Photo Karen Chande
The Colosseum Theater at Caesars Palace
Ok so Friday and Saturday’s shows were cancelled due to Rod’s sinus infection but we don’t want to short change you so here are more fantastic shots from Karen Chande and Iris Alexander.
And a short message from Sir Rod “My apologies to my family of fans. I am on vocal rest as I recover from a sinus infection,” he said. “I look forward to seeing you at a future show at Caesars Palace or on tour this summer.”
And also a review from Iris…
My sister Judy Green and I had a reunion with friends from Minnesota and Kentucky that I met thru SMILER What could be better!
We saw Kevin Saligar and his wife. They were so nice to grace us with a photo with them before the show. Inside the Coloseum, always look forward to seeing Ruth Ha
The excitement grows, the curtain raises and there he is “ Oh Rod”.
I say “Oh Yeah”❣️
He starts with “Tonight I’m Yours”
Before going into the next song, he announces that he just got in from London the day before and was feeling really “flat” but he would give it a go. And that he did. Although there was a few technical difficulties, he gave all he had. It was great even though he was not feeling well.
Through out the show I was feeling so melancholy about his career, all the music he has given us. It made me sad and happy.
I just read Dr’s orders have forced him to cancel a few shows.
Today and every day I want to send love , appreciation and much well wishes to feel better to Sir Rod
On Tuesday night Rod and the band were back to business as the show went ahead Before the show Rod met radio personality Elliot Mintz
As Rod ended his opening number (Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay he shared an insight into why the two shows last week were cancelled
“Before we go any further, last week I passed on two shows and I’ll tell you why, I had this awful fucking sinus infection. I should’ve gone to the hospital but I didn’t.”
“I couldn’t hear a thing,” he told the crowd “When you’ve got your ears blocked up, it ruins your equilibrium.”
Adding “I might stumble a bit tonight.”
Pat Sturch and Daniel Beirne were at the show to bring us some amazing photos and here is Martin Heidt’s review of the show
Rod’s Return to Vegas: Always Expect the Unexpected
Sir Rod Stewart has made a full recovery from his sinusitis and the resulting enforced break of several days, and returned to the stage at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace yesterday.
The 81-year-old singer appeared to be back in top form, but admitted that he is not yet 100 per cent back to his old self. “I still feel a bit dizzy now and then,” explained Sir Rod, who had also rediscovered his trademark humour: “I’ve been on stage for over 60 years and this is probably the first time I haven’t had a drink before a concert,” he joked, securing a laugh from the audience.
“If that’s really how it was, then he should never have a drink before a show again,” grinned Silke Mock from Düren as she shared her impressions of the evening with our editorial team late at night (Vegas time). “He was in great spirits, completely different from on Wednesday, when you could tell he was brooding over something,” she reported. Silke had flown directly from Frankfurt to Las Vegas at the start of the week and, like many others, had been surprised by the cancellation of the shows on Friday and Saturday. “The two cancellations and the days off certainly did him good; he was almost back to his old self,” said Silke, noting that even after so many years on stage, Rod Stewart is still capable of surprising his fans. Yesterday, this happened with a concert opener that probably nobody – and I mean absolutely nobody – would have had on their radar, even in their wildest dreams.
Right on time at 7.30 pm, the band took to the stage and kicked off the evening with the instrumental classic “Soulfinger” – originally by the Bar-Kays (1967). Then, as Rod stepped onto the stage in his smart suit, the opening bars of “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay”, the Otis Redding classic, suddenly rang out – completely unexpectedly!
Some in the audience were so astonished they couldn’t close their mouths, whilst others reacted with quick thinking and lightning speed, filming this memorable start to the concert on their smartphones. After all, Rod Stewart hadn’t played this song live for almost 40 years. When news of this almost historic moment reached our editorial team, we immediately set about investigating. After scouring the World Wide Web at length, we discovered that Rod had last performed this song live in 1989 during a gig in Atlantic City, although the author of these lines somehow recalls that ‘Sittin’ On The Dock Of The Bay’ was also on the set list for the 1991/92 Vagabond Tour. However, this gut feeling could not be substantiated with certainty.
