I was not going to attend the Sheffield concert due to work commitments so I had no ticket purchased for the show, so when my plans changed I frantically posted on the SMILER site if anybody had any ideas how to get hold of some tickets at late notice, cue the great response from the marvellous Rod fan group alerting me to contact the box office for any promoter returns. This I did and straight away 3 tickets for row 5 in block 119 were purchased.
Got to Sheffield from London picked the tickets up, met my two sons from Manchester and made our way to the Pub across from the venue ,which was packed inside and out with Fans, a couple of well earned beverages disposed of (at a much better price than of those in Amsterdam) and away to the venue.
Moya was pretty decent if you like that type of thing pretty proffessional .After a while and the usual music intros Rod arrives on stage for what was the beginning of a suberb show, straight away the crowd were up on their feet singing and dancing along with our hero. Old favourites performed and it was nice to hear a few more tracks from The excellant Time album , so funny to see Rod singing she makes me happy with the lyrics on a stand , I also think he needed his glasses, only Rod could get away with that I am sure. The acoustic part of the set was excellant and Rods voice sounded really good, the band were proffessional and sound as always and everybody seemed to be having a great time. One of the many highlights was the performance of Gasoline alley, one of my personal favourite tracks and the classic Killing of Georgie it doesnt get better than that does it. I swear Rod wiped away a tear when singing First Cut, he even mentioned how superb the crowd sang it .
I have seen Rod on countless occasions and can honestly say he has always been proffessional and given us everything even when he has not felt at his best the show still goes on , from the first time in Manchester in 1975 to Sundays performance in Sheffield this show is in the top 5 I have witnessed, even as a loyal lancashire lad I give great credit to the audience from over the hills in Yorkshire who helped make the night so memorable.
I can not wait for Ceasers Palace on 31st july . Oh yes and the night was even better when a ball landed in my hands. A Rod concert is always special lets hope there are many more to come and maybe with a little luck a Faces reunion , now that would be special!
Thanks Rod for the songs and the many great memories may they go on forever
Nocker
Rod Photograph by Glenn Ashley
Set list
This Old Heart Of Mine
You Wear It Well
Havin’ a Party
Tonight’s The Night
Rhythm Of My Heart
Can’t Stop Me Now
The Killing of Georgie
Forever Young
The First Cut Is the Deepest
Have I Told You Lately
Brighton Beach
I Don’t Want to Talk About It
She Makes Me Happy
Maggie May
Sweet Little Rock & Roller
You’re In My Heart
Soul Girl (backup singers)
Gasoline Alley
Hot Legs
Baby Jane
Sailing
Encore
Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?