Shropshire Star

Sir Rod Stewart live in Wolverhampton: Can you spot yourself in the Molineux crowd?

He wears it well! Iconic rockstar Sir Rod Stewart put on a show in Wolverhampton as his army of fans descended on the Black Country.

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Fans enjoy the gig as Sir Rod Stewart performs at Molineux. Picture: Tim Thursfield

The 74-year-old showed he's still 'forever young' and has no sign of slowing down as he rocked Molineux in front of 25,000 adoring fans on Saturday night.

In a stadium used to the delirium of Premier League football it was 'The Mod' who hit the back of the net with his exhilarating performance.

Classics such as Maggie May, Do Ya Think I'm Sexy? and Baby Jane echoed around the ground as one of Britain's most famous rockstars took to the stage.

Sir Rod Stewart performs at Molineux Stadium

In the build-up to his performance a 'fan village' was set up outside the stadium for supporters to catch up and get some food and drinks before heading inside for the gig.

Despite the miserable weather, fans were in jubilant mood as their hero arrived in the Black Country, and they certainly 'did' want to talk about it.

Devoted fans brought their 'handbags and gladrags' alongside tartan scarves and hats - a nod to Sir Rod's Scottish heritage.

Queues into the stadium were forming hours before it opened as the party started.

GALLERY: Excited fans descend on Molineux

Fans Rob and Julie Pryce from Telford
Patricia Bufton and Ann Barnett from Wales with Hilda Dunn from Derbyshire..
Eileen Jones from Lower Gornal with her ticket
Kevin, Lisa, Laura and Kyle Haynes from Wednesfield
Giovanna Hillery and Maria Allenza from Wolverhampton
Ann Lock from Herefordshire
Sue Narroway from Stourbridge
The Narroway family from Stourbridge
Tracey White from Essex looks forward to the gig
Leopard skin ladies Lainie Whatsize and Helen Brewin

Samantha James, aged 34, from Cannock, said: "I remember my parents playing Rod as a kid, and I really got into his music.

"This was my first time seeing him live and it's incredible.

"I'm so lucky to have experienced this, he still has it at his age.

"To have him play so close to home is a dream come true, I couldn't believe it when it was announced."

Fans enjoy the gig as Sir Rod Stewart performs at Molineux. Picture: Tim Thursfield

Robert Bunn, aged 62, from Stourbridge, said: "What a performer he is.

"He's an inspiration to be still going at this age, and that gives me some hope.

"Rod is always welcome in the Black Country, I'm a massive fan.

"It's not normal for a singer to be still this popular all over the world, so he's something special."

Juliet Smith, aged 51, from Great Barr, added: "This is the second time I have seen Rod play, and I hope it's not the last.

"He brings a smile to my face and I have been following him for years.

"He's still got it hasn't he?"

GALLERY: Sir Rod rocks Wolverhampton

Fans enjoy the gig as Sir Rod Stewart performs at Molineux. Picture: Tim Thursfield
Fans enjoy the gig as Sir Rod Stewart performs at Molineux. Picture: Tim Thursfield
Fans enjoy the gig as Sir Rod Stewart performs at Molineux. Picture: Tim Thursfield
Fans enjoy the gig as Sir Rod Stewart performs at Molineux. Picture: Tim Thursfield
Fans enjoy the gig as Sir Rod Stewart performs at Molineux. Picture: Tim Thursfield
Fans enjoy the gig as Sir Rod Stewart performs at Molineux. Picture: Tim Thursfield
Fans enjoy the gig as Sir Rod Stewart performs at Molineux. Picture: Tim Thursfield
Fans enjoy the gig as Sir Rod Stewart performs at Molineux. Picture: Tim Thursfield
Fans enjoy the gig as Sir Rod Stewart performs at Molineux. Picture: Tim Thursfield
Fans enjoy the gig as Sir Rod Stewart performs at Molineux. Picture: Tim Thursfield
Fans enjoy the gig as Sir Rod Stewart performs at Molineux. Picture: Tim Thursfield
Fans enjoy the gig as Sir Rod Stewart performs at Molineux. Picture: Tim Thursfield

Roads around the ground were closed off for the gig and police were in attendance to keep revellers safe.

Wolves managing director Laurie Dalrymple thanked fans for attending the show and tweeted to say he hoped the ground would host many more gigs.

He said there had been some "teething issues with staffing" but thanked staff for their hard work.

He tweeted: "We had some teething issues with staffing, and those will be ironed out for August.

"That aside, a brilliant performance by Rod Stewart last night and extremely proud of the Wolves team for all their hard work to make this happen.

"Hope you all enjoyed the first of many more."

In Walsall an official Rod Stewart Fan Club met for a pre-gig party before heading to Molineux on buses.

Rod's sister Mary Cady, a patron of the group, was among those making the trip after their party at the Park Inn hotel.

Founder of the group, Ian Roberts, has followed the singer across the globe and ran his fan club for more than 25-years.

The 57-year-old, originally from Manchester and now living in Leicester, said: "It's so exciting, we never envisaged he would play on our doorstep.

"He had a huge following in this area in the 70s and 80s so they're all out in force for this.

GALLERY: Devoted Rod Stewart fans gather at fan club event

Members of the Rod Steward Fan Club who have held party at the Park Inn in Walsall before heading over to Wolverhampton. Picture: Alan Fogarasy
Members of the Rod Steward Fan Club who have held party at the Park Inn in Walsall before heading over to Wolverhampton. Picture: Alan Fogarasy
Members of the Rod Steward Fan Club who have held party at the Park Inn in Walsall before heading over to Wolverhampton. Picture: Alan Fogarasy
Members of the Rod Steward Fan Club who have held party at the Park Inn in Walsall before heading over to Wolverhampton. Picture: Alan Fogarasy
Members of the Rod Steward Fan Club who have held party at the Park Inn in Walsall before heading over to Wolverhampton. Picture: Alan Fogarasy
Members of the Rod Steward Fan Club who have held party at the Park Inn in Walsall before heading over to Wolverhampton. Picture: Alan Fogarasy
Members of the Rod Steward Fan Club who have held party at the Park Inn in Walsall before heading over to Wolverhampton. Picture: Alan Fogarasy

"He's the quintessential rockstar, he never fades away, even in his 70s.

"I try and get to as many of his gigs as I can, I've lost count of how many I've been to, but I've been to Las Vegas and South Africa, all over the world to watch him.

"I've never been to Molineux so it's another one to tick off the list, it's been quite spectacular.

"All the generations are here, from late teens to late 80s, people came out to see him."

After the gig the group travelled back to the hotel for a late-night party into the early hours of the morning.