After that cracking start, Sir Rod sang his way through the evening in his usual style, performing his greatest hits as always. He did, however, make a few changes to the setlist: ‘Every Picture Tells A Story’, the Simply Red classic ‘If You Don’t Know Me By Now’, ‘Rhythm Of My Heart’ and ‘Tonight’s The Night’ were added to the setlist, whilst ‘Tonight I’m Yours’, ‘It’s A Heartache’, ‘The Killing Of Georgie’, ‘You’re In My Heart’ and ‘It Takes Two’ were ‘given a break’. However, these song changes did nothing to dampen the atmosphere in Caesars Palace, which was sold out apart from a few remaining seats. The fans celebrated the evening with dance moves that were sometimes graceful, sometimes less so, and by singing along with perfect lyrics, ensuring that Rod and his band had a great time on stage too.
And a review from Marcy Braunstein
“Marcy is Lost in You Since ‘72”
Prior to tonight’s show I wasn’t sure if I was going to write a review of it. I felt the setlist hadn’t changed in a while and it was becoming predictable. But I couldn’t have been more wrong. So fasten your seatbelt and hold onto your hat for this one.
The show in question was Rod’s return to the encore portion of his residency at Caesar’s Palace Colosseum in Las Vegas on Tuesday, June 2nd after he followed his physician’s orders and was forced to cancel two shows last week. Concert-goers were devastated especially the ones who had traveled a good distance just for those shows and it gave the press a good story to cover on both sides of the Atlantic.
Rod opened with a rare and outstanding version of “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay”, a song I haven’t heard him sing live since possibly the early 80’s. I felt like I was at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem. It was magical. He has to open with that the next two nights!
After he sang “Every Picture tells a Story” he took a moment to explain why he canceled the two previous shows and was very apologetic. He had a severe sinus infection that traveled into his ears and affected his left
eardrum. And as a result he was having balance issues. I read an interview where Penny said he actually lost his voice for 48 hours. He joked that he was using a cane before he came out on stage and someone yanked it from him just before he came out.
I definitely empathize with him as I also suffer with balance issues but I have to say a cane is not helpful. Actually a hiking pole works better. You don’t need assistance walking but just another point of contact on the ground to keep your balance. I’m going to bring one to the next two shows. And Rod, if you’re reading this and need one, please make your way over to me in the front row in and I’ll hand it up to you.
He admitted this was the first time in his 60 year career that he didn’t have anything to drink prior to a show which might have been because he was medicated. (Believe me I know from experience.)
However he was drinking something when he sat down on the steps with the ladies that resembled his favorite run and Coke.
Speaking of the steps the new stage is “absolutely beautiful” as he said in the recent Grammy show. It’s the brightest of white and very smart looking. I bet that old stage could tell some stories.
There were several times throughout the show when it was noticeable he was having issues with his balance but it didn’t affect his voice at all. He sounded great. I usually write about what Rod was wearing but even though he looked unbelievably sexy in the yellow suit and then all leopard, this review is all about the set list and his voice.
Ladies and gentleman: He sang Hot Legs! He has said he could never write such a song in today’s world. But it sure was a crowd pleaser and I for one loved it!
He sang a great version of “If you don’t know me by now” and mentioned he sang it recently at Glastonbury.
During the opening of “Maggie May” he asked the folks up front to sit down. (So I did!). But everyone was back on their feet once the tempo changed.
He pointed out his manicured nails that were still carefully painted with the Celtic colors and gave details about Celtic’s recent outstanding performance which I unfortunately missed. But what I did hear were several descriptive F-bombs. He quickly apologized to parents with two young children up front. (Those parents had to have paid front row prices for their kids) But he continued with a few more of them of F bombs later. What would a Rod show be without them.
Before he sang “I’d Rather Go Blind” he said he was just a blues singer from North London. I was happy “This old heart of mine” made its way back into the set list. He started “Love Train” in the wrong key and stopped the song and started over.
There were a couple of the usual cock-ups with wrong lyrics. During “Have I Told You Lately” he sang “Have I told you lately how much you love me” and laughed. Wait—-that might have been on purpose. He messed up some words to “Stay with Me” but I was singing the correct ones. After all I am “Lost in you since ‘72”.
