Having received a knighthood last week, singer Rod Stewart has an important date with the Queen to look forward to, but before then, he’s got a VIP show in Inverness which thousands of fans are eagerly awaiting.
And if it’s anything like his last concert in the Highland capital, when he performed in front of more than 19,000 people at the Inverness Caledonian Thistle stadium in 2010, then they’re in for a real treat.
That show has gone down in Highland history as being one of the top concerts ever given, while the influx of people who came to Inverness for the show brought a major boost to the economy, as hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs filled up.
That aside, the sun shone and the whole city was buzzing which created a superb, very lively atmosphere across the whole weekend.
There’s no reason it shouldn’t be the same when Rod returns this Saturday to play at the same stadium, but this time it will be more of a family affair, as the newly appointed knight will be supported by The Sisterhood, which comprises Rod’s daughter Ruby Stewart and her band mate, Alyssa Bonagura.
The Sisterhood produce a soulful and poetic sound blending haunting melodies and voices, and Rod said of them: “It will be an absolute pleasure to be going to work with my daughter. Not many dads can say that.”
It’s all the more poignant as the following day is Father’s Day. Promoter Peter Taylor said: “We’re delighted to have The Sisterhood joining us on the Rod Stewart Hits Tour for 2016. The fact that Rod’s own daughter is going to be on the bill will only add to the experience and make this tour that little bit more special.”
With his instantly recognisable voice, fantastic songwriting skills and passionate and energetic live performances, Rod has built one of the most successful and enduring music careers of all time.
In a career spanning more than five decades, he has amassed sales of more than 200million albums and singles worldwide. Other highlights include two inductions into the coveted Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, winning a Grammy, the ASCAP Founders Award for songwriting, and in 2008 being bestowed Commander of the British Empire (CBE) by the Queen.
Best known for hits such as Handbags and Gladrags, Maggie May and You’re In My Heart, the 71-year-old rocker also became a New York
Times bestselling author with the release of his autobiography, Rod. The man is simply a living legend, and musical gold, yet he remains pretty modest.
When his latest “gong” was announced last week, he said: “I’ve led a wonderful life and have had a tremendous career thanks to the generous support of the great British public. This monumental honour has topped it off and I couldn’t ask for anything more. I thank Her Majesty and promise to ‘wear it well’.”
A staunch Celtic fan, Rod delighted north-east fans earlier this year when he attended his side’s clash with the Dons at Pittodrie and popped into the Woodend Bar in Stoneywood for a pre-match pint.
Local lad Shaun McGregor managed to get a picture with the musician before the match, which he was also going to, and said: “He had a ball of a time in the local. I presume he just wanted a quiet pint and it’s close to the airport. He was good fun.”
The Inverness concert – this Saturday, June 18 – will be the penultimate gig on his eight-date stadium tour, and one of only two performances in Scotland. Later in the year, he’ll perform at The Hydro in Glasgow on Tuesday, December 13, and Friday, December 16, as part of his From Gasoline Alley to Another Country Hits 2016 tour. Gates for the Inverness concert open at 5.30pm.
Contact: Ticketline on 0844 888 999 or visit www.ticketline.co.uk