One Last Time Tour: A Rod Stewart’s Love Letter to His Fans

Something felt different on the night of Friday the 27th at Hard Rock Live. I usually make a point of arriving early when covering a show, but this time the parking lot was already packed well before the usual hour. There was a certain anticipation in the air — the kind that only surrounds true legends.

And that is exactly what we witnessed.

Photo: Julisa Sandra Marquez

As part of his early 2026 “One Last Time” tour, Rod Stewart proved that at 81 years old, he is far from a mere legacy act. If anything, he remains a high-energy performer who still commands the stage with elastic swagger, unmistakable raspy vocals, and the kind of presence that cannot be manufactured — only earned.

From the very first notes, the show moved at a fast, confident pace. Stewart strutted across the stage with tremendous youthful energy, reminding everyone why his career has spanned more than five decades. His voice — textured, emotional, and powerful — held strong as he delivered beloved classics including “Maggie May,” “Infatuation,” and “You Wear It Well.” Despite the tour’s farewell-style title, there were absolutely no signs of slowing down. If anything, this felt essential — the kind of show you simply must experience while you still can.

The production was grand and polished, reminiscent of the great arena shows of decades past. Twenty-three musicians filled the stage — the usual core of drums, bass, guitars, and keyboards elevated by an impressive ensemble of talented women who not only provided harmonies but also performed on violins, cellos, harp, percussion, banjo, and more. The result was rich, dynamic, and elegant. It was not just a concert — it was a celebration crafted with care. You could feel the respect and gratitude Stewart holds for the audience that has followed him through the years.

One of the most touching moments of the night came during “Forever Young.” Stewart was joined on stage by his daughter, Ruby Stewart, and his grandson, an intimate, emotional highlight of the evening. It was tender without being theatrical — a genuine family moment shared with thousands. In that instant, the legendary rocker was not only a performer but a father and grandfather, visibly grateful for both his family and his fans.

Throughout the evening, Stewart also paid tribute to the artists and bands that shaped his musical journey. He revisited the spirit of Faces, and honored voices such as Bonnie Tyler, Cat Stevens, Chaka Khan, and Van Morrison, weaving their influence seamlessly into the narrative of his own catalog.

Of course, the crowd erupted for the major hits. “Young Turks” had the entire venue on its feet, and when Stewart closed the main set with “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” he stepped down from the stage and walked among the audience, singing directly to the fans who were dancing and shouting every lyric back at him. It was electric — joyful, unfiltered fun.

Photo: Julisa Sandra Marquez

For the encore, Stewart offered a celebratory tribute to The O’Jays with “Love Train.” As hundreds of balloons cascaded from the ceiling, the venue transformed into a sea of movement — people dancing, singing, laughing. It was the perfect finale: fun, nostalgic, and full of life.

What made this night special was not just the production value or the catalog of hits. It was the unmistakable feeling of appreciation flowing both ways. Stewart performed with love, gratitude, and a deep respect for the audience that has stood by him for decades. In return, the crowd gave him their voices, their energy, and their hearts.

It felt like the great shows of the past — when concerts were events, when artists connected directly with their audience, and when music was both spectacle and soul.

If this truly is “One Last Time,” then Rod Stewart is making sure it is done the right way — with class, power, and above all, heart.