The Dominion Theatre – 28th April 2024
Reviewed by Ava Clarkson
4****
Being a huge Rod Stewart fan, I was thrilled to be invited by Chameleon Music Marketing to review this musical show featuring Paul Metcalfe and his 5 piece band. Paul has been performing his Rod Stewart tribute act for over 20 years around the uk, and most recently on stage in the west end, and tonight for one night only at The Dominion Theatre.
The Dominion Theatre is a medium sized theatre which packs a punch. The beautiful ornate interior and amazing acoustics make it the perfect venue for any musical act. It feels intimate and every seat has a great view of the stage.
Paul enters the stage and immediately you can tell he has all the swagger and showmanship that Rod Stewart himself brings to any performance. His vocals are astonishing, the gravelly voice and tone in the songs mean you can close your eyes and you are watching the real man himself. Paul has been endorsed over the years by Rod’s family as “the closest to Rod I have ever seen” and he truly does not disappoint.
We start way back at the beginning of his journey, as a struggling musician in the 1960’s when Rod was busking with a harmonica and known as “Rod the MOD”, moving briefly through his early career with Long John Baldry, The Jeff Beck Group and The Faces alongside such famous friends as Ronnie Wood and Jimmy Page to name but a few. The songs come along one after the other, with screen footage behind the stage showing pictures through the Era’s. “Handbags and Gladrags”, “You wear it well” and less well known songs such as “Reason to Believe” are sung effortlessly. The band is joined onstage by Nik Carter on the Saxaphone and clarinet who is amazing. Paul performs an acoustic version of “Gasoline Alley” and the audience stands to applaud before the interval.
As the second half behind, the tempo increases and Paul sings Rod’s more upbeat hits, “Baby Jane”, “Do you think i’m sexy” and a beautiful version of “We are Sailing” which brings the audience to their feet – phone lights in the air! The theatre is buzzing, many people are up in the aisles dancing and indeed in the seats. The party is on! Paul’s vocals and the band’s playful interactions with the audience keeps the atmosphere going and we are treated to a truly memorable concert. An encore is called for and Paul belts out “Maggie May” to a standing ovation. The perfect end to a great performance.
This show is marketed as The Rod Stewart Story, and apart from a bit of talking from Paul in the 1st half, we did not really get to know much about his life. This does not feel like other shows when you are taken on a journey through the artist’s life, but an amazing tribute concert. That being said, I would highly recommend this show for a great night out.