A special night with Sir Rod: Edinburgh Castle 6th of July 2023

By the time the first few tones of the 80s synth classic “Just Can’t Get Enough” was heard, all of the public on the ground were on their feet. No one seemed to notice or be affected by the light, drizzling rain which kept on through the whole concert. The lyrics in Just Can’t Get Enough: And when it rains/ You’re shining down for me/ And I just can’t get enough….became very true for the evening.

Rod came out to ”Adidiced To Love”’s hypnotic opening riffs. I know no one gets any younger, but I swear Rod now looked both younger and moved more energetic than last time I saw him, some eight months ago in Dublin. His voice was strong and clear and the timing was perfect. Rod’s singing has never been about voice gymnastics. His talent is about telling a story with his voice, and he is still the master. He reached out to each and everyone of us who were there at the Castle ground and made us feel like he was talking straight to us.

The show was special in many ways, for Rod, for the band and for the fans. The Edinburgh Castle dates may be the last UK concerts with the hits setlist and the present band. I think it is right to say that the crowd present were not there for entertainment only, they were there also to show Rod their gratitude and support. It all made an evening full of emotions and musical highlights. A real treat was the heartfelt performance of “Dirty Old Town”. Rod mentioned it was a favourite song of his farther.

Becca Kötte does an amazing job duetting with Rod on It Takes Two. And no offense to Tina Turner, but I would take this version over the studio version. In fact the “new” girls, Joanna Harper and Holly Brewer, have really found their place in this band now. They really have some lungs and can sing, but what more… always with that infectious smiles and making it all seem so easy

I was not the only one to comment that Emerson Swinford and Jimmy Roberts took I’d Rather Go Blind to new heights, and I will forever remember tonight’s version.

A big suprise tonight was Johnny Mac and Stuart ‘Woody’ Wood performing The Proclaimers classic ”Sunshine on Leith” The crowd went crazy for this, and to be honest not being a local it was a song I was not familiar with, a quick text to MW who sent me this clip of the local Hibernian F.C. footall team https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeHkQYDoVJ0 Aparently the song was adopted as an anthem during the ‘Hands Off Hibs’ campaign in 1990, and it’s been sung by fans ever since

This was followed by the somewhat overplayed ”Have I Told You Lately” that got a new improved and better life in the new downstripped arrangment that included a great acoustic guitar solo by Don Kirkpatrick

Some of the band have been with Rod for decades now and the rhythm section of David Palmer and Curt Schneider have built a super solid foundation for everything and everybody else together while Kevin Savigar on keys oversees everything, and J’anna, Julia and Chandra are super girl musicians.

Tonight we got the extra added on bonus song following ”Sailing” ”Purple Heather” As Rod performed it everyone knew they were witnessing something special, this also Rod mentioned was one of his late fathers favourite song and adding to the fact that Rod has suffered many losses in recent times it all seemed to catch up with him as he finished the song in tears, overwhelmed by feelings.

It can be hard ranking concerts, but it is easy to say this one was outstanding and fantstic, we got a more human and personal Rod, sharing his feelings, and a lot of special moments. I am so glad I took the journey here, and so proud to be a Rod Stewart fan.

Setlist For Edinburgh Castle July 6th:
Addicted to Love
You Wear it Well
Oh la la
Some Guys Have Al The Luck
Having A Party
It Takes 2
Baby Jane
Forever Young
I Dont Wanna
The first cut
Maggie May
I’d Rather Go Blind
Young Turks
Downtown Train
Rhythm of my ❤️
I’m Every Woman [girls]
Dirty Old Town
Tonights the Night
Your’e in my Heart
Sunshine on Leith [Johnny Mac/Stuart ‘Woody’ Wood]
Have I told you lately
Voulez Vous coucher [girls]
Sexy
Sailing
Purple Heather
25 songs, 22 sung by Rod

Review By Jan Kittelsen

All photos By Jan Kittelsen