Off Topic Rod The Mod

Bollocks, I've been listening to Burnsy all morning banging on about 25,000 being there.

 

You probably just need some new batteries in your hearing aid.

 

The Burnsy show has been non-stop gushing about the success of last night, you're post was bollocks, apologies for pulling you up on your inaccuracies (not something you'd ever do obviously).

 

Rod Stewart rocks Hull's KCOM Stadium with spellbinding concert

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Arise Sir Rod, your public awaits you. He may be knocking on a bit but there's no denying there's still plenty of petrol in the tank, twinkle in the eye and lead in the pencil for Rod Stewart – the newest member of the rock aristocracy.

The legendary rocker arrived at Hull's KCOM Stadium last nightafter months of anticipation and it's fair to say he didn't disappoint.

In fact, "didn't disappoint" is being mealy mouthed, he blew the stadium away ina two-and-a-half-hour concert that seemed to fly by.

There was no filler, no lulls, no dead spots, just pure 100 per cent classics that even the most casual of rock fans will know of by heart and be able to sing along with.

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Special mention must go to warm-up acts The Mariachis, a Mexican outfit giving twisted sombrero makeovers to songs such as Don't You Want Me Baby And The Final Countdown.

The four-piece put a huge smile on the audience's faces before Rod's own daughter Ruby took to the stage with her band The Sisterhood, a talented duo with tight vocal harmonies and a heartfelt performance. I suspect they'd be brilliant in a smokey dimly-lit club. After-party in The Adelphi anyone?

But then it was time for the main event.

Strutting his stuff in front of a packed out 25,000 audience Rod the Mod wandered on displaying a twinkle toed charm that belied his 71-years and helped roll back the decades to remind you exactly why he's up there with the likes of The Stones and The Who.

The newly-minted knight may be considered a national treasure these days, a heritage act rather than a young buck contender, but with heritage like this I'm more willing to get down with a spot of history for the evening.

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"I think this is the first time I've ever been to Hull," he announced playfully as he strode on stage.

"Unless I was here in the 60s and I cant remember it."

Half of the singer's appeal is the fact that he comes across as a down-to-earth bloke, a bit cheeky, a bit of a rascal, the sort of geezer you'd love to have a pint with down the pub. The guy's got charisma by the bucket load.

And he even seemed to bring the sun with him.

The former Faces singer reckoned he'd watched the weather report before he'd come on stage and "it was raining everywhere but Hull".

Decked out in a white, leopard-print coat and black drainpipe strides he started proceedings with the apt Having A Party before launching into Some Guys Have All The Luck.

And from thereon in the hits just kept on tumbling out.

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This Old Heart Of Mine, Tonight's The Night, Angel – dedicated to Muhammad Ali – You Wear It Well, Forever Young, Downtown Train made up the first half before the singer and his band took ten minutes. He probably wanted to go check on the footballs scores.

The second half kicked off – much like the singer's regular forays launching signed balls into the audience with what looked like a sweet right foot – with Rhythm of My Heart before he plunged into a back catalogue that contains a treasure trove of hits including Maggie May, You're in My Heart, I Don't Want to Talk About It, Sailing and Baby Jane.

My own personal highlight of the night was the stripped back acoustic version of First Cut Is The Deepest which showcased just how strong the singer's gravelled tones still are after all these years and swimwear models.

"Still not raining" he says, looking skywards with a grin before the encore is the now obligatory Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?

The production values were absolutely stunning.

The huge videos screen were lavish, the sound impeccable and the set design a colourful feast for the eyes.

And if that wasn't enough for you there was always Rod's truly dreadful orange waist coast, piped military jackets and a bevy of backing singer beauties in schoolgirl outfits to hold the attention.

With a 12-strong backing band, an impressive stage set-up and a climatic firework display that seemed to go on forever, it was obvious a lot of time and money had been put in to make this a truly memorable spectacle.

This was no fly by night money grab greatest hits tour.

Some of the tickets may have been an eye-watering £90 but you could see where the cash had gone. This was value for money showmanship.

Was it the best show ever to be grace the KCOM?

The wily old rocker certainly topped previous performances by REM, Bon Jovi, The Who and even his old pal Sir Elton.

All in all, a great night from a great knight. God bless Sir Rod and all who sing Sailing with him.

http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/Rod-...tory-29402754-detail/story.html#ixzz4Bdh22UEX