This is not so much a tribute show as a homage to Rod and his fantastic back catalogue of hits. Paul Metcalfe embraces the spirit of Mr. Stewart with his mannerisms, jovial stage presence and obviously, and most importantly the gruff vocals that are the trademark of the man himself.

The show has pulled in commendations and compliments from Sir Rod’s sister Mary and his brother Don as well as being called “stunning” and “brilliant” by Mike Walton, the secretary of The Rod Stewart fan club, and on this evidence you can see why. The principal feeling gathered from the on-stage band and audience is an immense sense of fun and joy, there’s a lot of singing along and an immense amount of smiles and mum dancing.

Starting with a bit of the history and venturing through the early days of Rod’s illustrious career, solo and as a step-in vocalist on Python Lee Jackson’s exquisite, 'In a Broken Dream', for which it was revealed he was paid with a carpet for his car, the show commences in fine style.

As well as the aforementioned hit, takes on 'You Wear it Well' (sublime), 'Gasoline Alley' and 'Handbags and Gladrags', are superbly delivered. Then the raunch of the Faces kicks in with 'Stay With Me' and 'Cindy Incidentally', capturing the spirit and debauchery of that great band in two songs. Further solo hits then commence with the wonderful 'Rhythm of my Heart' and soon the excellent first set is complete.

The second set starts with three stools set out on stage and audience requests, my personal favourite Rod song, 'The Killing of Georgie', is thrown into the mix with Al Vosper, whose virtuoso guitar playing is a major show highlight, on acoustic guitar for this section, and Oscar Golding on bass, joining Paul front of stage for this and the following two numbers. Back on their feet, further hits ensue and the show rocks away with real highlights in 'Young Turks', 'Baby Jane' and the always magnificent 'Maggie May' providing the encore.

Under the musical directorship of Neil Drinkwater (keys) this is a highly coherent show, with a ton of stand out moments. In my opinion, 'Da ya think I’m sexy', should be dropped from any show, but that’s personal choice! The band are highly talented, Vosper provides some great guitar work and a number of highly skilled solos, the rhythm section of Golding and Rocky Morris (drums) are tight beyond belief and Neil adds moments of brilliance on keys.

True to all the original songs this is a highly recommended show capped of course by Paul Metcalfe’s delivery which according to Rod’s own family is as close to the real thing as you are likely too hear and they should know!

Les Linyard

Set 1

Cant stop me now

You wear it well

Gasoline alley

Shake your money-maker

Handbags and Gladrags

In a broken dream

Stay with me

Cindy incidentally

Rhythm of my heart

This old heart of mine

Twisting the night away


Set 2

Killing of Georgie

First cut is the deepest

Having a party

Young Turks

Some guys have all the luck

Da ya think I’m sexy

You’re in my heart

Higher and Higher

Baby Jane

Sailing

Maggie May