Main Photo Jini Sachse
Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater, Bridgeport
Friday night kicked off with Rod in Bridgeport, lighting delayed the show and unfortunately Richard Marx’s set was pulled, but he did come on stage for a couple of songs… Miguel Salazar was at the show and got some great shots, Jini Sachse also got some stunning shots and here are the thoughts of Martin Heidt
Have You Ever Seen The Rain: Rod Stewart thumps the weather gods
A few days ago, technical problems with the aircraft’s flight path prevented Sir Rod Stewart from performing as planned in Niagara Falls. Yesterday, a storm over Bridgeport threatened to cause the show to be cancelled, but in the end it went ahead as planned. Sir Rod defied the weather gods!
And then it went dark. Shortly after the doors opened and the first fans streamed into the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheatre in Bridgeport, the sky darkened over the town of 150,000 inhabitants in the US state of Connecticut, and a storm was brewing. On large noticeboards and screens, the organiser advised visitors to seek shelter in their vehicles until further notice.
After about half an hour, the rain and thunderstorm had still not subsided, and the organisers asked the guests for patience: “We are monitoring the weather conditions; the show will resume as soon as it is safe to do so.”
A further 30 minutes later, the all-clear was given: “Good news! All clear!” The show was able to go ahead, although special guest Richard Marx, who was due to open the evening, had to bow to the weather gods. His performance was cancelled at short notice by the organisers due to the storm.
At around 8.45 pm local time, however, things finally got underway – Sir Rod took to the stage and 5,700 fans in the sold-out arena, many of them soaked to the skin, were ready for the big party.
After the opener ‘It’s A Heartache’, there was, of course, one song that simply had to be played on such a rainy evening: ‘Have You Ever Seen The Rain’ – originally by Creedence Clearwater Revival and covered by Stewart in 2006 for his album Still The Same – became the perfect theme for the evening, which Rod had to rock Bridgeport through, at times in the pouring rain.
Just like the man on stage, the audience braved the weather and had a great time despite the adverse conditions.
And the singer made it easy for them to enjoy the evening with a veritable deluge of big hits.
‘Infatuation’, ‘Forever Young’, ‘Young Turks’, ‘Maggie May’, ‘Da Ya Think I’m Sexy’ – with such a deluge of classics, even those annoyed by the weather had hardly any time to give free rein to their frustration.
And Rod had another treat in store for his fans: for the songs ‘Some Guys Have All The Luck’ and ‘Da Ya Think I’m Sexy’, the 81-year-old brought his mate Richard Marx onto the stage, and together they gave these Stewart classics a very special touch. The fans loved it; there was dancing, singing and drinking. Nobody cared about the weather anymore; Bridgeport was simply throwing a massive party – despite, or perhaps precisely because of, the evening’s capricious weather.
After just over two hours, however, the show came to an end and the audience made their way home, wet but happy. “Rod Stewart was fantastic, but I would have loved to have seen Richard Marx too,” said Doreen from Brideport. “What a brilliant show,” agreed Chris. “Rod is an incredible performer.” And Edivania simply couldn’t stop gushing: “My husband asked me to dance during ‘Have I Told You Lately’ – it was indescribable.” With that, she planted a big kiss on her husband’s lips.
One person whose T-shirt was still soaking wet even after the show was Robert. “I don’t give a damn,” he croaked, his voice hoarse from singing along. “That show was just brilliant. It was worth the wait and the rain – thank you, Sir Rod.” Pete – also soaked to the skin – took it in his stride with a good sense of humour. “Great show, but we waited two hours for it and just kept seeing the same thing on the screen over and over again. Next time you should either show a short film or send a juggler, a comedian or even an accordionist onto the stage!!
Anything!!” he laughed with a wink, not forgetting to add: “But Rod was simply sensational. I can overlook the rest,” he winked, before hurrying off to his car at a brisk pace.
Riverbend Music Center Cincinnati, OH
Sunday nights show in Cincinnati was postponed Rod was due to play the Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati on Sunday, Aug. 9, but was forced to postpone at the last minute due to a “minor medical procedure.”
“Due to an unforeseen but minor medical procedure that required prompt attention, Rod Stewart’s performance tonight in Cincinnati at Riverbend Music Center has been POSTPONED,” the venue shared in a statement on their website.
They noted that the show is currently being rescheduled with additional information to share on Tuesday, Aug. 11.
“All previously purchased tickets will be honored for the rescheduled date,” the statement continued. “Rod is expected to make a quick recovery and looks forward to returning to Cincinnati.”
Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
On Tuesday Rod was due to play The Rocket Arena in Cleveland but that show also got postponed
Cleveland’s Rocket Arena confirmed the cancellation on social media, writing: “Following a period of monitoring, doctors have advised Rod Stewart to rest for at least 48 hours.
“As a result, his performance tomorrow night, August 11, 2026 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland has been cancelled.
“Rod is disappointed to miss the show and appreciates everyone’s understanding. He looks forward to returning to the stage soon.”
