with a woman-would make me a rockstar?” Well all I can say is thank you Maggie!
His tribute to Christie McVie with “I’d Rather Go Blind” was almost equally memorable. His voice was unbelievably sharp.
It wouldn’t be a Rod show without a cock-up in lyrics and he did so at the beginning of “Downtown Train” which he stopped, dropped a quick F-bomb and started over. This makes Rod’s image even more vulnerable when he admits he missed the mark and starts the song over. I noticed one or two other songs where he messed up the lyrics but the usual concert goer would not have noticed.
Another thing that made this show so special was the audience. From the moment Rod hit the stage folks were standing, singing and clapping. Rod commented on it in saying he didn’t remember a Pittsburgh audience singing as loud as they were. And as you know Rod feeds off his audience so he was in a great mood and did an encore with “Baby Jane” which he doesn’t do often in the states.
One thing very different was not having a flood of soccer balls kicked or balloons coming down from the ceiling. They brought out two bags of balls and Rod said “we have some gifts for you”. He along with the back-up singers threw them out to the audience. I was lucky when Rod walked over and singled me out in the front row and threw me a ball. I will especially treasure that one.
The video presentation surrounding the stage is extraordinary. So many screens, vibrant colors and very fast moving. It was a great night in Pittsburgh!
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how Rod showcases the individual and many talents of each band member and back-up. He has gathered a great group of entertainers and I hope they realize what an important role they play in the success of the show.
I had the pleasure of seeing Rod backstage. He asked how Dave was doing. He signed a photo taken last year in Hershey and drew an arrow to Dave and wrote “Love Him”. We talked briefly about the upcoming swing album which he is really excited about and I was lucky again to have a photo with him. There’s a saying that you should never meet your hero because they will never live up to the image you have of them. Not true here! Rod continues to surpass all my expectations and dreams. He is a wonderful man in addition to the very talented rock star/storyteller/songwriter we all know and love. And I thank him from the bottom of my heart for his unbelievable kindness.
Review By Marcy Braunstein
Main Photo Pierre B – Taken at Centre Bell
2 replies on ““Who would have thought that having an orgasm for the first time-with a woman-would make me a rockstar””
I always look forward to your reviews Marcy, and this one did not disappoint. I am so sorry that Dave was not there by your side. Wishing you both the best. Betty Beall (a name from your past)
super review Marcy….So agree Rod is as down to earth as they come and looks after his fans who have followed him for decades. Lovely pic too. well done . Dom