At nearly 80 years old, Sir Rod Stewart took to the stage last night with an energy that would put many younger artists to shame. His gravelly voice still carries that unmistakable punch, his stage presence remains magnetic, and his wit – as British as ever – charmed a packed crowd at Sopot’s Ergo Arena. Organized by Live Nation, the concert was a perfectly orchestrated celebration of timeless rock and showmanship, from the first note to the last cheer.
The evening opened with tracks from his latest swing-infused album “Swing Fever“, a smooth warm-up that showed Stewart hasn’t lost his appetite for musical exploration. But it wasn’t long before the crowd got what they came for: a thunderous ride through his biggest hits. “Forever Young“, “Sailing“, and “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” turned the stadium into one giant choir. People danced, clapped, shouted, and swayed in perfect sync with the legend.
One of the most emotional moments of the night came when Stewart took a political yet heartfelt turn. Wearing a striking yellow jacket with blue pants and shirt – the colors of Ukraine – he paid tribute to the Ukrainian people, their fighters, and their president. As images of the war played behind him, he sang while visibly moved, often turning to face the pictures. The segment ended with a massive Ukrainian flag filling the screens and Stewart saluting images of President Zelenskyy to thunderous applause.
But it wasn’t all solemnity. The singer kept the atmosphere electric and deeply personal. At one point, he asked the crowd who had been there for his 2017 performance before launching into “Forever Young“. Later, during “I’m a Sailor”, a local football team’s scarf was thrown on stage – he draped it around his neck and kissed it, earning loud cheers from the home fans. Later, He even stepped down into the pit to high-five lucky fans, proving his connection with the audience is as strong as ever.
In the middle of the concert, during a brief backstage costume change by Stewart, the spotlight turned to his band and choir – and they absolutely seized the moment. What followed was a stunning, full-throttle rendition of “Lady Marmalade” that ignited the arena in a different kind of fire. With powerhouse vocals from the female backing singers, fierce instrumentation, and a groove that demanded movement, the performance was a bold, joyful surprise that not only showcased the immense talent on stage beyond Stewart himself but also gave the audience a fresh jolt of energy.
The visuals were stunning – rich lighting, immersive backdrops, and a fantastic band and choir that supported Stewart throughout the night with tight, energetic performances.
By the end, the message was clear: Rod Stewart may be approaching 80, but he’s not slowing down. If anything, he’s found a second wind. With more hits than time allowed, the show felt like it could’ve stretched another two hours without losing momentum.
For those who were there, it was a masterclass in showmanship, soul, and timeless rock’n’roll.
