3 Arena Dublin
Rod played the first of two nights at The 3 Arena Dublin on Friday night and the enthusiastic crowd were treated to a stunning version of Grace being added to the set, Jeff Seaborne was on hand to get us these Fabulous photos
To read the great review from The Irish Examiner go to https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/artsandculture/arid-41010392.html
While in Dublin Jeff met up with another well known SMILER member Jan Kittelsen from Norway
And Jan got some fantastic shots from Saturday for us including our main photo…
Another SMILER member in attendance both nights was Graham Purt who said ‘Rod gave two blistering Shows, The atmosphere was amazing and Rod was visibly taken aback by the reception he got especially on the first night’ Graham also got us some great shots
Welcome Joanne
Making her debut in Dublin was new band member Joanne Harper who will be joining the band full time for next years tour
TARTAN Worthing
For those not in Dublin at the weekend Worthing and the SMILER TARTAN Party was the place to be, here is the lowdown from Yve …
‘My first thing is to wish everyone who was too poorly to attend all my love and best wishing and I hope you are all well soon.
Next a huge thank you to Teri for her table decorations, enthusiasm and help. It was very much appreciated.
So after a long fight with traffic we arrived just before 3. The sky was blue and the sun was shining . such a beautiful day as we left the clouds behind. We checked in and went for fish and chips then came back for a quick change and set up room. It was already very pretty . Good old Pete got the party started and everyone just danced the night away It was so much fun so perfect. A fantastic mix of Rod fans all so connected by their love of Rod. We played Debris as a tribute to Don Stewart which was very special and the mix of tunes were spot on.Big Thanks to Pete he’s such a star. My feet are now throbbing and I’m too hyped up to sleep. I just want to thank every single one of you that came as without such a brilliant crowd it just wouldnt happen.. So Big Thanks xx‘
London The O2
On Tuesday Rod played the first of two nights at London’s 02 Arena, Spotted in the crowd was ex-footballer and Soccer AM presenter Jimmy Bullard.
And just what did Jeff Seaborne say to Penny?….answers on a postcard
Graham and Ann Purt bumped into the superb Johnny Mac before the show and chatted about Rod.
SMILER photographer Yve Paige was on hand to get some great shots and the following morning said ‘The Mad camera lady has just gone through thousand of photos and re-lived last night ! After having to get tickets printed at the box off ice we met up with the gang and had a laugh and a chat. Thanks to those who came and said Hi !
So main reason for being there and well worth the money was Rod. Yes he was on top form, He sang his heart out, He had a laugh and he made me happy !
Thank you Sir Rod. for 50 years of your music and support. Where we going next ?’
This weeks Rod Art
This week’s Rod art is a bit different than normal, Infact when we first saw it we had no idea how it was made!
Sharon Barrett from Windsor, Berkshire produced the fantastic artwork and explained to SMILER how she created it
‘It’s a customised diamond painting …I sent the photo I wanted to Amazon and they print it onto a canvas .. they send you the canvas plus beads which in Rods case was around 46,000. The picture is 40cm x 50cm and is now on my bedroom wall framed’
Explaining why she chose Rod, Sharon said ‘I do famous people in diamond art form and he is an all time legend’
We think the finished Rod looks superb!
Happy Birthday..
Rod and Penny ended the week celebrating Alastair’s birthday, which falls on November 27. and their Niece Raphael’s birthdays at private members club Marks in central London
And Finally ..
A shout out to Changing Young Lives Community Organization who launched a special initiative to celebrate the achievements of Black youth. Proud and Gifted was founded in December 2018, as a response to the lack of positive stories about young people in the media.
The project acknowledges success stories of young people aged between 9-25 years old in the United Kingdom and awards them with personalised medals and certificates.
Pictured above is Steven who met Rod at The Queens platinum jubilee concert as he came off stage, Steven carried the Commonwealth baton.
#proudandgifted www.proudandgifted.co.uk
See you next week and don’t forget to send in any shots or thoughts from tonights 02 show and the concerts through the week!