Still The Smiler

Well as Rod says, “Tonight’s The Night.” I have been fortunate enough to come to Nevada early and spend a wonderful few days with Joy Deltiempo at her home in Laughlin, Nevada. What fun getting everything sorted for the much anticipated concert on August 12, 2015.

The excitement was fueled yesterday when we drove into Vegas and met up with the circle that completes” Rod’s Angels,” Liz Williams and Tammy Southern who flew in from the United Kingdom for our third ROCKING WITH ROD reunion.

As I sit here trying to remember everything I need to take downstairs (two cameras, phone, extra batteries, our gifts for Rod) I can feel that familiar “getting so excited” feeling going “from my head down to my toes.”

Wednesday night concerts are not noted for having dynamic enthusiastic fans but tonight that is not going to be the case. If they are lackadaisical, have we got a surprise for that crowd. What they are lacking in enthusiasm, we are so prepared to show ROD what a treasure he is in our lives and trust me, he will know it. It is time for Rod’s Angels to spread their wings and grab the torch that was officially passed to me this morning by Vicky Marrow over the phone. So my fellow ROD fans, I go to get ready with great INFATUATION and anticipation of the night of a lifetime.

The show opened with “Infatuation.” I saw a different Rod Stewart this Wednesday night. The song “Good Morning Little School Girl” came to mind, as I truly felt I was back in school watching Rod on the television for the very first time. He was full of energy, looked fit as a fiddle and truly gave the best performance I have ever attended. When he came on stage and after concluding the first song, which was met with everyone standing and applauding, I saw why he has been named “Smiler.” It is evident that he truly enjoys what he does and it just kept getting better and better. The setlist included “Infatuation,” ”The Motown Song,” “ You Wear It Well,” “Tonight’s The Night,” “ The First Cut Is The Deepest,” “Have I Told You Lately, “ “Forever Young,” the classic Faces tune, “You Can Make Me Dance, Sing Or Anything,” “ Sweet Little Rock and Roller,” “You’re In My Heart.” “ Stay With Me,” “Maggie May” and “Do You Think I’m Sexy.” Rod announced his upcoming reunion with Faces and the upcoming concert in Hyde Park as well. He said he had been rehearsing all afternoon for the Faces reunion and you could see the excitement on his face. How lucky the people are who have had the opportunity to see the Faces in the past, and the upcoming reunion, though it will be saddened by the loss of several of the original members.

Before Rod came out to perform “Forever Young,” he introduced The Sisterhood, which is a duo consisting of his daughter, Ruby Stewart and Alyssa Bonagura. They performed a song composed by them called “One Light,” a tribute to the children of Haiti. They were professional and the song was beautiful. Rod then came and sang “Forever Young” with Ruby and again it was so evident how very proud he is of his daughter and she is so very proud of him as well.

This concert showed Rod at his best. He appeared well rested, very healthy and so full of energy. He remarked that this Wednesday crowd was the best crowd he had in Vegas this run to date, which was quite an accomplishment on behalf of those attending.

Review of August 15, 2015 Concert – Ginni Foxx

Rod again opened the concert with “Infatuation.” “You Can’t Stop Me Now”, “Gasoline Alley” and “Some Guys Have All The Luck” were added to the list, along with “Love Is,” off of “Another Country.” Once again, Rod Stewart right there at his best, but still, in my opinion, the Wednesday concert was his best. Still “The Smiler” and full of energy and enthusiasm, he certainly continued to achieve and exceed my expectations. He wore “The Real Friends of Rod Stewart” bracelet in honor of The Wounded Warriors Project and displayed it proudly.

Review of August 16, 2015 Concert – Ginni Foxx

Once again “Infatuation” opened the show. This was his last concert in Las Vegas of this set, and once again he delivered a stellar performance. Once again full of energy and enthusiasm, it was evident he was on a mission to give us his all – which he did. He announced he would buy everyone with a Celtic shirt on a pint at Ramsey’s after the show, and once over, the floodgates opened and the rush to Ramsey’s began. We had dinner reservations there and our view was blocked when Rod and Ruby came in; however, he did do a photo opportunity with groups of fans after finishing his meal, and I managed to catch a picture of him when he was exiting the restaurant.

So, Sunday night, was the last night for Rod at Caesars Palace for the year of 2015, and what a year it has been. From outdoor concerts in the sweltering heat to the stage of Caesars Palace, he has entertained thousands of people who continue to be drawn to this dynamic performer and his music. And I can tell you ladies and gentlemen, as an entertainer, he certainly “wears it well.”

To have had the opportunity to have seen Rod four times this year of 2015 has been a privilege and a dream come true. Rod has the ability to draw people together who form friendships that will last a lifetime. The four of us parted ways in the early morning hours on Tuesday morning, knowing that we will meet up again in the United Kingdom in early October, which will be the experience of a lifetime for Joy and me to have the privilege of seeing the beautiful countries where our friends live.

For those of you seeing Rod and the reunion of Faces and the concert at Hyde Park, I sincerely hope that you have an absolutely wonderful time as you see history repeat itself in a grand way. If Rod were to quit performing today, I will always carry my memories of his music and the man who I so admire. I will have my treasured pictures and the reviews I have written to pass on to my son.

As some of us “Rod Fans” age, we are realizing it is really hard to feel the age and still act “Forever Young.” Rod, on the other hand, is a master at pulling off this feat. He is one of the few people I have ever known that you actually feel just continues to get better with age – just like a fine wine.

So, friends, “live the life you love and love the life you live.” I firmly believe that is what Rod is doing now. We only have one chance at this life, so grab that brass ring and hold onto it and enjoy the ride.

Review By Ginni Foxx
Photos By Ginni Foxx
Montage By Tommy Kevitt