Rod & Stevie - "Passion" & "Young Turks"

[GoldDustOrphan]

According to what I have read, Stewart does not appear during Stevie's set to perform one of her songs despite his recent sales pitch that the plan was exactly that. Stevie commented that Rod doesn't like rehearse, and I'm wondering what the story is.

My gut is telling me he is an unprofessional, entitled turd who was only decent during the '70s. The avalanche of turds he's flushed down the public's throat for last 25 years should be cause for legal action and the forced return of his R&R Hall of Fame award.

Despite the smile, I can read between Stevie' s lines. If he continues to act like a clown, she's going to grab something really sharp - probably Sharon, since she's right there - and stab him several times, right in the face.

[jwd]

Originally Posted by michelej1

Rod should break out his version of I'd Rather Go Blind for Stevie and tell her to send it to a friend.

Michele

Really? I never knew he did that one. Maybe she could hand deliver it when they play London later this year.

[jwd]

Originally Posted by gypsy4life

Rod looks like a rooster..lol!

Too funny!

[mezzoforte]

Everyone, of course, has the right to his own opinion, and I'm not talking to anyone in particular, but Rod's been getting a lot of criticism around these parts and I wanted to throw out some support.
I didn't go to msg for his set, but I ended up really loving it. Yeah, he's cheesy, but he's a great entertainer with incredible energy. And more importantly, he looks like he's having a ball up there.
I think it's wonderful that Stevie is still devoted to her art and creating wonderful material. But if Rod just wants to give people a great night (and he does--the crowd was loving it), why hold that against him? The man is nearly seventy--I think he's earned the right to have fun and make people dance and not take himself at all seriously.

That said, I think the duets bring out the worst in both of them. He looks even cheesier, she looks brittle.

[kak125]

i am watching this now and really loving it. stevie just seems much more into it when she is performing with somebody else. i dont even like rod stewart but these couple of songs that they do are pretty good. i dont think he looks cheesy at all. i like to see people moving around on stage and having a good time. his stage looks fantastic!!

[HejiraNYC]

Originally Posted by michelej1

Rod should break out his version of I'd Rather Go Blind for Stevie and tell her to send it to a friend.

Michele

During Rod's set there is a moment where he stopped the show and displayed some pretty random videos and pictures... for no apparent reason at all. A couple of them were Rod in drag, and I have to admit that one picture in particular reminded me of Christine. It must be the blonde hair; yeah, that's it.

[Christopher]

Originally Posted by GoldDustOrphan

According to what I have read, Stewart does not appear during Stevie's set to perform one of her songs despite his recent sales pitch that the plan was exactly that. Stevie commented that Rod doesn't like rehearse, and I'm wondering what the story is.

My gut is telling me he is an unprofessional, entitled turd who was only decent during the '70s. The avalanche of turds he's flushed down the public's throat for last 25 years should be cause for legal action and the forced return of his R&R Hall of Fame award.

Despite the smile, I can read between Stevie' s lines. If he continues to act like a clown, she's going to grab something really sharp - probably Sharon, since she's right there - and stab him several times, right in the face.

Yes, to my eyes, Stevie does not look completely comfortable in the performances with Rod I've seen (Tampa & NYC). It could be they haven't rehearsed, and need to iron out some kinks, but more likely, I'm sensing that they really have no chemistry together. I think they had the best of intentions ($$$$) but ultimately, Stevie should have stuck with her initial, and his choice of duet choices: First Cut Is The Deepest & Reason To Believe. Those songs would have prevented her and us, to glance over in horror at his lizardy and spasmodic dance moves, not knowing what she could possibly contribute alongside that. IMO, it would have been a much smarter move to have Stevie come out on one of his famous melodic covers, and showcase her harmony talents.

[HejiraNYC]

Originally Posted by GoldDustOrphan

According to what I have read, Stewart does not appear during Stevie's set to perform one of her songs despite his recent sales pitch that the plan was exactly that. Stevie commented that Rod doesn't like rehearse, and I'm wondering what the story is.

Well, if you think Stevie fans are frustrated by stagnant setlists, I would imagine Rod's fans are even more frustrated. Not only is Rod's recording career much longer than Stevie's, he has released, like, a gazillion times the number of albums/songs that Stevie has released. So he does a set chock full of the same hit songs that he did 40+ years ago. I can see why he doesn't rehearse... these are the same songs he has been doing forever and then some. He's not forging any new ground. He's already a legend and he's immensely popular. He's just out there to have a good time and make a lot of money. And he's very successful on both counts. He can phone it in, swagger around with his shirt half untucked and just wing it for two hours because he knows that any flub would be forgiven every time he wiggles his a$$. It's a testament to any guy without game out there that a meeskite like Rod Stewart could still have the girls lined up around the block.

[HejiraNYC]

Originally Posted by Christopher

Yes, to my eyes, Stevie does not look completely comfortable in the performances with Rod I've seen (Tampa & NYC). It could be they haven't rehearsed, and need to iron out some kinks, but more likely, I'm sensing that they really have no chemistry together. I think they had the best of intentions ($$$$) but ultimately, Stevie should have stuck with her initial, and his choice of duet choices: First Cut Is The Deepest & Reason To Believe. Those songs would have prevented her and us, to glance over in horror at his lizardy and spasmodic dance moves, not knowing what she could possibly contribute alongside that. IMO, it would have been a much smarter move to have Stevie come out on one of his famous melodic covers, and showcase her harmony talents.

