Friday 18th
Jean and I flew into Dublin from City Airport arriving at our Hotel around 1.30pm,after having something to eat, we had arranged to meet Jan Kittlesen from Norway (a fellow SMILER) who I had met for the first time at the HMV CD signing in London. We met Jan at 4.30 and made our way to the Gibson Hotel for a pre gig drink.We then went across to the 3Arena,which is in the old dock area and used to be a Tram Depot years ago.
Another few beers were consumed,we met a couple who spotted my SMILER badges and asked what they were,It was their first Rod concert,they could not believe I have been going to see Rod since 1971,lost count how many,but it must be over 100 times.Jan was in the flat seats,we were further back on the first tier,still a good view,I would add this is a great venue holding about 11,000.
The Sisterhood came on at 7.30pm for about half an hour,We thought they were good it was the first time we had seen them as we missed them at Norwich, I enjoyed the version they did of ‘Handbags & Gladrags’.
Sir Rod came on stage around 8.30pm to a huge roar,most of the crowd remained seated,although I was up as much as possible the stewards were asking people to sit,the band were in good form, as was Rod,but Rod did mention that he thought the crowd were quiet,not much change in the set list, all the usual songs were sang, my favourite You Wear It Well was kept in, No luck with a ball,although I have one from the 1998 tour at Earls Court, A nice touch by Rod was when he spotted a young Lady in a wheelchair near the front and made sure she received a ball,her face was a picture.
The show lasted just under 2 hours,we loved every minute, the acoustic set is still in and Rod left the stage for 3 costume changes. but we are not that keen on sitting down, and didn’t really like the short encore of ‘Enjoy Yourself’.
Saturday 19th
Met Jan at the Arena for a drink or two at 6.15pm. Jan had a framed photo with a note of the picture taken with Rod at HMV signing where Rod spoke to him as Jan had put a book together for Rods 70th Birthday. We both went to security by the stage and the guy in charge promised us it would be given to Rods PA.
By luck our seats in the 5th row from the stage,were next to Jan, brilliant!.Rod came on earlier at 8.15pm tonight,and the crowd were far noisier than Friday,Rod mentioned it too,also their were more people standing,I enjoyed Saturday even more.
After we went back to the Gibson Hotel for more drinks which was good, as it turned into a bit of a party,with a DJ.Finished at 12.30am.We said our farewells to Jan and headed back to our our Hotel.We decided we would come back to 3Arena it is a great venue.
in fact.. it was a great weekend.
Set List over the two nights in no order
Forever Young
Some guys Have All The Luck
Love Is
Don’t Stop Me Now
Maggie May
You Wear It Well
Downtown Train
First Cut Is The Deepest
Sailing
Stay With Me
Do Ya Thing I’M Sexy
Baby Jane
Rhythm Of My Heart
Ooh La La
You’re In My Heart
Gasoline Alley
Tonight’s The Night
Infatuation
I Don’t Want To Talk About
Review By Jeff Seaborne
Photos By Jan Kittlesen
Montage By Tommy Kevitt