I read an interview the other day from a March 1982 issue of Rolling Stone where Robert Palmer describes Rod’s shows at Madison Square Garden—now fast forward 30 years later and I’m doing a review of how unbelievably fantastic Rod was in Vegas.
In 2012 Rod was on fire in Vegas—sang and danced and ran across the stage, kicked soccer balls to the second balcony and gave it his all. His voice is in very good form. The set list was the same as has been reported—with one exception: Rod’s sister, Mary and his brother Don and wife Pat were at the concert and asked Rod to sing “I don’t want to talk about it”. Rod said it was a song that was a huge hit in the UK but not so much in the US-he sounded like he wasn’t sure the audience would even know it. He sang it during the acoustic sit-down—and was pleasantly surprised to hear the audience sing the chorus and of the great response when it was over. We walked into the venue with Rod’s family and told them we had just seen the photos of them shopping on line—they got a good laugh out of that.
During “Tonight I’m Yours” about 6 people arrived late for their front row seats and cause quite a commotion—Rod sang as he was distracted by them and then laughed about it afterward.He got up and danced during the Ooh La La part of the sit down and dedicated it to Ronnie Lane—mentioned the induction of the Faces into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. He did “Shake your money-maker” on Saturday night but not on Sunday—we still can’t figure out what he replaced it with—if he did. He messed up during “Rhythm of my heart” and dropped the usual F-bomb and then started the song over. He spoke with such pride about his children in the Celtic photos on the screen—he said Sean was about to open a night club there in Vegas.
Although the Saturday night audience clapped and were receptive—the few of us were the only ones standing up in the front and rear orchestra. The balconies stood and danced and clapped. Rod said the folks in the balconies were having the most fun and that the folks on the floor must have “really comfortable seats”—and then paid more attention to and kicked most of the soccer balls to the balconies. However he rolled one my way down front which made me happy. He came out into the audience during “Sweet Little Rock n Roller” and during Maggie May—he took off his gold sneakers and threw them into the audience. He sang the rest of the song in his white athletic socks with gray toes and heels. I wish I knew who caught those shoes. He had a bad hair moment when he came out for one of the sets—but that was corrected by next wardrobe change.
Sunday night was a totally charged audience–most were standing by the end of Love Train” and you could tell Rod loved it. He told everyone they could come down front to take photos and of course security went crazy. He surprised us and sang “I don’t want to talk about it” again and referenced the strong response it got the night before. Before “You’re in my heart” he announced he wanted to do a little experiment—and he invited anyone with a Celtic jersey on to come up on stage. (I wish the one I was given several years ago still fit.) Several went up—one woman with just a scarf and one with just a flag went up and Rod nodded for them that it was okay. I saw two women with just green and white sweaters on—I don’t think they were Celtic but I don’t think Rod noticed. He had them sit on the steps during the song—toward the end—they came over and wrapped him in the flags—he was happy and said he wanted to see if they would behave. It was nice. He came out near the end with a great silver jacket that was handsome looking. The colorful jacket and cowboy hat were also included. Dave and I had a “Sam Cooke” gift for Rod and Dave handed it up to him during the last song—we were thrilled because he held it during the rest of the song and took it off stage with him. Dave got a soccer ball too so we were able to fill two more cases.
Rod’s band continues to be awesome and Rod is so smart to highlight each of their talents. J’Anna was radiant—it’s so good to see Katjia and Jimmy together on the Sax—Dee does an unbelievable job with “Proud Mary” along with Chuck’s sweet low notes, Conrad’s bass during the sit down was excellent. This was the first time we saw the new female back-up singer—not sure we’re used to her yet—does anyone know her name. Only Chuck and Jimmy wore the plaid jackets.
Not as much Rod merchandise available as there is for Elton and Celine—the store clerk told us they actually produce their items whereas with Rod—they are sent the merchandise. Maybe if Rod signs on for future residency, there will be more available. Be sure to check out a new hoodie with the storyteller head shot on the back that comes in pink, black and blue which sells for $69.
Lots of Celtic and Hot Legs packages purchased: $1250 for row A and $450 for rows B and C. Saturday night was sold out—4300 seats; Sunday showed a few open seats on the far sides of the second balcony. Rod mentions he loves the venue and there’s not a bad seat in the house. I believe him but don’t want to test it—I really like being more to the front. Not many fans there who we knew. Lucille, Debbie and Dave were staying over at the Bellagio where we were. We met new Rod friends from the UK—Birmingham and Essex as well as a number of new folks from around the US.
Was it 1982 or 2012? I can’t remember! What I do know is that Rod is timeless. He has the staying power like no other. Thank you Rod for all you do!
Talent credits;
Words by SMILER’s Marcy Braunstein
Photos by SMILER’s Jim pietryga
And we promise we will show more of Jim’s brilliant photos soon!!
