Rod Stewart in Dubai review

Rod Stewart and Spandau Ballet hit the 7s stadium to show the youngsters how its done... 16 Comments

Rod Stewart is a legend. He looks like he got dressed in the dark and cut his hair with the gardener's shears, but he can't half put on a show.

We've seen our fair share of stadium big-hitters during our time in Dubai but never have performers been so obviously adored. Not just Rod, of course, lest we forget the eighties superstars, Spandau Ballet, who took to the stage before him.

They too, were a delight, if you'll pardon the mum-like appreciation. Tony Hadley may dress like an Estate Agent but the man can't half knock out a tune.

Even the songs that nobody recognized became instant classics in Tony's hands while True and Gold  brought the house down. Grown men punched the air in appreciation as ladies of a certain age wildly debated the various merits of the brothers Kemp.

Martin came out on top, despite his inexplicable wardrobe change, from a semi-respectable white shirt to a Village People-esque leather waistcoat. But what really stood out, was how well the band seemed to be getting on.

We almost shed a tear, thinking back to the bad old days when Martin was 'Steve' from Eastenders, Gary wasn't speaking to him, and Tony took comfort in cake. On Friday night, the boys could not have been better.

Next came Rod. Or, as he now likes to be known, The Rodfather.

There are very few men in their sixties, who can assign themselves a moniker like that without being pointed in the direction of the doctors but Mr. Stewart is not most men.

He arrived on stage on time, none of your farting about keeping the fans waiting. He knows he's a legend. He's got the supermodel ex-wives and the mansions to prove it.

Rod doesn't need to pretend and we loved him for it. Who else can pull off a raw silk mustard blazer and trousers tight enough to make Mick Jagger wince?

Aside from the timing, and impeccable fashion sense, Rod has also got the crowd chat down to a fine art. We loved him already but the entire stadium could have kissed him as he belted out classics from Maggie May and Sailing to The First Cut is the Deepest and Do You Think I'm Sexy with hardly a whiff of the ‘new material' we'd all been dreading.

Rod knows he doesn't need to push his new album. His hardcore fans will buy it regardless.

We'd forked out for the posh tickets at Dhs750 a head and there were hundreds of others like us. Nobody left unhappy, despite the queues at the bar. Most of us would have stayed for another couple of hours and enjoyed the evening all over again.

The message to Dubai's events organizers - concentrate on bringing us the Golden Oldies before they start dying out. They don't make them like this anymore.

Check out the pictures here.

By Emily McCarrick
Time Out Dubai, 9 May 2010
Posted by: Kerry on 27 May ' 10 at 08:24

Spandau were absolutely fantastic, Rod was ok, he was overshadowed by his musicians and fellow singers. Really enjoyed the concert side, but like other disgruntled customers of the Golden Circle, the organisation was absolutely shocking. Running out of drinks by 7.30, massive queues for the toilets and the chaos that ensued when leaving. We were promised buses to Barasti and unfortunately these were very few and far between, the taxi and bus queues were huge and left a very sour taste in our mouths about schlepping all the way to the 7's stadium and then being left in the lurch at the end of the night. Thumbs up to Spandau, thumbs down to the oganisers, who spoilt what could have been a fantastic night.

Posted by: Dianne on 17 May ' 10 at 18:26

I am not a fan of Spandau Ballet ,but they were on top form and put on a good show .Shame Rods voice wasn't stronger we were near the front and could only just hear him but all the old songs brought back memories. 4 TOILETS for all the thousands of people -whos crazy idea was that ???Heads should roll in the organisation department !!!

Posted by: Jackie Allinson on 17 May ' 10 at 04:45

Concert was great but completely overshaddowed by the lack of drinks, food and toilets. How can 4 toilets cater for all of the people in the Golden Circle. The bar ran out of just about everything. By the time we got to the food, the burgers had also finished. Staff were hopelessly slow and unable to communicate. Such a shame it was so poorly organised with little consideration for the actual punters. I will never go to another concert organised by these people. I want my money back.

Posted by: nini on 13 May ' 10 at 09:46

The gig was awsome, we are happy we didn't pay for golden ticket as the owners were really ripped off, no neast, no enough toilets. We really had good time where we were standing. Didn't even care about drink shortage as we didn't want to leave to get any and miss the show!
Both Tom and Rod were Amazing. Thanks to concert organizer. please bring more legends from 80's , those my teenage days....

Posted by: beet921 on 11 May ' 10 at 21:43

Woohoooo!!! Spandau Ballet was awesome!!! This band was definitely the sole reason why I went to the concert (despite the expensive tix!)

More 80's legends pleeeeeeezzz!!! I agree, Stranglers, The Cure... or better yet-- Tears for Fears, U2, Depeche Mode, and the likes!!!

Posted by: Mike Gorrie on 11 May ' 10 at 13:02

Like Tim I wonder if these reviews are written by people who did not attend. Rod was okay ( I have seen him live 5 times - working on concerts mostly!) and he has lost the edge. Very little audience communication and too many disappearing acts. Spandau were very good. My gripe was with the catering company. How can you run out of most drinks before the support act come on (7pm). Even the Hospitality areas ran out of food and drink early. I will not hurry back to the 7evens Stadium on this performance.