Rod undergoes heart surgery
On Wednesday the news came in that Sir Rod has cancelled the remainder of his 2026 US tour after undergoing heart surgery
He will take four weeks off to recover after undergoing a coronary stent procedure, cutting short the US and Mexico performances for the remainder of the year.
His tour was due to stretch into September, but Rod will now take the next four weeks to “recuperate and regain full fitness before returning to the stage”, a spokesperson said.
“I’m already feeling better and very much on the mend,” Rod said in a statement on Instagram. “I want to thank the doctors, nurses and everyone who has taken such wonderful care of me.”
He was scheduled to perform events across Ohio, Illinois and Mexico, as well as a six-night stretch at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
Rod’s representatives said he was “doing very well” following the procedure and had “returned to his normal daily activities”.
The statement added: “On the advice of his doctors, he will take the next four weeks to recuperate and regain full fitness before returning to the stage.
“Unfortunately, this means he will be unable to continue his current tour dates. Information regarding affected performances will be communicated by the respective promoters and venues.”
Two further dates in Colorado are scheduled for September 2027.
Penny posted a picture of the pair kissing with Rod’s song You’re in My Heart (The Final Acclaim) playing over the snap
And everyone at SMILER would like to wish Rod a speedy recovery and we hope to see you soon ..maybe in the UK
This week’s Rod Art
This week we feature the amazing work of Claudia Davidson from Chile who did this stunning portrait of Rod
The portrait was done in dry pastel and pencils, Claudia told SMILER this week “I have painted since I was little, I later studied in an Academy after high school doing Fashion Design, I did the painting of Rod a few months ago, I saw a photo of him and wanted to paint it” .
Jeff Beck Stories – The Original Punk: From Yardbird to The Guitar Shop
Another must have Jeff Beck book hit the shelves Jeff Beck Stories – The Original Punk: From Yardbird to The Guitar Shop by Steve Rosen is available now
The Original Punk – Jeff Beck Stgories: From Yardbird to the Guitar Shop is available in all your local bookshops. The 356 page hard back version book isn’t physically in the shop but you can order it and it will be delivered to the bookshop and then they will contact you. your local bookstore may also be able to order the book on line
Steve told SMILER this week “When Rod was singing with Jeff on Truth and Beck-ola, I thought he was amazing. If that band could have stayed together, they would have been huge”.
You can also order the book from USA https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=Jeff+Beck+Stories+-+The+Original+Punk%3A+From+Yardbird
Steve Rosen
Steve Rosen has written for hundreds of publications including Rolling Stone, Guitar Player, Guitar World, Los Angeles Times, Classic Rock and others. Has written biographies on Edward Van Halen, Black Sabbath, Prince, Randy Rhoads, Bruce Springsteen, Free/Bad Company, Jeff Beck and more. Has interviewed Jimmy Page, Brian Wilson, Pete Townshend, David Gilmour, George Harrison, Aerosmith, AC/DC, ZZ Top, Ritchie Blackmore, Steve Winwood, Michael Jackson and hundreds of others.
New in the record shop: Lucy Woodward’s album I Need To Roam
By Martin Heidt
If you’ve got a few spare coins in your pocket, why not invest them in a new album? With this new album by Rod Stewart’s former backing singer, Lucy Woodward, you’re treating yourself to a magnificent long-player.
I Need To Roam is a blend of lively vocal jazz, pop sensibility and organic instrumentation, recorded by Woodward’s band and touring colleagues, including Jelle Roozenburg, Niek de Bruijn and Udo Pannekeet.
Driven by the title track ‘Roam’, the album explores themes such as freedom, self-discovery and the adventurous embrace of life’s uncertainties. It showcases the unmistakable vocal range that Rod Stewart fans will be well acquainted with from her years performing alongside Sir Rod on stages around the world.
Four years on the road with Rod Stewart
From 2012 to 2016, she was an integral part of Stewart’s band and earned praise not only from the ‘boss’ himself. “Lucy is a charming, breathtaking woman, both inside and out,” Rod once said in praise of the London-born singer.
The album I Need To Roam is now available on all major streaming platforms, as well as on CD or vinyl via the official website.
Welcome Levi
At the weekend Ruby and her fiancé Jake Kalick welcomed their second son in a post on Instagram, Levi Rhodes Kalick! born on August 4th weighing 9 lbs, Ruby revealed his name means “my heart” and shared that big brother Otis is already so in love with his new baby brother! Hitting a grand total of six grandchildrennow for Rod!
Ruby wrote We welcomed our little(big) Levi Rhodes Kalick at 6:58pm on 8/4/26 at 9lbs 20inches…. His name Levi means My Heart and his arrival has grown our hearts to 10 times the size… seeing Otis and Levi meet for the first time might have been the greatest experience of my life so far… Otis is already the best big brother and we are already so in love with this sweet boy… 🤍 Welcome sweet Levi!
And Finally …
We know some fan’s have had a horrible week this week missing concerts and worrying about Sir Rod but don’t be sad the great news is Rod is very much on the mend and will be back after his four week rest..
So cheer up and we will see you next week…