Some Nights Sir Rod is at his absolute best – nights when the concert is about more than just the music. Some Nights he brings an extra level of senses-blasting awesomeness to whatever is happening onstage. On his Best Nights, he takes the music and elevates it to a whole other experience – an experience that resonates for years to come! On this Saturday Night, for this faithful fan, Rod offered an experience far richer and more satisfying than simple nostalgia can possibly explain, while translating as a deeply personal one.
Sir Rod played Caesar’s Palace both Friday and Saturday nights , October 4 & 5th. Friday night he was his usual charismatic self, sharing a full 2 hour set. But Saturday Night was the best Colosseum show ever for this gal! Rod was bursting with that special dynamic ‘Saturday Night’ energy! He was SO into the entire night, with a huge smile on his face from the moment he hit the stage! Rod was having the time of his life, and so was the ecstatic sold-out crowd on this, his final 2019 performance at the Colosseum.
The Colosseum’s atmosphere was saturated with eager anticipation, culminating with a crescendo of noise as the lights dimmed and finally the screams erupted as Sir Rod strutted onstage to the opening riffs of ‘Love Train’ on Friday, and ‘Infatuation’ on Saturday, launching brilliant set blends of old and new.
Rod effortlessly poured raw emotion and strength into his delivery. His sensitivity and nostalgia took us back to the early ‘70s and was raw, raucous and even a tad rebellious. Yet, Rod truly possesses the rare gift of holding the crowd in the palm of his hand with sensuous, seductive and soulful songs such as ‘People Get Ready’ and ‘Tonight’s The Night’. The anthem ‘Forever Young’ was punctuated with David Palmer’s blistering drumbeat, and every audience member joined in the massive singalong as mantra to their personal lives.
On this night, Rod included four favourite gems which always stand out for me: ‘Have I Told You Lately’, ‘The Killing of Georgie’, ‘I’d Rather Go Blind’, & ‘Sailing’, a rare treat in North America! The haunting guitar riffs, chord changes and harp never fail to send a shiver down my spine. Rod’s stage execution of ‘I’d Rather Go Blind’ is in a word, brilliant! Total darkness, except for one massive white spotlight on Rod standing centre stage, creating an impressive silhouette of two elements – the man & the voice.
Every night, Rod excells in acknowledging the rich talents of his musicians, by introducing & showcasing each individual’s instrument expertise in the spotlight or in a solo. The majority of his band have years of longevity with Rod for a reason: Whether it’s David Palmer or Matt O’Connor on drums, J’Anna Jacoby on mandolin, Kevin Savigar on keyboards, Julia Thornton on harp, Jimmy Roberts on sax, or the trio of Becca, Amanda & Katie’s dynamic vocals, or the riffs of Rod’s 3 skilled guitarists, Rod masterfully ensures their moments of acknowledgment in the spotlight. He is a true class act, this Sir Rod.
Of course, every night our dapper gentleman never fails to entertain & occasionally amuse us, with his wardrobe changes throughout each performance. Rod’s decades-old penchant for exquisite clothing is reflected in his vast array of stage-wear, selecting fun jackets, shirts, pants & shoes, which in themselves captivate us! Black & silver glitter jackets, white shirts, black patterned shirts, blue floral jacket & black pants with blue sparkle side stripes & shoes, cream & beige patterned suit, and a gorgeous pumpkin-coloured leather jacket (my favorite) were the fashions dazzling our eyes that night. You wear them well, Sir Rod!
For Saturday’s encore ‘Twisting The Night Away’, Rod welcomed a handful of us loyal Celtic fans onto the stage to dance with him in a rollicking finale, as we bid farewell to a most memorable Night Of Our Lives!
Review by Shanlee Johnson
Photos by Shanlee Johnson
Montage by Tommy Kevitt
Set List: Friday, October 4, 2019
* Love Train
* Some Guys Have All The Luck
* Twistin’ The Night Away
* Young Turks
* The Killing Of Georgie
* Forever Young
* Maggie May (slow intro)
* I’d Rather Go Blind
* It Takes Two (duet)
* (I Know) I’m Losing You
* Downtown Train
* Handbags & Gladrags
* First Cut Is The Deepest
* I Don’t Want To Talk About It
* You’re In My Heart (The Final Acclaim)
* Dirty Old Town
* Go Your Own Way (band & Rodettes)
* Rhythm Of My Heart
* Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?
ENCORE: * Sailing
SET LIST: Saturday, October 5, 2019
* Infatuation
* Having A Party
* It Takes Two (duet)
* You Wear It Well
* Rhythm Of My Heart
* Forever Young
* Maggie May (slow intro)
* I’d Rather Go Blind
* Tonight’s The Night
* (I Know) I’m Losing You
* First Cut Is The Deepest
* Ooh La La
* People Get Ready
* You’re In My Heart (The Final Acclaim)
* Have I Told You Lately
* She Works Hard For The Money (band & Rodettes)
* Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?
ENCORE: * Twistin’ The Night Away