It was so noticeable that the band members are a tight nit team and Rod always highlights each of their individual talents. After the ladies sang “Jolene” there was a bit of a lull in the audience response. Rod said to the crowd “What’s wrong with you. Are you f@?king sleeping?” Believe me it wasn’t the performance they were reacting to. Those ladies sing their hearts out and are very entertaining. Proud Mary later was a show/stopped. They add additional excitement to the show. Maybe it was the song. It’s the first time I heard “Jolene” live.
For a Tuesday night the crowd wasn’t bad. The only empty seats were to the far left and right top balcony. Rod continues to fill venues everywhere. He has said that he “will continue to sing as long as there’s air in his lungs and bums in the seats”. But Rod fans know that all good things must come to an end. We just don’t know when! Feel better Rod! We love you!
Set list:
Soulfinger (Band intro)
Sittin’ On The Dock Of The Bay
Every Pictrue Tells A Story
Having A Party
This Old Heart Of Mine
The Firt Cut Is The Deepest
Tonight’s The Night
Forever Young
Maggie May
I’d Rather Go Blind
Stay With Me
Hot Legs
Rhythm Of My Heart
Jolene (Band only)
People Get Ready
If You Don’t Know Me By Now
Have I Told You Lately
Proud Mary (Band only)
Some Guys Have All The Luck
Da Ya Think I’m Sexy
Love Train
On Thursday the band were back on stage for another amazing show, Daniel Beirne was at the show ..and got a ball from Rod!
And here is the lowdown from Martin Heidt..
Las Vegas on Thursday: 81 (and Not a Bit Quiet)
“81 (and Not a Bit Quiet)” is the title of one of STORYTELLER’s tribute songs, which we produced earlier this year together with a group of musician friends – and, admittedly, a little help from modern technology – in honour of Rod Stewart’s 81st birthday. The title remains as fitting as ever, perfectly describing what fans around the world continue to experience, and especially those who attended last night’s concert at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
For Sir Rod, whom Las Vegas Magazine recently described as “a gift to us all” Las Vegas Magazine), it was his third appearance at The Colosseum this year after being forced to cancel two shows due to a sinus infection.
The singer appeared to be almost back to full strength, with very little sign remaining of his recent illness. As a result, Stewart once again delivered a first-class performance for his audience. “This is where he feels at home, this is where he has fun,” wrote Las Vegas Magazine, and Sir Rod demonstrated exactly that once again on stage.
For the second consecutive show, he opened the evening with the Otis Redding classic Sittin’ On The Dock Of The Bay following the familiar Soul Finger intro, before putting his foot firmly on the accelerator with the 1980s favourites Infatuation and Tonight I’m Yours.
The audience responded with enthusiasm. Everywhere you looked, there were smiling faces. And those who were not busy capturing countless photos and videos on their smartphones were dancing along or singing the choruses of The First Cut Is The Deepest and You’re In My Heart – not always perfectly in tune, perhaps, but certainly with plenty of passion and conviction.
Naturally, that energy carried over to the stage, where Rod and his outstanding musicians once again formed the perfect partnership for which they are renowned. The violinists played with remarkable intensity during Forever Young, the saxophonist sent soaring notes across the arena during I’d Rather Go Blind, while the drummer attacked his snares and hi-hats as though there were no tomorrow.
Then there were the three backing singers, whose performances of the classics Jolene and Proud Mary brought thunderous applause from the crowd.
Giving his musicians their moment in the spotlight as a thank-you for years of loyalty is another art that Sir Rod has mastered completely. In many ways, it is much like football: a team is only as strong as the people within it. Rod, acting as the band’s captain, demonstrates that principle night after night. The audience appreciates it, and as a result every concert becomes a truly special experience for everyone involved.
“Seeing Rod Stewart live is absolutely incredible,” enthused Michael from Los Angeles as he left Caesars Palace after the roughly 90-minute show. “He doesn’t just bring back old memories through his music; he turns a concert into a unique entertainment experience.” With that, he proudly held aloft the signed football he had worked so hard to obtain. “I’m ready for the World Cup now,” he laughed.
Nancy, who was born in Las Vegas but now lives in St Paul, Minnesota, had travelled back to her hometown specifically to see Stewart perform. “I’ve seen him at Caesars again and again over the years – probably ten times by now,” she said. “And every single time I think, ‘Well, that’s probably it.’ Then he comes back the following year and once again creates an unforgettable experience. Rod Stewart simply refuses to grow old. It’s almost outrageous how good he still looks at 81.” She finishes her thought with a knowing wink.
