Rod Stewart is one of the most successful and enduring rock stars of all time. Over his 50+ year career, he has released over 30 studio albums, sold over 250 million records worldwide, and played countless unforgettable concerts for his legions of fans. But of all his live performances over the decades, which stands out as his single best concert ever? That’s a difficult question to answer definitively, as Stewart has played so many amazing shows in so many cities around the world. However, by looking at factors like the setlist, tour production, critical reception, and fan response, we can zero in on a few contenders for Stewart’s greatest concert.
Candidates for Stewart’s Best Concert
Here are some of the leading candidates for the best Rod Stewart concert of all time:
Concert | Year | Notable Details |
---|---|---|
Hammersmith Odeon, London | 1976 | Last show with The Faces; guest appearances by Ronnie Wood, Elton John |
Forum, Los Angeles | 1981 | First major tour for Stewart in the 80s; set featured many classics |
Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro | 1996 | Historic New Year’s Eve concert on the beach for 3.5 million fans |
Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles | 2002 | Career-spanning setlist; magical outdoor venue |
O2 Arena, London | 2019 | Big production with full backing band; hit-packed setlist |
As this table shows, there are several concerts over the years that stand out as highlights of Stewart’s live career. Each has compelling aspects that make it a contender for his single best show. Next, we’ll take a closer look at the key strengths of each gig.
1976 Hammersmith Odeon, London
One extremely memorable Rod Stewart concert was on December 4, 1976 at the Hammersmith Odeon in London. This show marked Stewart’s final live performance with his legendary band The Faces, capping off an unforgettable era. The set featured hit after hit from Stewart’s solo career and with The Faces, including “Maggie May,” “Stay With Me,” and “You Wear It Well.” Highlights included Ronnie Wood joining the band onstage for several Faces tunes, as well as an appearance by Elton John to duet on “Let’s Spend the Night Together.” Critics raved about the celebratory, joyous mood and spectacular performances. As Stewart’s last ever full show with The Faces, this Hammersmith gig holds a uniquely special place in his concert history.
1981 Forum, Los Angeles
By the early 80s, Rod Stewart’s partying lifestyle had taken a toll and his popularity had dipped a bit. Looking to reinvigorate his career, Stewart hit the road in 1981 for his first major concert tour in several years. When the tour swung through Los Angeles for a 5-night stand at The Forum in November, Stewart was determined to re-establish himself as a top live act. He delivered big-time, wowing audiences with a hit-packed set spanning his entire career up to that point. Concert highlights included sizzling versions of classics like “Maggie May,” “You Wear It Well,” and “Tonight’s the Night,” mixed with 70s and 80s hits like “Passion,” “Young Turks” and “What Am I Gonna Do (I’m So In Love With You).” Backed by a stellar band, Stewart’s Forum shows marked a major comeback, proving he was still a dynamic rock frontman.
1996 Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro
On December 31, 1996, Rod Stewart gave one of his most famous and remarkable concerts when he played to 3.5 million people on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. The massive New Year’s Eve show was broadcast live to over 150 countries and came during a period of renewed popularity for Stewart in the 90s. He delivered a hit-filled set under the stars on the picturesque beach backdrop, complete with samba dancers joining him onstage. There are few concert settings more spectacular anywhere in the world than Copacabana on New Year’s Eve, and Stewart rose to the occasion with an unforgettable performance. From the iconic venue to the unbelievable crowd size, this was undoubtedly one of Stewart’s most special and memorable concerts.
2002 Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles
In 2002, Rod Stewart played a string of acclaimed concerts across the US to promote his album It Had to Be You. His stop at the famed Hollywood Bowl amphitheater in LA generated particular excitement. Stewart crafted a career-spanning setlist packed with classics and delivered them with passion and precision, backed by a full orchestra and rock band. Concert highlights included gorgeous renditions of “The First Cut is the Deepest” and “You’re In My Heart,” along with roof-raising rockers like “Hot Legs” and “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?” Reviewers praised Stewart’s timeless voice and charisma, as well as the Hollywood Bowl’s elegant sound and intimacy. For many fans, this magical night under the stars defined Rod Stewart in the 21st century – still at the top of his game as a singer and entertainer.
2019 O2 Arena, London
Most recently, Rod Stewart gave another standout concert in 2019 as part of his record-breaking residency at London’s O2 Arena. He played a string of dates that year at the venue, but the November 26 show really stood out as a late career triumph. Critics singled out the concert’s elaborate production, including lasers, pyrotechnics, multiple video screens and a full backing band. Stewart was in excellent vocal form and buoyant spirits as he powered through smash hits like “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?,” “Some Guys Have All The Luck” and “Maggie May.” He also pulled out deep cuts and new songs with confidence. This consummate showman proved that, approaching 50 years into his career, he’s still a force to be reckoned with on the concert stage.
Key Factors in Evaluating Stewart’s Best Concert
When trying to determine Rod Stewart’s single greatest concert, there are several important factors that come into play:
– Setlist – What were the standout songs played? Did the setlist represent different eras and albums?
– Critical & fan reception – How did reviewers and audiences rate the show?
– Stage production – How elaborate and exciting was the lighting, sets, effects?
– Stewart’s performance – How was his energy, singing, interaction with the crowd?
– Venue – Did the location and setting enhance the atmosphere and experience?
– Historical significance – Was it a landmark or important moment in Stewart’s career?
– Intangibles – How did everything come together for an unforgettable experience?
Evaluating concerts by these criteria, and considering the totality of factors, can help determine which show ultimately stands above the rest as Stewart’s single greatest concert ever.
Conclusion: 1976 Hammersmith Odeon Show Stands Out
When all is said and done, after weighing the various factors it seems the December 1976 show at Hammersmith Odeon in London has the edge and deserves to be called Rod Stewart’s best concert of all time.
Though other shows like the 1981 Forum gigs and 2019 O2 Arena clearly demonstrate Stewart’s talents and longevity at their peaks, the Hammersmith concert tops them all for pure historical significance and irreplaceable magic. As his last full show with The Faces, it marked the unforgettable end of an era for Stewart. The setlist was packed with smashes from his solo work and with The Faces, performed with passion and joy. Special appearances by Ronnie Wood and Elton John elevated the occasion even more.
Critics, fans and Stewart himself look back on the electric atmosphere and performances at Hammersmith as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For the pivotal place it occupies in Stewart’s journey, and the outpouring of brilliance from both the artist and the audience, his 1976 London show emerges as the greatest concert of his storied career. Other concerts may match it for individual elements, but none combine all the factors in quite the same magical way. Hammersmith 1976 endures as the pinnacle, never to be repeated.
Rod Stewart’s Concert Legacy
While the 1976 Hammersmith show stands out above the rest, Rod Stewart has delivered so many phenomenal live performances over the decades that could also stake a claim as his best concert. From legendary venues like Madison Square Garden and Wembley Stadium to massive crowds like his Rio beach concert, Stewart has shone brightly on the concert stage since the late 1960s. His charisma, raspy vocals and musical versatility have allowed him to put on consistently entertaining shows decade after decade. Even today, at over 75 years old, Rod Stewart remains a formidable live act who sells out arenas around the world.
Very few artists have the concert track record and longevity of Stewart. By constantly changing up setlists, production values and touring bands, he ensures that audiences always experience something fresh and exciting at his shows. Each tour represents another chance for fans to share an unforgettable musical journey with a true rock n’ roll legend. While other concerts may have come close, the 1976 Hammersmith show still stands supreme as Stewart’s single greatest, and the one that longtime fans cherish most. It captured lightning in a bottle – one epic glimpse of a master performer at his very best.