In July we went to Dortmund and this evening ended up in “Ballgate” as the press called it here. This week we went to Hamburg and were sure that this would be a magical night. And it was…..
Rod flew in that Thursday afternoon and went straight to the Model Railway Museum where we admired that really fascinating building in the centre of Hamburg. After that Rod did the sound check at O2 World. In Dortmund he didn’t do a sound check before the concert. A first clue, that he wanted to show the German fans the REAL Rod.
We – me and my good old friend Jan – arrived at the O2 World at about 6 pm. In front of it we saw the first Celtic shirts shining through the hundreds of people that were staying in front of the doors. We went back further on to the backstage area, where two aaa passes were waiting for us. Special thanks to Katja Rieckermann once again….
After a little walk around the O2 we entered our seats which were next to the stage at the left hand side. In front of us we saw Katja’s family and a lot of her friends from Hamburg.
Moya was the supporting act once again – not really my special kind of music, so I left my seat for a couple of cold drinks,But I was back right on time…. It was 8.45 pm when Rod came on stage. He opened the show with “This old heart of mine“ and it was clear, that he was in a very good mood. He did the usual set list and then surprised the crowd with a really great version of “Sweet little R’R“ which was followed by Ruby coming up on stage. She did “Just one more day“ and I found out, that she has the ‘STEWART NOSE’
Rod carried on with “Forever young” and the seated session.
Before the seated session started Rod wanted the people to sit down saying “Please sit down all of you. You have paid a lot of money for your seat, so sit down now. All of you!“
The end of the seated session saw a wonderful version of “Brighton Beach“ which he performed for the first time here in Germany. That was followed by “Can’t stop me now”, “Every Picture” (After “Picture” Rod called for an Ambulance!) and “Rather go blind”.
Then the band performed “Soul Girl” which was followed by “Sailing” and “Maggie” . “You’re in my heart”, “Hot Legs” (without any bloke kicking a ball back on stage) and “Baby Jane” were the last section of songs. “Sexy” was the encore and the last highlight of an incredible evening.
After the show we went to the backstage area again, met Katja, her family and friends and all the other band members. Around 11 pm the band got on the tour bus and made their way straight to Poland – a 12 hour drive.
Jan, my mate, and I left the O2 and drove to the city centre. Near to the Hamburg town hall we had a little after show session at Paddy’s Bar. About 30 Stewart fans joined us and we had a lot of fun with a very special Rod Stewart-Quiz, a lot of drinks and Rod music and videos all around.
So, that was it, my first Concert review in English. Hope you all understand it!!
In the meantime I came back home, have to work for the next four days. But then I will leave again for London. Hope to see you all at the O2 arena on Friday and Saturday.
Review by Martin Heidt
Photographs by Michaela Hombrecher
SET LIST
This Old Heart of Mine
You Wear It Well
Tonight’s the Night
Having A Party
Some Guys Have All the luck
Rhythm of My Heart
Sweet Little Rock n’Roller
Just One More Day Sung by Ruby
Forever Young
The First Cut Is the Deepest
Have I Told You Lately
Brighton Beach
Can’t Stop Me Now
Every Picture Tells A Story
I would Rather Go Blind
Soul Girl
Maggie May
Sailing
You’re in My Heart
Hot Legs
Baby Jane
Encore:
Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?