When Rod Stewart walks onto a stage, the room instantly feels like it’s hosting rock royalty. Few artists from the classic rock era have maintained the same mixture of swagger, charm, and musical versatility that Stewart has carried throughout his career. In 2026, performing in Atlantic City, the legendary singer delivered a concert that felt less like a nostalgia act and more like a masterclass in showmanship. Blending rock, soul, folk, and pop, Stewart’s performance proved that even after more than five decades in the spotlight, he still knows exactly how to command an audience.
Atlantic City has long been a hub for classic performers, but the crowd gathered for this show had a palpable sense of excitement. Stewart’s catalog spans generations, from the gritty rock of the Faces era to his smooth adult contemporary hits and dance-floor anthems of the late 1970s. The audience reflected that diversity, with fans of all ages filling the venue and buzzing with anticipation before the first note was played.
When the lights dimmed and Stewart finally stepped on stage, the cheers were deafening. Dressed in his signature sharp style, hair still unmistakably blond and spiked, he immediately began working the stage with the confidence of someone who has spent decades perfecting the art of live performance.
A High-Energy Opening
The show kicked off with “Addicted to Love,” the Robert Palmer classic. It was an unexpected opener but an effective one. Stewart’s raspy voice gave the song a rougher rock edge than the sleek original, and the band delivered a tight, punchy arrangement that set the tone for the night.
Without pausing, Stewart moved into “You Wear It Well,” one of his most beloved early hits. The song’s breezy melody and nostalgic lyrics immediately brought the audience into the show. Fans sang along to the chorus, and Stewart seemed delighted by the enthusiastic response.
The third song, “Having a Party,” the Sam Cooke classic, highlighted Stewart’s lifelong love of soul music. Backed by a lively band and a group of dynamic backing vocalists, the performance had a loose, celebratory vibe. It felt less like a formal concert moment and more like a joyous jam session.
A Blend of Rock and Roots
Stewart has always had a gift for interpreting other artists’ material, and that strength was on full display with “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” The Creedence Clearwater Revival song suited his voice beautifully, and the audience quickly joined in, creating one of the first major sing-along moments of the evening.
The next song, “Ooh La La,” served as a nod to Stewart’s days with the Faces. The crowd clearly appreciated the tribute to that era, and the song’s reflective lyrics about aging and wisdom carried a certain emotional resonance coming from Stewart himself.
Of course, the reflective mood didn’t last long.
Rock and Roll Swagger
The concert’s energy exploded with “Hot Legs.” The gritty guitar riff and pounding rhythm turned the venue into a full-blown rock party. Stewart strutted across the stage with the same playful confidence he displayed decades ago, proving that age hasn’t slowed his stage presence.
He followed with “Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright),” which brought a sultry, laid-back groove to the show. The song remains one of Stewart’s most recognizable hits, and the crowd responded with enthusiastic cheers as soon as the opening chords began.
Then came “You’re in My Heart (The Final Acclaim).” The heartfelt ballad remains one of Stewart’s most personal songs, and the performance carried a warm, emotional tone that resonated strongly with the audience.
A Scottish Interlude
One of the most unusual moments of the night came during “Forever Young.” As the song played, Stewart briefly stepped offstage while the backing singers and musicians turned the performance into a lively Scottish dance segment. Traditional-style music filled the room while dancers performed energetic steps, creating a playful and celebratory moment that reflected Stewart’s Scottish roots.
When Stewart returned to the stage, the crowd greeted him with cheers that felt almost like a welcome home.
The Classic Hits Keep Coming
The evening continued with one of Stewart’s defining songs: “Maggie May.” The performance began with just Stewart and a piano, creating a stripped-down opening verse that felt intimate and reflective. When the full band joined in, the crowd erupted. Few songs in rock history capture storytelling quite like “Maggie May,” and hearing it live remains a special experience.
Next came “I’d Rather Go Blind,” the Etta James classic. Stewart’s raspy voice brought a deep emotional texture to the song, highlighting his blues influences and reminding the audience that his musical roots stretch far beyond pop radio.
