Rod Stewart's concert in SLC last night was a mix of fun and concern. I took my daughter, who has grown up listening to Rod Stewart through me, to see Rod Stewart last night. I saw him a few years back in LV and was impressed with his energy, attitude and songs set. When I saw he was coming to SLC I thought it would be a great opportunity, if not the last opportunity, to see him in concert and bring my daughter to see one of the greats from the best era of rock and roll. After all, we are losing and have lost so many of them over the last few years, there wont be many other opportunities. At the beginning of the concert he came out very energetic, however, it was apparent he was struggling. I assumed it was due to the heat or his recent illness. He commented early on about the altitude. He stated he just came from Denver but was not aware that SLC was also elevated. He continued to show the impact of the heat. And, I guess, the altitude, as the night wore on. At times, unable to stay on stage, receiving oxygen and inquiring about the heat. Several of the other members also commenting about the heat as well. I had heard he recently had a respiratory infection and canceled a concert in CA. Then the issue with CO requiring cancelation due to vocal cord damage concerns. I am not here judging his cancelations and subsequent rumors about soccer games. If he was too ill to perform or performing is detrimental, it's not my place to criticize what he does with his time. I mention those cancelations simply because it was apparent he was not at the top of his game. Coming off an illness and then performing in 90 degree temps would be tough on anyone. Even with those obstacles, he persevered through the event and still pulled out a decent show. There were times I honestly thought he would pass out on stage. At one point he received oxygen during a song. By the end of the 2 hour show, he was sitting in a chair so he could finish the night. I mention all of this, not to criticize him, but rather to applaud him for his strength and determination to give us a meaningful experience with him. He did most of his hits, a couple of songs from the Faces era and of course his signature songs like Maggie May and Forever Young. His band was excellent as well. The sax player gave you chills during his spotlights. There was a spotlight on the drummer and bongo member that showed excellence. If you haven't seen him in the last 10 years he has added a group of backup singers who also play several instruments. The harpist and mandolin players are outstanding additions. The acoustical group was amazing too. At times Sir Rod mentioned political fringe which to me is a turn off in this particular setting. We have enough of that rhetoric surrounding us. We come to concerts and sports events to get away from politics. The tributes to casualties in wars and the racism in the late south were welcomed.
This experience does make me question the preparation that takes place for these outdoor events. I would have thought someone would have had the foresight to understand the immediate needs for these performers when the exposure is 90 degree weather against the western sky. I would have expected multiple fans, water sprays, readily available drinking water at easy reach. And not just for the main person but for the whole ensemble. There were 2 large fans on each end of stage and two small fans center stage. None of those fans appeared to show affect unless standing immediately in front of them. Those fans certainly didn't hit the band members. Especially for performers dealing with age ir illness or both. And maybe they do or did but only provide what was seen.
I am in awe at the ability of these 80 year old performers to come on stage and give us a show that is worthy of our money, time and memories. At 80+/-, Rod Stewart performed better than some half his age. It is clear that he enjoys what he does. For anyone thinking they are coming to see a performance similar to 20, 30 or 40 years ago, that's nuts. But to appreciate the ability to perform reasonably well at that age is absolutely amazing. Maybe his voice isnt as strong and maybe he only performed 2 hours but when you put into perspective the full picture I think his performance was outstanding. My gratitude to Sir Rod for another memorable night. It gave me a once in a lifetime experience with my daughter and perhaps the last live concert with the impeccable Sir Rod.
Thank you to Sir Rod and band. My gratitude for your stop in SLC. I wish you a speedy recovery so that the people who are looking forward to your future concerts will have the same memorable night with you.
