A couple of summers ago I stood watching Rod from the golden circle at Hyde Park and before that I had seen Rod at the 02. Both concerts left me feeling a little flat, there was something missing compared to previous Rod gigs.. The set lists were drab and although I was near the front at both shows, few true fans seemed to be in these areas.
I concluded that Twickenham was going to be the last great Rod gig I would see and perhaps it was time to take a break.
This year, I had made no plans to attend Rod’s shows until the lure of standing at the Hydro combined with hearing new songs from Time became too strong.
I convinced my other half and two friends that a weekend away in Glasgow with the bonus of Rod live was a good idea. Tickets and hotel booked I started to countdown the weeks, watching the set list promisingly develop during the 2nd leg of the European tour.
Then, with 2 weeks to go, on a last minute decision I got tickets for myself and my 13 year old stepson on the sides at the O2. He’d always wanted to see Rod and I decided I could manage a warm up gig. I posted on here earlier that Rod’s 02 performance was great but the atmosphere in my block was more like a theatre production. Too many people sitting and watching rather than taking part.
Still, mission accomplished, my son has now seen Rod and I enjoyed hearing 3 numbers from Time plus Blind and Auld Lang Syne which was much better than I would have expected.
Time for The Hydro
We arrived in Glasgow City early Friday morning, had a full scottish breakfast, did some shopping (not my choice!) while noting where the best pre-gig boozers were located. After checking in at the hotel we headed for the Drum and Monkey for a bite and a few pints. The earlier “homework” had paid off and I was now getting in the mood for the gig.
I should point out that although everyone in my group have seen Rod at least once they don’t quite share my passion. I was conscious that I needed a plan to ensure we would be stage front which would surely involve some extensive queuing and waiting. No taking our seats at the last minute for this show! The only problem was that I had not shared my plan with anyone or even mentioned the fact that we were not seated!
It was now 5pm and although I could have managed another pint I knew the main doors would open at 6pm. I suggested perhaps we should go to the venue as the trains might be busy. 20 mins later we were outside the Hydro where queues were already forming outside the front entrance. A quick patrol round the building and a chat with an official standing in front of a side entrance and we found ourselves at the front of no queue which also gave us a shorter route to the stage…result.
6pm, doors opened then 10 paces forward to the arena doors which would open at 6.30pm.
While in this queue we took relayed trips to the toilets and the bar and before long we were dashing towards the stage, securing a spot left of centre, on the rail. My plan had worked. First time at the front since Earls Court in 2005. Now we just had to entertain ourselves for a couple of hours before Rod arrived on stage. I can’t think of anything else other than a Rod concert where I would happily wait for nearly 3 hours!
Although the Hydro is brand new, it reminded me of days gone by when standing areas were more common….it just feels right to watch Rod this way.
The atmosphere was building, there was a feeling of anticipation and I already knew that the Hydro was going to piss all over the 02…………………..it did!
I started talking with a fan called Tommy . I don’t think he is a current SMILER member but he used to be in the days of the great magazine. Perhaps some SMILER’s will know him. A true Rod trouper who has been watching him since the Faces days. He was on his lonesome for his 7th show of this tour but was returning the next night with his wife.
We chatted about previous tours, Faces and all things Rod while my team listened in with interest. Even my long standing (and suffering) other half who was at her fourth Rod show doesn’t really get my love for RS.. But standing at the front listening to me and Tommy reminisce while soaking up the excitement, I think they got a taste of how it used to be and understood why some of us have been fans for so long.
The pre show buzz grew louder and it was obvious that everyone was ready for a Friday night romp through the Rod stewart songbook.
After Moya the atmosphere started to build to a crescendo and then RS was out, launching into the worst possible opening number (IMO), This Old heart Of Mine.. It didn’t matter because by the time we had reached the chorus of TTN I knew the Glasgow crowd would make a great night of any set list. We were swaying, waving, jumping and I was singing as loud as I wanted without hearing my own tuneless voice above the crowd. What a contrast to the O2 just 13 days earlier.
Rod seemed to be bursting with energy, bouncing off the noise and enthusiasm of “his people”. As we all know, Rod is the master at working an audience but on this night, no effort was necessary. At 68 he does have to limit some of his moves to shorter bursts and the show is over choreographed but what can we expect from someone who still delivers so many sell out shows. I wonder how many concerts Rod has actually given?
Every now and then I turned round to look round the arena and it seemed like the whole crowd were constantly on their feet.
The set list was actually a bit crap. No Blind or Georgie, Some Guys was back in and only Brighton Beach and Cant Stop Me Now from Time. Never the less,almost 2 hours flew by and I will be adding this night in Glasgow to my classic Rod gigs.
As ever, it was over too soon, we wished Tommy a great night for tomorrow and then dragged our aching limbs to Charcoals for curry and Cobra.
We spent Saturday wandering around the city with the thought that Rod would be back on stage in a few hours niggling away at my brain. But I knew that even if tickets were available it would be selfish of me to even suggest a re-run so I pushed the notion to the back of my mind.
Wandering past the Glasgow 02 on Sachiehaull Street I noticed that Charles Bradley was playing that night. Having seen him on Jools Holland I thought it might be worth a punt. “Not another standing event” was the groan.
Charles was good. I still enjoy going to smaller venues and if I lived in Glasgow, would visit the 02 on a regular basis.
Back at the hotel bar which overlooks Central Station we watched the drunken Glaswegians staggering through, picking out the ones who had obviously been to see Rod.
I’m sure I will see Rod live again one day and if I do, I will do my best to be at the Hydro and hopefully stand in front of the stage. But if either I or Rod can’t make it I’ll never forget Glasgow and the Hydro 2013.
Set List
This old heart of mine
Some guys have all the luck
You wear it well
Twisting the night away
Tonight’s the night
Rhythm of my heart
Just one more day-Ruby Stewart
Forever young
First cut is the deepest
I don’t want to talk about it
Have I told you lately
Brighton beach
Can’t stop me now
Sweet little rock n’ roller
proud Mary
You’re in my heart
Maggie May
Sailing
Hot legs
Baby Jane
Encore
Da ya think I’m sexy
2nd Encore
Auld Lang Syne
Photo Scott McCallum