Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
“I’m feeling a little anxious,” the music legend admitted as he stepped onto the stage for his The Encore Shows residency at Caesars Palace.
Rod Stewart just can’t seem to leave Las Vegas behind!
On Wednesday, March 12, the 80-year-old Rock & Roll Hall of Famer launched his limited-run residency, The Encore Shows, at Caesars Palace. The performance featured a blend of his biggest hits, beloved fan favorites, and personal favorites.
During the 100-minute set, Stewart delivered classics like “Forever Young,” “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” and “Tonight’s the Night.” He also revisited some deeper tracks such as 1971’s “Mandolin Wind,” performed several swing tunes, and covered songs by artists including Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Cat Stevens, and John Fogerty.
“I’m a bit nervous,” Stewart confessed early in the show, but 15 minutes later he lightheartedly added, “Now I know what I’m doing.”
Performing is second nature to Rod Stewart, who kicked off his solo career back in 1969.
During his recent show, Stewart acknowledged that two of his most iconic songs share a striking resemblance — and that’s no coincidence.
“‘You Wear It Well’ and ‘Maggie May’ are quite similar, and there’s a reason for that,” he explained. “After ‘Maggie May,’ the record company asked, ‘Can you write us another No. 1 like that?’ So I wrote ‘You Wear It Well.’ But people love it — you loved it, and I loved it.”
In a nod to the artists who inspired him, Stewart also dedicated part of the evening to honoring his musical influences.
“Growing up — which I’m still doing — I was always listening to the ’60s,” he shared before performing “Rollin’ and Tumblin’” as a tribute to blues legend Muddy Waters.
The performance felt much like a lively karaoke night with Rod Stewart — some songs were his own, while others were covers. Yet the energetic crowd, who remained on their feet for most of the night, didn’t seem to mind at all.
For the rock legend, performing in Las Vegas is familiar territory. Wednesday’s show marked his 200th appearance at Caesars Palace. Stewart’s The Hits residency began in 2011 and ran through August 2024. After wrapping his 199th show last August, he announced a shorter, 12-show series called The Encore Shows, set to conclude on June 8.
Fans may have noticed some familiar elements from previous performances, including Stewart’s tribute to his beloved Celtic Football Club in Glasgow. While he once launched signed soccer balls into the audience, he now opts to toss them more gently to fans.
Rod Stewart leaned on his signature raspy voice, a talented 19-piece orchestra (with 14 women among its members), and the crowd’s energy to deliver a memorable show.
“I’m enjoying myself so much. I’m so privileged,” Stewart told the enthusiastic audience of 4,100 as they cheered.
Later in the evening, a Caesars executive joined Stewart onstage to present him with a gold record in honor of his 200th performance at The Colosseum. To celebrate, a tray of Wolfie’s Whisky — Stewart’s own brand — was brought out.
“I’m gonna have a shot of whisky,” he declared before downing it in one go. With a casual shrug, he added, “Showbiz.”
Back in August, Stewart spoke to PEOPLE about launching his whisky, admitting, “It’s not as easy as I thought it was going to be.”
