We are sitting at The Deck, an area in the O2 with bar stools on level one with waitress service. Very civilised and good views too.
After a twenty minute set from the UK Mariachis who didn’t overstay their welcome we sit back waiting for Rod.
What follows is two hours of Rod classics, covers and American standards all wrapped up in a slick production. The stage is bedecked in black and white checkerboard, the band are identically dressed as are the coordinated backing singers and female string section. The lighting and video walls are impressive without being over the top projecting images of Rod throughout the years.
We kick off with Sam Cooke’s ‘Having a Party’ and that’s what the crowd does all night. The band are tight and all are given an opportunity to shine with extended solos to allow for the various costume changes. The set tonight is well paced taking in all eras from Rod’s career with a couple of Faces numbers through to a track off of the new album. The acoustic section was particularly good and was one of the highlights for me especially his version of ‘I’d rather go blind’.
Rod’s voice is still an impressive tool considering his age and he bemoans the mimers and auto tuners in pop music at the moment.
It’s all over too quickly and seems to end abruptly with the band playing ‘Enjoy yourself it’s later than you think’ as the curtain comes down. Well its only 10 o’clock which is hardly late but I suppose the oldies have to get home for their Ovaltine.
I’m glad I’ve now seen this legend who is still going strong. Here’s hoping for the much talked about Faces reunion.
Keep of soft rocking y’all