Rod Stewart concert overcomes hitch to thrill ‘sell-out’ audience

Legendary singer Rod Stewart yesterday proved he still had it in him to get a crowd going, performing his everlasting hits at his Floriana Granaries concert.

Earlier on in the day, however, the risk that his show would not go on loomed when a scheduled sound check did not go ahead due to financial issues, according to sources on site.

The PR company, Where’s Everybody, responsible for marketing the show, confirmed there was a payment problem but said it was later resolved.

The power was eventually turned on, giving the green light to the sound check, which took place at around 4.15 p.m.

But organiser Roy Steer, who said it was a sell-out show, flatly denied any payment problems, saying the issue was just a rumour he did not care about.

“It is a small island. This is what happens when you step on people’s toes.”

During the concert, even the audience was practically stepping on each others’ toes as fans sang and danced along to the 65-year-old singer’s all-time popular tunes.

Rod Stewart poured upbeat energy into powerful classic rock hits, such as Do Ya Think I’m Sexy, Sailing, Tonight’s the Night and First Cut is the Deepest, which have withstood the test of time.

He even kicked several footballs into the audience and across the Granaries, showing his skill in the sport, while video clips added a touch of humour to the show.

The veteran singer and songwriter spent the day with Mr Steer and his family, eating in Gozo and having a “wonderful time”. He flew in on a private jet and was expected to continue enjoying his stay on the island today, the organiser said.

Meanwhile, sources on the ground played a different tune, saying subcontractors for the sound, lighting, stage and vision were instructed not to switch on the power before the organiser paid for the services. These could cost in the region of €150,000, they said, and would normally be paid upfront.

But the owner of DJS Trading, the main contractor, played down the situation on the Granaries during the day, saying he was not aware of any problems, and that it was business as usual, with everything under control.

Yesterday’s concert set-up included the unusual concept of a VIP lounge area, offering cabaret seating, nibbles and a bar. The VIP area had been extended to accommodate demand and the Granaries resounded with Rod Stewart’s distinctive, raspy voice.

It was estimated that around 10,000 spectators attended, but several others enjoyed the two-hour set, the last leg of his tour, from outside the concert barriers.

Considered to be one of the best-selling British singers of all time, he appealed in particular to the 35-plus age bracket, and there was no question whether they still thought he was sexy.