Rod Stewart to Play the Final Shows of His 13-Year Vegas Run
Event Category: ConcertsEvent Tags: Caesars Palace, Rod Stewart, and The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
As he prepares to return to Las Vegas this Friday, two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted singer, songwriter, and performer Rod Stewart has announced the final shows of his remarkable and critically acclaimed 13-year residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. “Rod Stewart – The Hits.” will conclude on its 200th show in the summer of 2024 with seven extraordinary concerts, scheduled for July 24 – August 7, 2024.
Purchase Your Tickets
Rod Stewart: The Story of a Rock and Roll Icon
With his raspy voice, distinctive hairstyle, and undeniable charisma, Rod Stewart stands as one of the enduring icons of rock and roll. Born on January 10, 1945, in Highgate, North London, as Roderick David Stewart, he would go on to become a global sensation, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. This is the story of the man who turned heads with his gravelly vocals, conquered charts with his soulful ballads, and became a symbol of the rock and roll lifestyle.
Rod Stewart’s journey into the world of music was not a straightforward one. Growing up in a working-class family, young Rod faced both hardship and inspiration. His father, Robert Stewart, was a Scottish master builder, and his mother, Elsie Gilbart, was English. The family struggled financially, but Stewart’s parents were supportive of his burgeoning interest in music. It was during these early years that Rod discovered his love for the harmonica, an instrument that would later become a signature element of his performances.
In the early 1960s, Stewart began his musical journey as a member of various bands, including The Ray Davies Quartet and Long John Baldry’s Hoochie Coochie Men. His distinctive voice and energetic stage presence quickly caught the attention of music enthusiasts, paving the way for his future success. However, it was in 1969 that Stewart’s career took a significant turn when he joined the Jeff Beck Group, a move that would lay the groundwork for his solo career.
Stewart’s solo debut, “An Old Raincoat Won’t Ever Let You Down” (released as “The Rod Stewart Album” in the United States), hit the shelves in 1969. The album showcased his versatile musical style, blending elements of rock, folk, and blues. While it did not achieve immediate commercial success, it established Stewart as a force to be reckoned with in the music scene.
The early 1970s marked a period of transition for Rod Stewart. His collaboration with Faces, a rock band formed with former Small Faces members Ronnie Wood, Ronnie Lane, Ian McLagan, and Kenney Jones, catapulted him to new heights. The band’s raucous energy and Stewart’s dynamic performances made them a mainstay of the glam rock era. Songs like “Stay with Me” and “Ooh La La” became anthems of the time, solidifying Stewart’s reputation as a rock icon.
However, it was the 1971 release of “Every Picture Tells a Story” that truly launched Rod Stewart into superstardom. The album featured the iconic single “Maggie May,” a folk-rock ballad that captured the hearts of millions. “Maggie May” topped the charts on both sides of the Atlantic and earned Stewart a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. The album itself became a commercial juggernaut, cementing Rod Stewart’s status as a solo artist of unparalleled talent.
Stewart’s ability to seamlessly switch between genres became a hallmark of his career. He effortlessly moved from rock anthems to soulful ballads, displaying a musical dexterity that endeared him to a broad audience. Albums like “Never a Dull Moment” (1972) and “Smiler” (1974) continued to showcase his range, featuring hits like “You Wear It Well” and “Mine for Me.”
The mid-1970s marked a shift in Stewart’s sound as he delved into disco and embraced a more polished pop sound. The album “Atlantic Crossing” (1975) included the hit single “Sailing,” a soulful ballad that became one of his signature songs. Despite facing criticism for departing from his rock roots, Stewart’s ability to reinvent himself and stay relevant in the ever-changing music landscape was evident.
As the disco era waned, Stewart adapted yet again, returning to his rock roots with the release of “A Night on the Town” (1976) and “Foot Loose & Fancy Free” (1977). These albums featured hits like “Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)” and “You’re in My Heart (The Final Acclaim),” further solidifying Stewart’s reputation as a versatile and enduring artist.
The 1980s brought a new chapter in Rod Stewart’s career. He embraced a more commercial sound with albums like “Blondes Have More Fun” (1978) and “Foolish Behaviour” (1980), which featured hits like “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” and “Passion.” While these songs were commercially successful, they also drew criticism for their departure from Stewart’s earlier, more raw sound.
In the mid-1980s, Stewart took a hiatus from songwriting and recording original material. Instead, he focused on covering classic pop standards from the American Songbook, starting with “It Had to Be You: The Great American Songbook” (2002). This unexpected turn in his career showcased Stewart’s versatility, proving that he could tackle a wide range of musical styles with finesse.
Stewart’s foray into the American Songbook series became a multi-album project, spanning several years and producing chart-topping hits. While some fans initially questioned this departure from his rock roots, the albums proved to be a commercial success, appealing to a broad audience and introducing Stewart to a new generation of listeners.
Despite his exploration of different genres, Rod Stewart never strayed far from his rock and roll roots. In 2013, he returned to his rock sound with “Time,” his first album of original material in almost 20 years. The album received positive reviews and showcased that, even after decades in the industry, Stewart’s songwriting and performance abilities remained as strong as ever.
Beyond his musical achievements, Rod Stewart’s personal life has also been a subject of public interest. Known for his relationships with high-profile women and his love of the rock and roll lifestyle, Stewart has been a fixture in tabloid headlines. His marriages, including those to Alana Hamilton, Rachel Hunter, and Penny Lancaster, have been widely covered by the media.
In addition to his musical and personal pursuits, Rod Stewart has engaged in philanthropy throughout his career. He has supported various charities, including the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Prince’s Trust. His commitment to charitable causes reflects a desire to use his influence for positive change.
As Rod Stewart continues to perform and record into his later years, his impact on the music industry remains undeniable. With a career spanning over five decades, he has weathered the ever-changing landscape of popular music, leaving an indelible mark as a versatile and enduring artist. From his humble beginnings in North London to his status as a global rock and roll icon, Rod Stewart’s journey is a testament to the power of talent, reinvention, and staying true to one’s artistic vision.
For more information visit his website.
No Records Found
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Google Map Not Loaded
Sorry, unable to load Google Maps API.
To get the best deal on your show tickets, Click Here to Purchase Your Show Tickets Online.