I wasn’t sure what to expect when I heard I was going to see Rod Stewart and Santana in concert with my husband. I know Rod Stewart. I know many of his songs. I’ve heard his songs all my life. Watched his music videos. As a kid, Rod Stewart was definitely more of a singer my parents listened to, but I still listened to his music through the years. I hardly know any Santana songs. I knew I would “like” seeing Rod Stewart and Santana perform, but would I “love” seeing them? Spoiler alert: My husband and I loved both concerts!
Rod Stewart is hard to categorize, isn’t he? Is he a rock singer? A folk singer? A contemporary singer? A crooner? After seeing him in concert, I would say that he is all those types of singers rolled into one. He’s an awesome entertainer who put on a first rate fun and entertaining concert. This guy is a showman in every way possible.
But first let’s talk about Santana…
There was one question we heard over and over when we told people we were going to the concert–and even in the lobby as we entered the arena: Carlos Santana & Rod Stewart? How do they fit together? Early during his performance at D.C.’s Verizon Center on August 19, 2014, Carlos Santana tackled that head on: “Brother Rod and I? We both play black music for white people.” That line got a laugh, but it wasn’t exactly the case, as the audience was a wide mix of races–and ages–that enjoyed both shows, including Santana joining Rod Stewart on stage for “I’d Rather Go Blind.”
Santana is one of the most talented guitarists of all time. So, as he often does on his albums, he focused on amazing the audience with his guitar through much of his set, leaving the vocals to others with big voices (Tony Lindsay and Andy Vargas). Behind the band, bright images complemented the music, often featuring images of Santana over the past 40 years, all the way back to the Woodstock days. The Santana fans knew it was a party from the opening song (“Toussaint L’Overture”), but by the end of the set even the people who had come primarily to see Rod Stewart and who were new to Santana’s music were on their feet for “Saideira.” What a great show!
Santana was only the beginning! There was a short intermission where Santana’s stage was dismantled and Rod Stewart’s stage was erected.
Rod Stewart’s stage was masked by a ceiling high round curtain. We couldn’t wait for the big reveal! All I could see was bright white and lots of it. The curtain was dropped and a large two-level white stage set was revealed. The white set was dazzling. Rod’s drummer, pianist, guitarist, bassist, harpist, and brass section performed on the riser behind Rod. Rod also had a violinist and a trio of backup singers. The majority of his musicians were women, which was a nice change of pace.
The men’s dark suits were complemented by the women’s royal blue dresses. And then the stage popped when Rod Stewart emerged wearing a bright yellow blazer and black pants. Few can pull this look off but Rod Stewart is a natural. This was the first of three costume changes for Rod and two (I think) for the musicians and backup singers.
His concert was fun and entertaining. He has figured out how to stay relevant…not easy to do in today’s fast-paced :here today, gone tomorrow” music market. There are few musical artists with careers spanning decades, let alone two centuries. Rod Stewart is that rare singer who rolls with the times to always stay relevant. He is one of those singers who has longevity, that is for sure. Rod;s concert was a testament to how well he grasps the concert-going public. He had costume changes, a bright set, video screens playing old concert footage, and a playlist that hit all the right notes.
Rod Stewart’s concert began with the “get up and dance” Infatuation. From there he played It’s a Heartache, Tonight’s the Night, and Rhythm of My Heart, He has SO many amazing songs that it must have been hard for him to decide which songs to play. He even apologized to the crowd for playing a new song from his album when he knew that many were there to hear the “classics.”
How can you not hum along to Rod Stewart’s ballads? Forever Young is the ballad I know the best. Remember that video for Forever Young where Rod Stewart is in the back of a truck with a little red-headed boy? Rod and the boy are bounced up and down as the truck rolled over farmland. Very sweet song and memorable video. And there were his crooning hits The First Cut Is the Deepest and Have I Told You Lately. So MANY great songs.
Santana fans were thrilled when he joined Rod Stewart for I’d Rather Go Blind. Love how Rod let Santana do his thing! Amazing!
Rod has a very wry sense of humor and joked about his age a few times. He’s a seasoned veteran of the concert circuit but I got the impression that he genuinely enjoys playing to a live audience. He was funny, witty, and told a few jokes. He engaged the audience.
His fun take on life was evident at the end of the concert. He came on stage dressed in a white shirt, black pants, and soccer shoes. We knew Rod loves soccer, but why the outfit? Well, within seconds he was booted soccer balls into the crowd. That guy has a great kick! He got soccer balls to people on the floor and to people in the first balcony. So fun!
After all the soccer balls were distributed, he came back on stage for the encore. As this Rolling Stone Magazine quote from Rod Stewart was projected on several video screens: “I hope I’m not singing Do Ya Think I’m Sexy when I’m 50!” Rod ran out on stage singing the song! What an awesome way to end the show!!
Disclosure: Jill Berry was given tickets to see Rod Stewart and Santana in concert to facilitate her review. The views expressed in this post are hers.
About The Author:
Jill Berry seizes family time one dinner…game night…movie at a time on her blog Musings from Me. Follow her family’s adventures @MusingsfromMe and on Facebook Musings from Me. Jill also writes about parenting and family for the Baltimore Examiner and about local events for CBS Baltimore and AXS.com
What a great show and they don’t even age at all.