Review by Kelly Besaw
Photos by Chris Besaw
Legendary acts Rod Stewart and Cheap Trick performed at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center on July 15.
Cheap Trick was the first to take the stage. Despite Cheap Trick playing in Upstate New York multiple times, this was the first time I had a chance to catch them live. The band was in good spirits and founding members Rick Nielson (guitar) and Tom Petersson (bass) were joined by longtime vocalist Robin Zander and Daxx Nielson, Rick’s son, on drums.
Cheap Trick played a rousing thirteen song set including “Ain’t That a Shame (Fats Domino cover),” “If You Want My Love,” “The Flame,” fan favorite “I Want You to Want Me” and appropriately bid the crowd farewell by ending their set with “Goodnight.” If you haven’t seen Cheap Trick live, they are a lot of fun, and they will be back in the area again this summer.
Setlist
California Man (The Move cover)
Dream Police
Ain’t That A Shame (Fats Domino cover)
I can’t Take It
If You Want My Love
He’s a Whore
Boys & Girls & Rock N Roll
I Know What I Want
It All Comes Back to You
The Flame
I Want You to Want Me
Surrender
Goodnight
Next up was one of my all-time favorites, the Legendary Rod Stewart! From the moment he took the stage, Stewart had the audience in the palm of his hand. His decades of experience really shine through as he knows how to work the crowd. At the age of 78, he still belts out songs with all his heart and doesn’t stop moving. He kicked off the night with “Infatuation” followed by “Having A Party (Sam Cooke cover) and everyone was dancing and singing along.
Stewart focused on his hits, stopping for quick interactions with the fans. He performed well-known covers, “It’s a Heartache (Bonnie Tyler), “It Takes Two” (Kim Weston), The First Cut is the Deepest” (Cat Stevens). His voice was still distinct and strong as it carried through the venue.
I always admired Rod Stewart for his fashion sense. His outfits magnify his playful personality. He may not have made as many outfit changes as I have seen in the past, but he still managed to pull off some fun ensembles. Fans went wild for “Forever Young” and brought the evening to a close with “Maggie May.”
Setlist
Infatuation
Tonight I’m Yours (Don’t Hurt Me)
It’s a Heartache (Bonnie Tyler cover)
It Takes Two (Kim Weston cover)
The First Cut Is the Deepest (Cat Stevens cover)
Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)
Forever Young
Ooh La La (Faces song)
Young Turks
Maggie May
I’d Rather Go Blind (Etta James cover)
Lady Marmalade (The Eleventh Hour cover)
Mandolin Wind
Reason to Believe (Tim Hardin cover)
Have I Told You Lately (Van Morrison cover)
Proud Mary (Creedence Clearwater Revival cover)
Love Train (The O’Jays cover)
Rhythm of My Heart (Marc Jordan cover)
Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?
Hot Legs
Encore:
Some Guys Have All the Luck
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