Rod Stewart proved the ‘Songbook Is Timeless’ at Valencia’s Roig Arena! There are artists whose careers can be measured in decades, and then there are artists whose songs have become part of popular culture itself. Rod Stewart belongs firmly to the latter category. His appearance at Valencia’s spectacular new Roig Arena was not simply another stop on a world tour—it was a celebration of one of rock’s most enduring catalogues, delivered by a performer who continues to understand that great entertainment is about far more than vocal perfection. Of Scottish descent, this London lad still has ‘duende’ in spades. He can make you cry and laugh and dance. At heart, he’s a Celt that happened to be born south of the border. He knows to transmit a song’s sentiments and it helps that he has lived life to the full too!

At 81 years old, Stewart walked onstage carrying the weight of recent concerns over his health, but those doubts quickly disappeared once the opening notes filled the arena. Before he even appeared, the enormous video screens introduced a production that balanced elegance with nostalgia, combining archival footage, lyric videos and carefully synchronized visuals throughout the evening. The Roig Arena itself, with its excellent acoustics and unobstructed sightlines, proved an ideal venue for a production of this scale.

The evening began with the stirring instrumental “Scotland the Brave,” a reminder of Stewart’s Scottish heritage, before exploding into “Infatuation.” It was an inspired opener, immediately showcasing the muscular sound of an exceptional band. Stewart’s unmistakable gravelly voice may have matured over the decades, but it still possesses the warmth, phrased emotion and distinctive character that no amount of technical perfection can replace.

From there, the concert barely paused for breath. “Having a Party” transformed the arena into a giant dance floor, while “It’s a Heartache” demonstrated once again Stewart’s remarkable ability to reinterpret songs made famous by other artists. Rather than merely covering classics, he has always managed to make them sound as though they were written specifically for him.

“Some Guys Have All the Luck” completed a particularly energetic opening sequence, with thousands of spectators clapping in unison while the band delivered a polished performance that never felt mechanical. Every musician had room to shine, yet nobody played simply to show off. Everything served the songs.

One of the evening’s greatest strengths was the ensemble surrounding Stewart. His large backing band represented an extraordinary blend of talent, featuring keyboards, guitar, bass, drums, percussion, violin, harp and a superb saxophonist whose solos repeatedly earned spontaneous applause. Equally impressive were the backing vocalists, who were far more than supporting singers. Throughout the concert they alternated between dancing, playing instruments and taking lead vocals on selected numbers, becoming an essential part of the show’s personality.

Stewart himself remained a charismatic master of ceremonies. Whether joking with the audience, introducing his musicians or simply flashing his trademark grin, he projected the relaxed confidence of someone who has spent more than half a century entertaining audiences around the world. His costume changes added another touch of theatricality, moving from elegant white to sparkling blue before finishing in his famous leopard-print jacket. Despite his age, there remains something boyish about him…happy to share his talents and making a each show a party. The first truly emotional high point arrived with “Forever Young.” Under warm golden lighting, nearly every voice inside the Roig Arena joined Stewart in singing the chorus. Given his age and the health scare that had briefly interrupted the tour only days earlier, the lyrics carried an extra emotional weight without ever becoming sentimental.

The acoustic section slowed the pace beautifully. “The First Cut Is the Deepest” allowed the softer textures of harp and acoustic guitars to emerge, creating one of the night’s most intimate moments. Stewart then delivered a heartfelt rendition of “I Don’t Want to Talk About It,” one of the concert’s emotional centrepieces. The audience sang almost every line, transforming the performance into a shared experience rather than a simple recital. When Stewart exchanged musical phrases with his saxophonist before embracing him at the song’s conclusion, the applause seemed endless.

The mood remained tender during “You’re in My Heart,” before the concert shifted gears with the swaggering “Hot Legs.” Suddenly the band rediscovered its rock-and-roll bite, and the audience responded enthusiastically. That momentum continued with an irresistible “Maggie May,” whose opening mandolin instantly triggered one of the loudest sing-alongs of the night. More than fifty years after its release, the song still feels completely alive.

Stewart has always possessed an eclectic taste in music, and the second half of the show highlighted that diversity. His bluesy interpretation of “I’d Rather Go Blind” demonstrated his lifelong affection for soul music, while “Young Turks” injected a welcome burst of synthesizer-driven energy that transported the audience straight back to the early 1980s.

Another memorable moment arrived with “Rhythm of My Heart.” Accompanied by imagery emphasizing themes of peace and solidarity, the song acquired renewed emotional resonance, proving once again that Stewart’s repertoire often extends beyond romance into broader reflections on humanity.

The concert also gave generous opportunities to the female members of the band. Their powerful performances during “Jolene” and the explosive “Proud Mary” were among the night’s biggest surprises, showing remarkable vocal versatility while allowing Stewart a brief offstage break. Rather than interrupting the flow, these moments reinforced the sense that this was a true ensemble production rather than a one-man show.

“People Get Ready” offered a soulful pause before the deeply romantic “Have I Told You Lately,” accompanied by personal photographs that added a touching layer of intimacy. These quieter passages reminded everyone that Stewart has never relied solely on rock anthems; tenderness has always been equally central to his artistic identity.

As the concert entered its closing stretch, the atmosphere became increasingly festive. “Baby Jane” reignited the arena before “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy” unleashed a full-scale party complete with dazzling lighting, humorous visuals and footballs kicked into the audience—a tradition Stewart clearly continues to enjoy. It was impossible not to smile as thousands of fans danced together. Despite his age, Rod remains a talented teenager at heart and happy to show off and make people happy at every gathering where he is in the spotlight. His between song banter had a touch of ‘cockney vaudeville’ and kept the varied set swinging too.

Yet it was the encore that provided the evening’s defining image. During “Sailing,” countless mobile-phone lights illuminated the Roig Arena, creating a sea of stars that perfectly complemented one of Stewart’s most beloved recordings. It was a simple but remarkably powerful moment, proving that some songs never lose their emotional impact regardless of how many times they are heard.

The joyous “Love Train” closed the evening in appropriately celebratory fashion. Balloons filled the arena as every member of the band gathered at the front of the stage, dancing and smiling while the audience refused to let the night end. Stewart’s farewell message in Spanish on the giant screens was a thoughtful gesture that received one final standing ovation.

For nearly two hours, Rod Stewart demonstrated exactly why his career has endured across six decades. His voice has naturally evolved with age, but its unmistakable personality remains intact. More importantly, his ability to connect with an audience has lost none of its power. He no longer performs with the restless energy of his youth, yet he has gained something equally valuable: the confidence to let timeless songs speak for themselves.

The Roig Arena witnessed more than a nostalgia show. It witnessed an artist who understands the value of craftsmanship, surrounds himself with outstanding musicians and continues to celebrate one of the richest catalogues in popular music. Rod Stewart may now be one of rock’s elder statesmen, but in Valencia he proved that charisma, authenticity and great songs remain a combination that time simply cannot diminish. ‘Rod the Mod’ still has soul.

Report by Will McCarthy

Article copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’

Photo copyright  Roig Arena

Set list  ROD STEWART ROIG ARENA  JUNE 30th