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Rod in the pink and on the ball

06/Feb/2012

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Pushing 70 but kicking on: ladies' man Rod Stewart. Picture: Neil Mulligan Pushing 70 but kicking on: ladies' man Rod Stewart. Picture: Neil Mulligan

THE sparkly and fresh stage Rod Stewart and his band perform on could be compared to an Australian Idol or Young Talent Time set.

Stewart's style is reminiscent of a lounge singer; he performs in candy-coloured dinner jackets and his back-up singers are dressed in tight mini-skirts.

His Perth concert on Saturday night opened with a Celtic anthem, much to the delight of the Scottish soccer fans sitting next to us.

When Stewart appeared on stage, the crowd went wild and he opened with Love Train, a lesser-known song from a 2009 album.

This transitioned into Tonight's the Night and with eyes closed, you would not know the man is pushing 70.

The raspy booze-soaked voice is the same one that has sang out of the radio since the 1970s.
Stewart has performed longer than I have been alive and it shows in the consummate performer.

It is three years since he visited Perth and according to Stewart, the audience looked as handsome and beautiful as ever.

He asked how he looked and was answered with catcalls and cheers. It was a well-practised routine and his cheeky humour permeated the show.

A highlight was his performance of The First Cut is the Deepest.

He thanked his friend Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) for the song and was accompanied by a crowd of thousands.

Songs were broken up by Stewart's banter and the set allowed for drink and toilet breaks.

A family man at heart, Stewart showed the crowd intimate family photos and at one stage, his son Alistair came on stage to play the role of back-up dancer.

To the delight of the soccer fans in the crowd, halfway through his set, Stewart announced to the crowd that Celtic was 1-0.

The round ball game proved to be an important element of the show, and as Stewart belted out You're in My Heart, images of his adored Celtic played in the background.

He kicked out soccer balls to the crowd and started a few small riots as fans battled to take home a ball.

The audience was an even mix of older and younger generations and the only thing to mar an amazing concert were the sitting grumps.

Crowds of people were forced to head to the aisles, as people opting to sit it out did not want their view impeded by people standing up to dance.

Sailing ended the concert and as Stewart sang, the massive crowd of aisle dwellers linked arms and sang along.

And to answer your question, do I think you're sexy Rod? I do, pink jacket and all.

Diesel opened for Stewart and it was a crying shame his set only lasted 20-minutes.

It was enough time for him to belt out all his hits- including Tip of My Tongue, Cry in Shame and Man Alive.

Diesel is another performer who is getting on, but still able to belt them out.

After the show, one lady joked that she should have thrown her knickers onto the stage.

I am sure Diesel would have appreciated the gesture.

Click here to see a gallery

ROD STEWART
WHERE: nib Stadium
WHEN: Saturday, February 4
REVIEWED BY: Rachel Fenner
PHOTOGRAPHED BY: Neil Mulligan

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