Setlist:
Soulfinger (Band intro)
Sittin’ On The Dock Of The Bay
Infatuation
Tonight I’m Yours
This Old Heart Of Mine
The First Cut Is The Deepest
You’re In My Heart
Tonight’s The Night
Forever Young
Hot Legs
Ooh La La
Maggie May
I’d Rather Go Blind
Rhythm Of My Heart
Jolene (Band only)
People Get Ready
If You Don’t Know Me by Now
Have I Told You Lately
Proud Mary (Band only)
Some Guys Have All The Luck#
Da Ya Think I’mSexy
Love Train
While Rod was in Vegas he had a photo taken with Vegas singer Ms Monet
What’s On
Simply Rod
Simply Rod -A tribute to Sir Rod by James Frew are incredibly proud to finally announce that James will be taking a brand new show format to the Edinburgh Fringe this August with a 15-gig run at Jackson The Tailor!!
And before Edinburgh Festival Fringe madness officially begins…They are hosting an EXCLUSIVE pre-Fringe preview show.
This is something completely different from the usual tribute night format. Expect the biggest Rod Stewart hits mixed with smooth swing, soulful favourites, Motown classics and a proper intimate cocktail-bar atmosphere in one of Edinburgh’s coolest cellar bar venues.
– Big Rod anthems
– Swing, soul & Motown classics
– Up-close & personal performance vibes
– Cellar bar atmosphere
– Tartan, leopard print & sequins encouraged
This special afternoon show is your chance to experience the production before it heads into a full Fringe run this August.
Saturday 27 June 2026
Jackson the Tailor, Edinburgh
Doors: 4PM
Show: 4:30PM – 6PM
Tickets are limited for this preview show.
For more info go to https://www.facebook.com/SimplyRodJamesFrew?locale=en_GB
Blow By Blow
Members in New York Mark Your Calendars!
Celebrate the launch of Blow By Blow: The Jeff Beck Story with a special all-star tribute concert, live interview, and book signing event in New York City. 
Join Brad Tolinski & Chris Gill for an unforgettable night honoring one of music’s greatest innovators — featuring special guests, live performances, and stories from inside the making of the book.
The Cutting Room — NYC
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Tickets available now
One night. One legend. One book that tells the whole story.
Blow By Blow is being described as “the first biography to fully capture the life, music, and mystery of this singular artist.” Blow by Blow: The Jeff Beck Story, from authors Brad Tolinski and Chris Gill, via Da Capo publishing, arrives July 14, 2026, via Da Capo publishing. Drawing on more than 30 hours of original interviews with Beck, along with extensive conversations with friends and collaborators including Jimmy Page, Johnny Depp, Clive Davis, and many others, the 400-page book is said to offer the most complete portrait of Beck ever assembled. It’s available to order in the U.S. here, in Canada here and in the U.K. here (where it arrives on July 23).
Here is a first look at the striking UK cover
This week’s Rod art
This week we feature the work of JP. Kumamoto who Specialises in portraits of beautiful women done in pencil.