Posted by: Elan on 10 May ' 10 at 10:43

Spandau Ballet was AMAZING! Tony Hadley's voice should be named a UK national treasure. I was disappointed in Rod, largely due to the fact that other singers and musicians drowned out his voice for the first half. Yes,he is a superstay and a golden oldie, but Spandau Ballet is a hard act to follow....

Posted by: Jos Al Adwani on 10 May ' 10 at 09:57

Im amazed at how many people are saying it was well organized!! Paying for Golden Circle tickets and wishing we were in the cheap seats we felt totally ripped off. 4 Toilets so we even though we went 15 mins before Spandau kicked off we missed half of their set as were standing in the queue. They ran out of wine at 7:40pm !! Then standing only at the front (every other concert Ive been to in the world they are the cheapest tickets) I will never go to an event at the 7's again (unless its the rugby which is always brilliantly organized). Rod was OK but would have been nice if he could have managed a bit of a decent encore and a goodnight and thank you !!

Posted by: Agetha on 10 May ' 10 at 06:41

What a great concert and how gorgeous is Steve Norman - much better looking 25 years on ! For me, I know Rod was the headline but SB just stole the show - they were awesome. Rather pleased I even remembered the words to the songs. Very enjoyable show and great organising - I will definitely go back to a concert at the 7's stadium in the future. Well Done All

Posted by: lisa on 10 May ' 10 at 06:37

Rods first concert in his tour. 2010. He sang all the very best of the songs he was on for a good 90+ mins. you wear it well, maggie may, downtown train, some guys have all the luck, Hot legs, baby jane, we are sailing, Rhythem of my heart, this od heart of mine, twistin the night away, i don't want to talk about it, your in my heart,first cut is the deepest, tonights the night. THE ONLY ONE HE DIDN'T DO IS HANDBAGS AND GLADRAGS - gutted. Also his set was very very stylish, however some of the screen shots at the back could have been done by me on powerpoint! The rudest and worst thing was that he never thanked the audience and he DIDN'T do an ENCORE, he just left for whatever reason. Probably crowd control coz half the people left and half stayed waiting for the encore that never happened. HOW RUDE! But good on Rod, first concert went well and he looked great and his voice was as gravelly as always in his latter songs.

Posted by: Frank Simmonds on 09 May ' 10 at 10:39

I attended the Rod Stewart concert on Friday evening with my wife, and had wonderfull experience, we arrived at around 6pm, the access into car parking was very clear, a bit of confusion through the ticket area, but nothing major, myself and my wife were greeted at the first bar by a very friendly Manager, who was managing the queues at the bar, he was politley directing people to other bars, he directed us into the arena area, and he was true to his words that we only had to queue a short while, I also found the food selection very good, my wife was driving for the journey home (a rare treat) so I was allowed to drink, I felt the service was speedy and efficient with plenty of till points to get served, the signage was clear, The cider was ice cold, but no Pimms available!!!!! and I thouroughly enjoyed a can or 2, so I dont know why I had a sore head on Saturday.

The concert was great, golden oldies, mor eof the 80's please, we will attend and upgrade, I felt we had a better view that the corporate dogs, so they no doubt wasted a lot of money, he he.

More light when exiting might have helped me not stumble, or less alcohol, unsure as to which one.

In summary a great night, was had, any more 7's Concerts we will be there.

Posted by: Amanda Cunliffe-Smith on 09 May ' 10 at 09:47

The Rodfather is indeed a legend, no one can deny.
However, the first 2 tracks his voice was virtually in-audible.
After he scooted off to change, he came back with a louder voice.
But to be honest, as much of a fan as I am, he is loosing the vocals.
If this was the 1st night of an enormous tour,
I really would not want to pay for a ticket further on down the line.
Of course we enjoyed and danced to the classics.

Spandau Ballet however became the powerful suprise of the night! Wow! A great set, fabulous contact with the audience, banter and belting tunes that some, I have to admit, were in the recesses of my teenager archive. Tony Hadley and co stirred some very old, emotional moments, who would have thought second time around!

A really fun night, we did not pay for the golden circle but sat in the stands and did not feel it necessary to be down the front.

I agree with previous reviewer, more comebacks, we love them!

Posted by: Malcolm Ward on 09 May ' 10 at 08:45

Simply one of the most enjoyable concerts I have had the privilege to attend in the past 10 years. Two great acts who gave their all. Great entertainment. Great professionalism. Great organisation. Simply a great night out.

Posted by: Becky on 09 May ' 10 at 08:14

Without doubt one of the best organized event I have been to in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Absolutely first class entertainment.

Posted by: Tim Fagan on 09 May ' 10 at 07:13

Were you at the same concert - it was aweful . He said it was the first show on the tour and it delivered just that . Perhaps if he was going to perform just one song for the encore he should tell the rest of the band - as they were still waiting for him to come back on after Baby Jane . He was probably too tired as he seem completely unfit - what was with all the costume changes while the band played - is that why Celtic didnt win the SPL ?

And Gold Ring - 750 AED to have four toilets each and queue for thirty minutes !! A complete rip off , Had tickets to see him in London but will probably refund our tickets .

And we were not alone in these comments !!

i doubt whether this will be posted but i feel a lot better now !!!

Posted by: mark on 09 May ' 10 at 06:55

Great review and spot on. Mesmerising concert and thanks to the '7's' for the usual great organising.
Bring back more oldies (Stanglers/Cure for a start)

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