This week’s news and gossip

Main photo used with thanks to Abi Evans

Quick pint to finish off the week

Rod finished off last week with a pint in the best riverside pubs in Wapping, The Town of Ramsgate and had a brilliant picture taken by Chris Smee

Abi Evans

While Rod was at The My Black Dog charity event last week he met Abi Evans who can be seen in our main photo and told the Daily Express about the potentially life-changing moment that occurred when she got chatting with Rod at the charitable bash.

She said: “Rod was rushing through the room and I caught his gaze. He came over and I introduced myself.

“I told him I’ve got a rare condition. He immediately wanted to hear more. I explained all about Ehlers-Danlos, that it was degenerative, that I have a paralysed stomach and nerve damage in my legs which means I can’t walk, but there was a possibility of treatment abroad that could make me better.”

She then revealed how he had generously offered to help her get the pioneering treatment.

She continued to Express.co.uk : “He is sending me to get stem cell treatment in America. And more than that he is going to help in a number of other ways.

“I explained how a rare condition like mine hugely benefits from awareness, that leads to advances in research. He understood that and with his profile said he would help.

“He loved my story, he also wants to make life a bit better for other people with the condition as well.

“He can share what’s needed with the public. We also discussed that if the medical experts there can do any research on me, that may ultimately help other people with the condition as well.”

Abi told SMILER this week “Rod is such a lovely man and I can’t believe his generosity, it will truly help me but most importantly others”.

This week’s Rod Art

This week’s Rod Art is a fantastic effort from Denver, CO. Artist Wil Lambooy who told SMILER this week

“The inspiration for my Rod artwork came from childhood. I was at my aunt’s house and she is quite the book worm, During a weekend at her house she had a coffee table book about Rod on the table (1997 ish?). The image that stood out the most was a side by side of him in a red leather suit with a black shirt, and a black leather suit with a red shirt. I asked who this character was and she said “You know, Maggie May, Have I Told You Lately, etc” then she told me about how he gets his hair to do that. We listened to Rod for the rest of the weekend. Last year she asked for art for Xmas, so I went with Rod”.

WilI works with many mediums but this portrait is graphite on bristol.

To see more great work from Wil go to https://www.instagram.com/wilburbooy/

Oh and Wil’s Aunt’s fun fact about Rod was that he gets his hair to do that by washing it with laundry detergent.

The Rod Squad..Or Rod Art 2

Look at this brilliant squad of Rod’s that was made by Brackley, Northants based artist Tim Jeffs who made the limited edition of 25 mini Rods

Tim explained to SMILER this week how he makes the figures

“I sculpt the original figure using a wire armature (skeleton) which is wrapped in foil to bulk out. Then i sculpt over this with polymer clay which is cured in an oven. From this sculpture I make a silicon rubber mould. When the rubber is cured I carefuly cut the mould and take out the sculpture ( which is often destroyed in the process!). The hollow mould is now used to make repeat castings – polyester resin is poured in and allowed to set, then removed and repeated. Each casting is then hand painted”

Talking about the 25 mini Rod’s Tim told us “I was approached by a client to make a limited edition run of 25 Rods. So each Rod is numbered 1 to 25. I have made 8 inch high commissions of Rod, Tom Petty and the Beatles for other clients in the past. Rod is a popular figure! ..I base all my work on photos either sent from the customer or online. I make a design sketch for approval before I start sculpting to ensure I have fully understood the client’s requirements. I can sculpt anyone provided the photos are good!”

We think think Tim’s work is outstanding, check out some of his other sculptures at https://www.instagram.com/mizogs/?hl=en

Tim’s customer is not sure what he is doing with his Rod Squad yet, but watch this space for some exciting news from Tim coming soon.

David Lindley

This week the sad news was reported that American musician David Lindley died at the age of 78 last Friday after reportedly being ill for a number of months. David was best known for working with huge names in the industry including work on Rod’s albums ‘Atlantic Crossing’ and ‘A Night On The Town’

THE BOOTROOM6

Rod and Penny took to social media to promote a football charity that helps underprivileged kids who can’t afford a kit get into the sport.

They posted a video encouraging people in a position to “donate a boot or two” to check out The Bootroom’s page and all the fantastic work they do in helping youngsters. “It is every child right to be given the opportunity to play football – the beautiful game,” said Rod.

Penny added: “And this is where the bootroom comes in handy because they are providing locations where people can drop their pre-loved boots off by donating them to give to children who can’t afford their own boots So please go to the bootroom6, check out their Instagram page and find a location and donate a boot (or two) thanks!”

For more information go to https://twitter.com/thebootroom6?lang=en-GB

Rock Cellar Magazine

Nearly missed this one but not only does Jeff Beck feature in the February edition of Rock Cellar Magazine but the issue also has a great feature on Kenney Jones talking about The Small Faces, New Faces Music and Jeff Beck.

Don’t worry if your newsagent has sold out you can get back copies and read Kenney’s interview at https://rockcellarmagazine.com/

Rod Arrives Down Under

Rod arrived in Perth on Thursday ahead of his Australian tour. He was seen rocking a pair of unique Gucci fur lined Ugg boots as he was met by fans at the airport. Rod recently revealed his plans to visit the Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou’s childhood home in Melbourne while he is on tour.

Richard Marx put out a post on his social media on Thursday evening …

Anyone who knows me well knows I consider James Allen’s 1903 “As a Man Thinketh” to be my Bible. I firmly believe your thoughts dictate your path. This morning, I mentioned to a bandmate that I’d seen Rod Stewart in concert more than any artist. This evening, walking into a restaurant in Perth, another bandmate complimented my shoes. I told him I’d worn them at a gig I did a few years ago opening for Rod in Atlanta, and when I saw him backstage, we laughed because he was wearing an identical pair. Literally five minutes later I looked up from the table and…..

Bring a Trailer

You still have chance to own the 1989 Countach 25th Anniversary that was once owned by Rod the auction does not end until March 14th ..so get your bids in now!

As I am writing this, the rare Countach once owned by Sir has been bid on 16 times at the online auction site Bring a Trailer, with a leading bid of oinly $345,678 I say only [Ha, Ha] the average market value for this model in good condition is $405,000, according to Hagerty. so you can probably expect this price to climb higher especially as only around 658 of the 25th Anniversary model were ever made.

And Finally..

Rod said this week about his forthcoming swing album, that he and Jools Holland had their first meeting about it last week after it was put off due to other projects and as it stands they have no release date, nor do they have a title but he guaranteed that the music “sounds wonderful”.

And don’t forget any lucky fans going to see Rod in Australia at Perth RAC Arena tomorrow, Melbourne Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday or Wednesday next week please keep us up to date with photos and thoughts on the concerts

See you next week…