The November 22, 2023 was Rod Stewart’s last show of the year at Caesars Palace and in true Rod Stewart fashion he ended on a high note, leaving fans wanting more. Fortunately, “more” will be coming our way next summer, as Rod and Company will be returning to Caesars for 7 shows that will run from July 24 to August 7.
Many were expecting Rod to begin last night’s set with “Addicted to Love” but instead, the packed house was greeted with a spirited and infectious version of 1984’s classic “Infatuation”. Dressed in a shiny, stylish suit coat over an open chested white shirt, Rod commanded the stage through crowd pleasers “Love Train”, “It’s a Heartache”, “Having Party”, and “Forever Young”.
Equally impressive last evening was Rod’s ultra talented band of musicians, singers and dancers. The crowd treated to a Riverdance style show of fancy footwork, what could best be described as a violin competition that what put Chalie Daniel’s to shame, and a drum solo on a Wolfie’s brand whisky adorned drum. Just like the whisky itself, the performance was a rascal of a thing.
Last evening’s performance was filled with crowd sing a longs, failed experiments, and good natured banter.
Rod shared the spotlight with the enthiastic audience when he asked the faithful to sing the first verse of “Maggie May” before his style powerful and distinctive voice brought the greatest song in history home (OK, I may be a little biased with that last statement, but I dare anyone reading this to prove me wrong.)
In a humorous interaction with keyboardist Kevin Savigar, Rod accused Kevin of “F….ing up” the intro to “Have I Told You Lately”, but offered the excuse that “Kevin has been with the band since the last World War.” Rod went on to explain “Kevin has 8 keyboards up here he has to control and he has enough trouble controlling his wife.” Rod looked in to the crowd and offered “Sue, if you’re here I didn’t mean that darling!” Interactions like this show that this band is not comprised of co-workers, but a real family filled with love and banter.
Last night’s show was both visually stunning and musically near perfect. At one point Rod tried a new hands free microphone a la Billy Joel 30 years ago. The microphone was a disaster (or as Rod called it “F…ing useless”), but the voice behind the microphone was a wonderful as ever.
Unlike prior Caesars shows, last night’s concert ended with 2 encode returns to the stage, first with a Faces classic “Stay With Me” and a reminder that the holidays are upon us with “Have Youself a Merry Little Christmas”. As is typical, the 90 minutes of magic that is Rod Stewart ended all to quickly, leaving his legions if fans planing a return to Las Vegas next summer.
Sue Walton
(Dedicated to the love of my life, Dale. I know you were there in spirit with me)
Review By Sue Walton
All photos by Sue Walton