I arrived just in time for Cheap Trick to open things up with Hello There. It was the band’s second visit in just over a year. This time in a bigger venue, the Bell Centre, after opening for ZZ Top over at Place Bell. As much as I enjoy Cheap Trick’s music, their stage presence is a little lacklustre.
Lead singer Robin Zander’s attempts failed to get the audience more involved. Being the youngest person in my section, I believe the seasoned audience was saving their energy for the songs they knew since the majority of the crowd was only there to see Rod anyway.
They warmed the crowd up with more deep cuts and covers before delivering the best of. I Want You To Want Me, Surrender, and Dream Police had most people, including myself – standing and singing along by the end. Lead guitarist Rick Neilson kept the pace and entertained us the most with his antics and many guitar changes. I honestly wish I had seen them in their heyday but am grateful they are still rocking out for the younger generation.
It was finally time for the man of the hour, Sir Rod Stewart. Kicking things off with a rendition of Robert Palmer’s Addicted To Love, it was a fun ode to the famous music video. I love that song so it was a bonus.
I knew from the first note which song they were heading into next. Going way back to Stewart’s original rock band, The Faces, they did an amazing version of Ooh La La. It hit me hard, mainly because it brought up memories as a child of singing along with my mom while listening to Chom. Though she is no longer with us, music keeps a lot of those moments alive. She is the reason for my diverse musical taste, and for that, I am thankful.
It was non-stop hits; at 78 years young, Rods still has it. Surrounded onstage by an array of talented musicians and younger backup singers who dazzled with more fancy footwork. Forever Young was an extended version that saw a complete breakdown with fiddles. Mainly so Stewart could disappear backstage for one of his many wardrobe changes; you could tell the dancers were challenging him to stay forever young as he tried to keep up with their moves.
He then slowed things down with a Cat Stevens cover of The First Cut Is The Deepest, giving older folks a chance to rest their feet. Followed by two intense sing-along moment to You’re In My Heart and Maggie May. It’s those moments that you really feel the true power of music uniting people.
Proceeding with some sexy saxophone and guitar solos during a cover of Eta James’s “I’d Rather Go Blind” and Tom Waits’ “Downtown Train”. Dedicating “Rhythm Of My Heart” to the struggles happening in Ukraine, he adorned the colours of their flag as the images of the devastation of war flashed on screen behind him.
Winding things down with more covers, such as Van Morrison’s “Have I Told You Lately” and a tribute to Tina Turner with “It Takes Two Baby.” Cue another break and outfit change, while the backup singers took the lead with a cover of Eleventh Hour’s “Lady Marmalade.”
“Some Guys Have All The Luck” and the moment everyone was waiting for was saved for last. The ultimate disco tune with its recognizable bassline: “Do You think I’m Sexy?” Montrealers responded with an overwhelming – Yes! I found it to be the most rushed song of the evening. I’m sure when he wrote it, he never foresaw a time he’d be sick of performing it.
Stewart and company gave us one last tune, going back again to his band The Faces with the track “Stay With Me.”
A solid two hours of music go by fast when you’re having that much fun. I wasn’t even aware of how many of his songs I knew by heart. All in all, it was a solid evening of rock, pop and everything in between.
Review – Sam Morris
Photos – Kieron Yates