About choosing Rod to draw JP. Kumamoto said “I sail the sea, I sail the sea, back to my hometown, crossing the stormy sea , seeking freedom
by your side. This is today’s drawing; I felt like drawing a man after a long time”
To see the beautiful women go to https://www.instagram.com/y_shiiba_bibi/
Faces Reissued
Faces Ooh La La is getting a reissue from Rhino US
Format: LP in die-cut moving sleeve
Cat: 060349 7810673
No release date yet
Tracklist
Side 1
1.”Silicone Grown”
2.”Cindy Incidentally”
3.”Flags & Banners”
4.”My Fault”
5.”Borstal Boys”
Side 2
1.”Fly In The Ointment”
2. “If I’m On The Late Side”
3.”Glad & Sorry”
4.”Just Another Honky”
5.”Ooh La La”
And the Best of album Snakes & Ladders: The Best Of Faces is also getting the same treatment
Format: LP
Cat: 812278 04404
Released: 17 July 2026
Rockin’ In California – Live 1975
A new live recording radio broadcast from The Faces has been released on Audio Vaults
| 1 | (I Know) I’m Losing You |
| 2 | Talk |
| 3 | Bring It On Home to Me – You Send Me |
| 4 | Talk |
| 5 | Sweet Little Rock and Roller |
| 6 | Talk |
| 7 | Too Bad – Every Picture Tells a Story |
| 8 | Angel |
| 9 | Stay With Me |
| 10 | Motherless Chidren – Memo from Turner – Gasoline Alley |
| 11 | Talk |
| 12 | You Wear It Well |
| 13 | Maggie May |
| 14 | Talk |
| 15 | Twistin’ the Night Away |
| 16 | I’d Rather Go Blind |
| 17 | I Can Feel the Fire |
| 18 | Take a Look at the Guy |
Rare and collectable recordings – digitally remastered. Faces live in concert from Swing Auditorium, San Bernardino, California plus three bonus tracks. Classic tracks include, Stay With Me, You Wear It Well, Maggie May, I’d Rather Go Blind & Twistin’ The Night Away. 1. (I Know) I’m Losing You 7.15 2. Talk 0.16 3. Bring It On Home To Me – You Send Me 4.17 4. Talk 0.29 5. Sweet Little Rock And Roller 5.23 6. Talk 0.29 7. Too Bad – Every Picture Tells A Story 7.31 8. Angel 3.57 9. Stay With Me 4.26 10. Motherless Children – Memo From Turner – Gasoline Alley 7.42 11. Talk 0.33 12. You Wear It Well 3.40 13. Maggie May 5.36 14. Talk 0.19 15. Twistin’ The Night Away 7.10 Bonus Tracks The Forum, Inglewood, California March 5th 1975 (Audience Recording) 16. I’d Rather Go Blind 6.19 17. I Can Feel The Fire 5.05 Providence Civic Center, Providence, Ri 25th February 1975 (Audience Recording) 18. Take A Look At The Guy 4.47 Rod Stewart – Lead Vocals Ronnie Wood – Guitars, Backing Vocals Ian Mclagan – Keyboards, Backing Vocals Tetsu Yamauchi – Bass Kenney Jones – Drums
This concert has been released in different formats in the past and is available now on all the usual sites but as usual SMILER cannot comment on the quality of these recordings but as you can see the cover is well dodgy!
Brand new Blog
A brand new thought provoking blog by Dan Perreira An even better alternate ATLANTIC CROSSING has gone up in the SMILER blog section
By 1975, Rod Stewart’s recording career was at a crossroads; his last album, SMILER, was not as successful as his previous efforts had been, especially on the artistic side – he wasn’t musically moving forward. Later, Rod would admit or confess that SMILER was a “shitty” album, and put some of the blame on the dispute between his two record labels at the time, Mercury and Warner Bros.(the Faces label), both disputing that they owned Rod the recording artist – delaying SMILER by several months. With the disappointing sales and critical reaction to that album, especially in the US, SMILER was considered too formulaic despite the added embellishment of brass and strings (and significantly, the album had no hit singles in the US); it all just sounded too anticipated. And not even contributions from Paul McCartney and Elton John could change the overall feeling that you’ve heard it all before – and done much better.
With all that considered, it was obvious to Rod that he needed to take a brand new direction with his studio recordings. Rod had the idea to start fresh by bringing in, for the first time, a professional and well-renowned producer by the name of Tom Dowd to oversee his latest project. And as Rod hoped, with Dowd’s assistance, his new songs and cover selections would make for a more American and less British-sounding record in the hopes of selling even more product. This would also mark the first time that Rod would enter the studio without either Ronnie Wood or Mickey Waller as support (on the advice of Dowd), and only Martin Quittenton from his old studio band was asked to join Rod to work on the new material. Sadly, Quittenton declined to travel to the US due to health issues at the time. Rod’s old collaborators would be replaced by seasoned professional players.
To read the excellent full blog in the SMILER blog section now https://www.rodstewartfanclub.com/home/about/smiler-blog/?swcfpc=1
And finally…
Please check that your contact details are up to date as all paid up members will be getting something in the post very soon
And it will be sent to the address on the data base and anyone attending the shows on Saturday at The Colosseum Theater at Caesars Palace, Monday at Mortgage Matchup Center or Wednesday at Hollywood Bowl have a brilliant night and please send in any thoughts or photos for next week’s news
See you next week….