Some Guys Have All The Luck, the Rod Stewart Story, Aberdeen

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A review from 5D Music & Theatre writer Maria Robertson

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I really was not sure what to expect from this show, even after reading the blurb on the website.  Basically its a Rod Stewart tribute band with Paul Metcalfe “playing the part” of Rod.  He tells some stories from the rock legend’s life as well as performing a good number of songs.

The band are all talented musicians and Paul does a great impression of Rod, complete with leg kicks and bum wiggles!  Al Vosper the lead guitarist was especially spectacular, and the two chaps had a great rapport on stage.

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The audience was an interesting mix, obviously quite a lot in line with the singer’s vintage.  A few rows in front of me was a boy who looked about 12 and seemed to be there with his Mum and Grandad, I presume the love of Rod’s songs has been passed down through the generations.  I know I love Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, Cliff Richard and The Troggs – all from what was playing in the house when I was young.
There was a touching moment during one song when the 3 of them all were swaying along to the music with their arms round them, just as the lady directly in front of me was doing the same with (I presume) her husband and daughter.

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For some songs we sang along, for some we had a boogie.  One group of ladies even started a conga line round the chairs at one point – I think they just wanted closer to the stage but it made for a bit of fun and “Rod” seemed to quite like it!

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It was good to hear some of the story’s from Rod’s life – like how he was initially noticed playing harmonica on a train station platform by Long John Baldry late one night and started performing with him as “Rod the Mod” as he was known back then.

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The production was also brilliant, with full lighting show and pictures on the screen at the back, this was not just a cheap karaoke night, a lot of thought and planning had gone into it.  It did include a couple of covers that were not Rod’s songs, but we were assured Sweet Caroline would not be included.  His performance of that at the Queen’s Jubilee certainly was not a career highlight.  We did enjoy a Runrig cover though, singing along at the top of our voices!

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Overall, it was a fabulous night, I never managed to see Sir Rod Stewart in his prime but this was certainly a most excellent “next best thing”.  I think we all left with a spring in our step and a smile on our faces.  My highlight was This Old Heart of Mine, took me back to listening to a Motown cassette in the car with my Daddy many years ago. 
That’s one of the wonderful things about music, it binds you – to people and memories – and can take you right back to a happy place or time!

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Further information and tickets for later dates of the tour: https://someguyshavealltheluck.com/

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Maria Robertson is the Chief Music & Theatre Writer for the 5D Pop Culture Website and provides reviews & coverage of local Aberdeen music & theatre gigs. She’s an experienced writer for numerous sources and is a self-confessed live gig addict ever since seeing The Counting Crows at the Barrowlands in 1994.

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