“Da ya still think I’m sexy? No seriousy, da ya?” Photos by Mark Osler.
needs no introduction, but the Rod Stewart of 2009 is a far cry from the devil-may-care Faces frontman of the early ’70s. From bluesy rock to solo disco to adult contemporary covers and most everything in between, the Raspy One has seen it all throughout his career, and the throngs that showed up to hear him sing the Great America Songbook at on Thursday, with Australian pretty boys , certainly knew that.
Reverb contributing photographer Mark Osler had this to say of the set:
“Reared on R&B as a young rocker, Stewart’s varied library of hits was on display Thursday night for all to rock, roll and revel in. Stewart’s singularly distinctive voice may have lost a slight bit of punch, but the unique Stewart rasp and soulful quality remains, giving classics like “You Wear It Well” a vocal signature that the decidedly older concert-goers Thursday night had come yearning for. It is a voice that brands a song to the point that, sung by anyone else, it would be a disappointment.
Warming up for Stewart was the Kin — a road-warrior band that announced it had been touring for two and a half years. The modest, stripped-down band was clearly all-in as it offered up an hour-long set. While they may not be bound for glory, the 60 minutes was enjoyed equally by the audience and musicians alike. A few favorite moments from the Kin came first, when they de-bunked a couple of Australian myths perpetuated by the food chain Outback Steakhouse — no such thing as ‘bloomin’ onions’ nor ‘shrimp on the barbie’ (downunder they’re called prawns); and, second, when lead singer Isaac Koren opened one song on the didgeridoo, a traditional instrument of the Australian aborigines).
Between sets, roadies transformed the wall-to-wall ceiling to ceiling black stage into a vision in white. Stewart snapped and strutted his way to center stage and took command of the music and the night. With a set list that included ‘Tonight’s the Night,’ ‘Maggie Mae,’ ‘Havin’ A Party,’ and ‘This Ol’ Heart of Mine,’ no fan left disappointed. Stewart really does seem to be, as one of his other songs from the night says, ‘Forever Young.'”
Check out Mark Osler’s photo essay:
The Kin
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is a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer and regular contributor to Reverb.
