Main photo thanks to The Lockhearts
The Lockhearts
Following on from last weeks post where we told you about Rod joining Scottish band The Lockhearts for a version of Baby Jane
Alex, George and Gary told SMILER this week what Rod said “Alex’s voice is unbelievable, He should be making records!” .
Rod’s Birthday
Rod celebrated his 81st Birthday on Sunday and Penny was one of the first to congratulate him on his big day
Taking to her Instagram Stories Penny shared a photo of the couple during a visit to Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy. The pair were seen posing together on the municipality’s iconic red bench that sits with a stunning sea view.
The quirky bench carries two large red love hearts, one of which reads: “Santa in Love,” and the duo could be seen cuddling up underneath the heart, as Penny added a sticker reading: “Happy birthday,” to the image.
She topped it off by captioning the image with one of Rod’s songs, with Forever Young.
Rod’s son Liam posted this great shot of Rod for his birthday and Rod get the perfect present, Celtic were back to winning ways beating Dundee 4-0.
This week’s Rod Art
This week we feature something totally different than usual, one of a kind hand painted Wooden Toys that are used as Wedding Cake toppers and Keepsakes.
They are made by toy artist and owner of Lumber Jill Toys Patricia who is based in New Jersey, United State
Patricia says “Creating has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I have spent countless hours making craft projects, painting and doing DIY projects”.
Patricia told SMILER this week “This particular doll was a custom commission the customer picked out the outfit and told me exactly what she wanted. It was a pleasure to paint!
All of my dolls are hand painted with acrylic paint on 3 1/2 inch wooden peg dolls. I paint all kinds of custom dolls, celebrities happen to be my favorite to paint!”
To see more of Patricia’s work go to https://www.instagram.com/lumberjilltoys/
Win A Signed Wolfie’s Bottle
Hello Rod Stewart fans, hello lovers of fine spirits!
Storyteller, the German Rod Stewart portal with an international touch, is giving away three bottles of Sir Rod Stewart’s famous whisky brand, personally signed by the man himself, in cooperation with Wolfie’s Whisky – all under the motto ‘Blends Have More Fun’.
How can you get your hands on these coveted bottles? It’s easy: just answer our competition question and send your answers by email to: [email protected] with the keyword ‘WOLFIE’S’.
We will then draw the winners from all entries with the correct answer. The closing date for entries is Saturday, 31st January, 11.59 p.m. (CET).
And here’s the competition question:
Please sort the following Rod Stewart songs chronologically in the correct order from old to new, starting with the oldest song.
Young Turks
Baby Jane
Maggie May
Lost In You
Handbags And Gladrags
One More Time
Pennies From Heaven
It Was A Very Good Year
Way Back Home
Mine For Me
Rod City Rollers..A Nod’s As Good As A Wink
On Wednesday Rod and Alastair joined friends John McLaughlin and Wolfie’s Duncan Frew on a trip to Falkirk to watch Celtic take on Falkirk, with the Scottish champions picking up all three points thanks to a header from Swede Benjamin Nygren.
Rod was spotted having a laugh at the expense of the guy in front as he appeared to get bored with the match and nod off
Before and after the match the group called in Behind the Wall on Melville Street where Rod sampled the Pornstar Martini and said it was the best he had tasted
After the match the group even joined with the regulars in the post match sing song with a rousing rendition of ‘Have you ever seen the rain’.
In a video shared on Instagram, Bay City Roller John McLaughlin could be seen clutching the microphone while Rod belted out a tune on the dancefloor
What’s On
Nightmares At The Nighty…
On Friday 23rd January SMILER founder John Gray will be playing with his band Brilliant Nightmare at the Nightingale Sutton Surrey
Formed in 2023 to pay tribute to The Faces. Brilliant Nightmare have turned to other “different” covers to reach a wider audience.
Vocals / Guitar: Paul Gray
Keyboards / Vocals: John Gray
Bass Mike Doyle
Drums: Paul Clark
Come down and watch them plough through a diverse selection including classics by the Stones, Primal Scream, Ocean Colour Scene, the Killers, Keane, Ian Dury, Foo Fighters, the Beatles, Faces, Quo, Dylan and loads more…
A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse (Start Your Ear Off Right 2026)
Out this week on Rhino US limited LP 140g Black Vinyl edition of A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse, The trend for most labels these days is to leave catalogue albums on streaming platforms and not bother with physical editions but Rhino are bucking the trend and releasing these albums that are all cut from the masters and sound incredible
Originally released in 1971, this record marked the commercial high point for Faces, the London group whose loose, swaggering chemistry blurred the line between pub rock, soul and classic r&b. Coming at the height of their powers, this captures a band operating on feel and instinct, every part sounding lived-in opposed to being rehearsed. ‘Miss Judy’s Farm’ and ‘Stay With Me’ run on boozy momentum and ragged charm, while ‘Debris’ slows the pace, giving Rod Stewart space to deliver one of his most reflective performances. Elsewhere, songs such as ‘Love Lives Here’ and ‘Last Orders Please’ balance warmth with weariness. Heard now, it remains a vivid snapshot of Faces at their most assured and human.
Track listing
1.”Miss Judy’s Farm”
2.”You’re So Rude”
3.”Love Lives Here”
4.”Last Orders Please”
5.”Stay With Me”
Side 2
1.”Debris”
2.”Memphis”
3.”Too Bad”
4.”That’s All You Need”
Long Player [Start Your Ear Off Right 2026]
Also getting the cut from masters treatment from Rhino is Faces Long Player Limited 140g Black Vinyl edition
Faces’ second album, ‘Long Player,’ gets a much-anticipated vinyl repress on standard black vinyl, showcasing the band at the height of their powers. This ragged, yet cohesive, rock and roll masterpiece captures the band’s ferocious energy and collaborative songwriting. Featuring standout tracks like “Bad ‘n’ Ruin” and a soaring cover of Paul McCartney’s “Maybe I’m Amazed”.
Track list
Side 1
1. Bad ‘N’ Ruin
2. Tell Everyone
3. Sweet Lady Mary
4. Richmond
5. Maybe I’m Amazed
Side 2
1. Had Me A Real Good Time
2. On The Beach
3. I Feel So Good
4. Jerusalem
And Finally..
Dave’s 60th birthday fundraiser for Tŷ Hafan
Long time SMILER member Dave Wyatt would like help from fellow members..
Well folks, 2026 will be my 60th birthday and to celebrate, I want to do a years’ worth of fund raising for Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice. I have set-up a Just Giving page Daves 60th birthday fundraiser for Tŷ Hafan Daves 60th birthday fundraiser for Tŷ Hafan Help Dave Wyatt raise money to support Tŷ Hafan Already planned is dry January, a fire walk, 10k, climb Pen-Y-Fan. I also have other events and challenges which are still in the planning stage. Please share this page like mad, I want to raise as much money as I possibly can through 2026. Many thanks. Dave xxxx
https://www.justgiving.com/page/dave-wyatt-4
See you next week..