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REVIEW: Big-hearted Rod Stewart pays tribute to Ukraine as he wows at Aberdeen’s P&J Live

Rod Stewart made a welcome return to P&J Live. Photo by Darrell Benns / DC Thomson.
Rod Stewart made a welcome return to P&J Live. Photo by Darrell Benns / DC Thomson.

It was a show of homage from start to finish as Sir Rod Stewart brought his biggest hits to Aberdeen, paying tribute to friends, causes and his music along the way.

Beginning with Rod’s pals, support act Johnny Mac and the Faithful, the Glasgow-based celtic rock outfit were introduced by Rod himself. The stage was set for an evening of upbeat entertainment with the lead singer doing a “slosh” of sorts accompanied by his superb boorie of musicians.

An energetic performance by support act Johnny Mac and The Faithful. Image by Darrell Benns / DC Thomson.

If these ceilidh kings return to the Granite City they’ll have a ready-made fan base for sure.

The main man

However, if the mood was jovial before Sir Rod donned the stage in his gold lamé dinner jacket, there was tangible delirium afterwards.

Arriving to a bagpipe-infused Robert Palmer-esque Addicted to Love complete with blonde instrument-playing bombshells, a great night was about to be had.

In the spirit of Robert Palmer the opening number was Addicted to Love. Image by Darrell Benns / DC Thomson.

A two-hour, 24-song line up was promised, and not a minute was wasted. Creative backdrops showcased Rod throughout the years, while a semi-circular big screen set up, kept the not-quite-full room close to the action.

Wearing outfit one of five, Sir Rod Stewart took to the stage at P&J Live in Aberdeen. Photo by Darrell Benns / DC Thomson.

However, if empty spaces were the elephant in the room, Rod addressed it head on. “No wonder we haven’t sold out,” he laughed, “you all hate me because I support Celtic.”

It wouldn’t be the only football reference. Dressed head to toe in red he talked about visiting Pittodrie… but finished off by goading any Dons fans with a mention of how many points ahead his team are.

Kind-hearted tributes

Twistin’ the Night Away and First Cut is the Deepest led into crowd-pleasing classics like Maggie May with Rod’s trademark “just gargled with gravel” tones front and centre.

Saxophone solos, a harpist, fiddles and a veritable orchestra accompanied the 77-year-old as he journeyed through his musical years.

Flamboyant Rod Stewart in action. Photo by Dylan Morrison.

Then came his personal tribute to Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac. I’d Rather Go Blind, dedicated to “Chrissy”, made way for a stunning drum section led by his line-up of backing singers come dancer-musicians.

The tributes continued after the third of five costume changes. Sir Rod came back on wearing blue and yellow, “the colours of Ukraine.” This time dedicating Rhythm of My Heart to President Zelenskyy and the people of his country. The crowd was encouraged to watch the screens as powerful war imagery accompanied the popular song.

More poignant moments were to come with anti-apartheid and American civil rights photos, including Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Junior, projected behind Rod’s version of Curtis Mayfield’s People Get Ready.

‘We want more…’

Have I Told You Lately prefaced Da You Think I’m Sexy – but as the crowd, including former Scotland manager Gordon Strachan, took to their feet it looked like disappointment could ensue.

For half way through he ditched it. “I’m sick of singing that one,” said Rod, opting instead for an arena-rousing rendition of Baby Jane.

Giving his all to his Aberdeen crowd, Sir Rod Stewart. Image by Darrell Benns / DC Thomson.

With everyone now fully in party mode and “Rod, be my sugar daddy” being yelled from the bleachers, he started preparing his audience for the show’s impending finish.

All good things must come to an end

Sailing – including his all-female front line wearing captain’s hats and sequins – took the tempo back down to close the show – but only for a second.

Chants of “we want more” beckoned the curtain back up and Stay With Me provided the welcome encore.

He didn’t disappoint: Rod Stewart in Aberdeen. Picture by Darrell Benns / DC Thomson.

Always popular in Aberdeen, the Scot-loving rocker didn’t disappoint. If anything his big-hearted tributes, his passionate performance, all alongside the superbly talented band of musicians and singers, exceeded expectations.

And the atmosphere? “Better than the Hydro”, according to the women behind who had followed him round the country.

Not bad Aberdeen. Not bad.

After his gig at the P&J Live, Sir Rod continues his tour across the UK before heading for North America.


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