This was my first time seeing a concert at the Hollywood Bowl. It is an unusual venue in that it’s built inside of a hill. It has a capacity of 17,500, and I was one of the masses attending the sold-out show. Getting through security took a lot longer than seemed necessary. There was a giant mass of people converging upon eight metal detectors. Once I got in, there wasn’t even time to get water. I heard the bagpipes, and I knew the show was starting. Rod was born in England but grew up in Scotland, which explains his affinity for the Scots including the Celtic football team.

As I was walking to my seat, Rod appeared on stage to open the show with Infatuation. That song always reminds me of the concert many years ago in which during that song I was able to shake Rod’s hand when he ventured along the side of the stage to greet fans. 

It doesn’t seem like Rod had his usual energy. Perhaps I was comparing his performance with that of the seemingly unending energy of Mick Jagger. But his voice was in fine form. Rod still looks the same, but I can’t same the same of his band members. I’ve been going to these concerts so long that I notice how much older the bandmates are getting. 

He played the hits, including an unusual opening for Maggie May. @keni, of course, he played Forever Young. There were also a few surprises. It was the first time I had heard It Takes Two, originally recorded as a duet with Tina Turner. When Rod took a break, his back-up singers rendered a faithful rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s Go Your Own Way. One noticeable absence: Rod did not kick autographed soccer balls into the audience. This is the first concert I can recall that he did not do this. 

I was surprised that Rod completed his set before bringing on Jeff Beck to perform only five additional songs. Jeff Beck is truly a virtuoso guitar player. I was mesmerized by what he was able to do with that guitar. I remember thinking, that guy is doing exactly what he should be doing. They completed five songs and there was no encore. Another surprise. The concert felt short. I don’t know why they only played five songs together. 

Considering the history between these two, this might be the last time they perform together. I’m glad I got to see them.