The mood shifted once again with “Young Turks.” The synth-driven hit from the early 1980s brought a burst of energy to the set, with the crowd enthusiastically singing along to the song’s iconic chorus.
A Mid-Show Showcase
Stewart’s ability to move seamlessly between genres was evident as the show continued. “Downtown Train,” originally written by Tom Waits, showcased his knack for interpreting emotional ballads. The song’s dreamy atmosphere filled the room, and Stewart delivered it with heartfelt sincerity.
For the next number, “Lady Marmalade,” Stewart stepped aside while the backing singers took center stage. Their energetic performance gave the band a chance to shine and brought a lively burst of funk and soul into the show.
Storytelling and Soul
One of the most powerful moments of the night came with “The Killing of Georgie, Part I.” The song’s poignant narrative about love, tragedy, and acceptance still resonates decades after its release. Stewart delivered the story with genuine emotion, and the audience listened in respectful silence before erupting into applause.
That emotional tone carried into “People Get Ready,” the classic soul anthem. Stewart’s version leaned heavily into its gospel roots, with the backing vocalists providing powerful harmonies that filled the venue.
A Romantic Moment
The mood softened again with “Have I Told You Lately,” originally written by Van Morrison. The romantic ballad created one of the evening’s most tender moments, with couples in the audience swaying gently as Stewart sang.
The backing singers returned to the spotlight for “Proud Mary,” delivering a lively rendition that injected another dose of upbeat energy into the show.
The Party Returns
The concert moved toward its final stretch with “It Takes Two.” Stewart encouraged the audience to sing along with the duet portions, and the crowd enthusiastically obliged.
Then came “Some Guys Have All the Luck,” a song that perfectly captures Stewart’s playful persona. The performance was loose, fun, and filled with crowd interaction.
Of course, no Rod Stewart concert would be complete without “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” As soon as the famous disco groove kicked in, the audience erupted. The song turned the entire venue into a dance party, with fans clapping, singing, and moving along to the beat.
Encore Celebration
After leaving the stage briefly, Stewart returned for a two-song encore.
The first was “Love Train,” the O’Jays classic. The upbeat anthem had the entire audience singing together, creating a joyful, communal atmosphere that perfectly suited the celebratory tone of the evening.
Finally, Stewart closed the night with “The First Cut Is the Deepest.” The Cat Stevens classic allowed him to end the show on a heartfelt note, delivering the song with warmth and sincerity.
Final Thoughts
Rod Stewart’s Atlantic City performance was everything fans could hope for: energetic, emotional, and packed with timeless songs. More importantly, it demonstrated that Stewart remains one of the most charismatic performers in rock history.
His voice still carries that unmistakable rasp, his stage presence remains magnetic, and his ability to connect with audiences has only grown stronger with time.
For longtime fans, the show felt like a reunion with an old friend. For newcomers, it was a powerful reminder of why Rod Stewart has remained a global star for more than half a century.
Final Grade: A
Setlist
Addicted to Love (Robert Palmer cover)
You Wear It Well
Having a Party (Sam Cooke cover)
Have You Ever Seen the Rain? (Creedence Clearwater Revival cover)
Ooh La La (Faces song)
Hot Legs
Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)
You’re in My Heart (The Final Acclaim)
Forever Young
Maggie May
I’d Rather Go Blind (Etta James cover)
Young Turks
Downtown Train (Tom Waits cover)
Lady Marmalade (The Eleventh Hour cover)
The Killing of Georgie, Part I
People Get Ready (The Impressions cover)
Have I Told You Lately (Van Morrison cover)
Proud Mary (Creedence Clearwater Revival cover)
It Takes Two (Kim Weston cover)
Some Guys Have All the Luck (The Persuaders cover)
Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?
Encore
Love Train (The O’Jays cover)
The First Cut Is the Deepest (Cat Stevens cover)