Classic rock duo Rod Stewart and Steve Winwood hit the main stage at Wells Fargo Center

His Rod-ness plans to pack in 20-plus hits in a two-hour set that promises to leave the ladies swooning and the men swaying.

Photo by Penny LancasterFinally! The Live the Life Tour with Rod Stewart and opener Steve Winwood comes to the Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday, Dec. 11. Originally scheduled for the spring, all shows were postponed so Rod could finish up on his first original rock studio album in almost 20 years. Time, his 29th record (not counting The Faces and other incarnations) comes on the heels of a number of cover albums.

However, fans will not be getting The Great American Songbook this time around. That’s another tour, Rod says. Instead, you’ll get a rollicking show that spans five decades and covers the whole spectrum of his Rod-ness. From the late ‘60s Jeff Beck era, a romp through The Faces and a string of solo hits as well as material from the new album, Rod calls this a very happy show. With over 20 songs packed into an almost two-hour set, Rod knows that people want to hear hits and he delivers with style and pizazz. It’s a 13-piece band with more women than men (wink wink) and at one point, the band downsizes to a small orchestra for an acoustic set.  Rod’s daughter Ruby has joined him on stage for some of the shows to duet on “Forever Young” and to sing a song of her own.

Rod, ever the fashion plate, goes through several wardrobe changes during the set. Be sure to keep an eye on his socks and also look out for the oh-so-dapper silver suit. And how does he keep that fabulous hair in shape? According to an interview he did with WMGK Morning DJ John DeBella, it’s a matter of mousse and saltwater spray. And no over-shampooing.

- Advertisement -

The stage is blinding white with lots of lights and towering pillars that double as video monitors. Also, apparently Rod travels with a cache of soccer balls as dozens make their appearance throughout the show.

Steve Winwood is the show’s opener and his set is not to be missed. These two go back to their teenage years in those Swinging London days. Winwood could easily double his hour long set with music from his time with The Spencer Davis Group, Traffic and Blind Faith (all represented here) along with his illustrious solo career material. We can only hope that at some point, Rod and Steve will join forces onstage as two of the most recognizable voices in classic rock.

You’d never know that Rod is in his late 60s. With a recent Las Vegas residency and memoir (not to mention his youngsters at home) he can still somehow sing “Young Hearts Be Free” without irony.

Rod Stewart/Steve Winwood
Wells Fargo Center
Wednesday, Dec. 11
7:30 p.m.
$26.50 – $149.50
www.comcasttix.com

Our Best of the Main Line Elimination Ballot is open through February 22!