Rod Stewart appeared at the Sovereign Center in Reading, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, April 9, 2005. Riding high on the recent success of his 'American Song Book' albums, Stewart proved he still has the ability to touch his female fans with his tender voice.

     Bagpipes announced the entrance of Rod Stewart on stage as large curtains were pulled aside. Stewart began the evening with "Forever Young" which was anchored by clips of Rod in younger days. This thematic choice promoted his belief in the vitality of youth.

     Commenting that, "It's Saturday night, no work tomorrow", was his segue into "Some Guys Have All The Luck". With a dense sound projecting the pop-rocker, the females in the crowd supported the tune on the chorus. Recognizing the departed Ronnie Laine, Stewart sang a moving version of "Oh La La" from his days of tenure with The Faces.

     Following an intermission, the curtains revealed the stage was now encamped by the Rod Stewart Orchestra. His touring band of musicians were embellished by an orchestra to present selections. Stewart and company returned for the first of two encores with the disco classic "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy".

Reading setlist: Forever Young * Young Turks * Rhythm Of My Heart * This Old Heart * Some Guys Have All The Luck * Ooh La La * Downtown Train * The First Cut Is The Deepest * Tonight's The Night * Every Picture Tells A Story * Sweet Little Rock And Roller * Hot Legs * Proud Mary - Julie Delgardo * Reason To Believe * You're In My Heart * intermission * As Time Goes By * They Can't Take That Away From Me * It's A Wonderful World * A Preamble > Blue Moon * Manhattan * Have I Told You Lately * Pennies From Heaven - female trio * Maggie Mae > Gasoline Alley * It Takes Two * Having A Party * Encore: Do Ya Think I'm Sexy * Encore: I'll Be Seeing You

RockonTour   Issue #44
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Rod the Mod is ready in Reading
The Rod Stewart Orchestra enhances an evening of memories

by Timothy Tilghman