Agreed. Bad choice of material. Bad staging. And bad, bad chemistry. Don't get me wrong- it's still a fun spectacle to watch, just because it's different and totally unprecedented for Stevie. But it boggles my mind why Stevie would want to "sing" on songs that are kind of half-spoken. And she isn't the sprite of yore who would clomp onto the stage with Bob Welch and singularly take over the center of attention; she remained in the background. She definitely looked hesitant and struggled to follow Rod around the stage as she awkwardly moved her mic stand from spot to spot. Mama just won't let go of that mic stand! Rod even gestured and said a couple of times aloud "come over here," and she gamely dragged that thing around. Well, here's hoping that by the end of the tour Stevie will walk out with just the mic in her hand!

[Spoinny]

she doesn't let go of the mic stand because she's afraid to fall. Look at how she moves in the heels, kind of like an old lady in a walker (who can blame her, she IS 62 after all). As far as why she's touring w/Rod? Let's face it, money is probably the biggest factor. I am sure these shows are selling out (or close to) everywhere they go and they are raking in the big bucks!

[CADreaming]

^She's even said her management encouraged the tour as a good move prior to the release of her album.

[Amlyn]

Originally Posted by HejiraNYC

Agreed. Bad choice of material. Bad staging. And bad, bad chemistry. Don't get me wrong- it's still a fun spectacle to watch, just because it's different and totally unprecedented for Stevie. But it boggles my mind why Stevie would want to "sing" on songs that are kind of half-spoken. And she isn't the sprite of yore who would clomp onto the stage with Bob Welch and singularly take over the center of attention; she remained in the background. She definitely looked hesitant and struggled to follow Rod around the stage as she awkwardly moved her mic stand from spot to spot. Mama just won't let go of that mic stand! Rod even gestured and said a couple of times aloud "come over here," and she gamely dragged that thing around. Well, here's hoping that by the end of the tour Stevie will walk out with just the mic in her hand!

I got the impression that she had no idea how to do the duets with him because as she has stated, Rod doesn't rehearse. So they are basically winging it, which we all know is not her cup of tea. I noticed that she kept looking at him for cues as to whether she should move up/back and well, spontaneity is not something she partakes in too often these days.

Even though I agree not the best song choice and I mentioned the other day that I thought the chemistry was that of two 3rd graders forced to hold hands in a school production, I still like the fact that she stepped outside of her comfort zone and tried two up-tempo songs with him. It's entertaining to watch her dance out there.

I bet by the time the show gets out west the duets will be more cohesive.

[blinker12]

Originally Posted by GoldDustOrphan

Despite the smile, I can read between Stevie' s lines. If he continues to act like a clown, she's going to grab something really sharp - probably Sharon, since she's right there - and stab him several times, right in the face.

This is absolutely hilarious.

[Christopher]

Originally Posted by HejiraNYC

Agreed. Bad choice of material. Bad staging. And bad, bad chemistry. Don't get me wrong- it's still a fun spectacle to watch, just because it's different and totally unprecedented for Stevie. But it boggles my mind why Stevie would want to "sing" on songs that are kind of half-spoken. And she isn't the sprite of yore who would clomp onto the stage with Bob Welch and singularly take over the center of attention; she remained in the background. She definitely looked hesitant and struggled to follow Rod around the stage as she awkwardly moved her mic stand from spot to spot. Mama just won't let go of that mic stand! Rod even gestured and said a couple of times aloud "come over here," and she gamely dragged that thing around. Well, here's hoping that by the end of the tour Stevie will walk out with just the mic in her hand!

LOL! Yes. I'm sure Stevie picked the songs because they are a couple of her faves and probably wanted to do something more uptempo rock and passion-ate. But now that we've had the pleasure of watching the results (biting my nails off), and seeing how Stevie cannot let go of her security blanket (mic stand), I kept scratching my head throughout thinking, Stevie needs a tambo in her hand badly, to take the funk out on that! Anyhow, being that we've watched a near train wreck, they should move on - beyond these songs - and truly do a great duet. If that's even possible, I cannot discern from these clips if their voices even blend well
Oh well, if anything, I'm pretty satisfied I decided not to travel to one of the H & S shows. And thanks to those who have recorded footage for those of us not attending, I for one am very appreciative.

[HejiraNYC]

Originally Posted by Christopher

Oh well, if anything, I'm pretty satisfied I decided not to travel to one of the H & S shows. And thanks to those who have recorded footage for those of us not attending, I for one am very appreciative.

As I've probably said a thousand-and-one times on here before, don't let the YouTube clips and audience recordings weigh on your decision to see Stevie live. There is just no comparison, no surrogate for being there in the moment. As much as I love to watch these clips on occasion, it does make me nostalgic for the real thing. And that is what compels fans like me (or superfans like DavidMn) to attend multiple dates- it is like an addict getting his fix. Nothing. Nothing compares to the experience of being there.