The trip to see Rod started with a 3 1/2 hour car ride to the Wells Fargo Arena for us. We arrived at the Arena at 7:00 pm and headed to the bar to see if could meet up with other fans that I’d met at two previous shows (12-7-13 Newark, NJ and 12-9-13 New York City, NY). Some of these fans traveled from as far as England and Brazil to see Rod.
While at the New York show, Madeline Santamaria Ignarro gave me a green bracelet to wear, similar to the one Rod wore at the New York and Philadelphia shows; with the bracelet we all felt connected. I have seen Rod 12 times this year and I hope to see him just as many next year. When I told someone that I have seen Rod 12 times this year, they asked me “was it the same show”. My reply was “when your a loyal fan of Rod, you can not get enough of him”.
Some of the English fans (Madeline,Pat,Susan,Marcy,Cara and Janet)and Marcy from the States; said they’d try to meet up with me in Las Vegas in May 2014 “what a small world”. The fans from England were so friendly; I am going to keep in touch with them as much as I can. I noticed a sign show casing two drinks honoring Rod. I liberated the sign to add to my collection, along with 2 new shirts.
I entered the arena and went to my seat, 3 row center stage. Steve Winwood came out and sang for about and hour from 7:30 to 8:30, Steve and his band were great. The crowd really enjoyed the music and sang along with Steve. There was about a 15 minute break and then Rod came out and the crowd went crazy, clapping with joy and screaming “I love you, Rod”.
Rod’s singing was fantastic and the crowd responded by standing up and singing along. This energized Rod and he started to bounce all over the stage. At one point in the show he even started doing jumping jacks. Rod put his heart and soul into each of the 21 songs he sang. The crowd could see and feel the emotion that he put into every one of the songs.
Rod introduced his daughter Ruby and she sang a song she wrote. She is getting better and more comfortable on stage. She starting to develop her own style, which is fantastic. Rod and Ruby sang “Forever Young” , and you could see how proud Rod was to sing with his daughter.
Rod showed the short video of him singing with Steve Winwood playing guitar in the back ground. They both looked so young.He then went on to sing “Hot Legs” kicking signed soccer balls into the crowd. There were people pushing and jumping to catch the balls. You knew that your fun and enjoyment was almost over when he sang “Maggie May”. For his encore he sang “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy”. Now the night is over and I have to wait until May 14,2014; 152 days and counting!!
Review by Barbara Holland
Photo’s by Barbara Holland
Set list
This Old Heart of Mine
Having a Party
You Wear It Well
Stay With Me
Tonight’s the Night
Some Guys Have All the Luck
Rhythm of My Heart
Just One More Day
Forever Young
The First Cut Is the Deepest
Brighton Beach
Have I Told You Lately
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Can’t Stop Me Now
Sweet Little Rock & Roller
I’d Rather Go Blind
Proud Mary
You’re In My Heart
Hot Legs
Maggie May
Encore:
Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?