Fans Flock to Hollywood Casino Amphitheater to see Sir Rod Stewart, One Last Time | 08.15.25 (with photo gallery)

Photo of Rod Stewart by Laura Tucker

On Friday night, fans of the renowned Sir Rod Stewart descended upon the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater for a chance to witness his magic in person “One Last Time,” and there wasn’t an empty seat in sight in the 20,000-capacity venue. St. Louis is the last stop on his 2025 tour.

Unfortunately, it was a classic St. Louis summer night complete with the usual players: heat, and humidity. This made standing shoulder to shoulder with your kindred spirits almost unbearable at times. But the show must go on, and it did! In fact, Stewart, who became Sir Rod after being knighted in 2016 by Prince William, took the stage about fifteen minutes early, most likely in an attempt to bring a little relief to the awaiting audience.

Cheap Trick got things started at 7:30. Since dropping the phrase “I Want You to Want Me” on society back in 1977, they have continued to entertain us with songs like “Dream Police” and “Surrender.” The band is still together with three of the four original members, Robin Zander (vocals, rhythm guitar), Rick Nielsen (lead guitar), and Tom Petersson (bass guitar). Rick’s son Daxx Nielsen is now holding it down on drums. They revved up the crowd with their feel-good hits and started the night off right.

At 8:45, Sir Rod began the set with “Infatuation” and “Tonight I’m Yours,” both big hits in the ’80s. After a few cover tunes, he went back to his own with “The First Cut Is the Deepest” (written by Cat Stevens) and “Tonight’s The Night.” The crowd was ready for more. He was just getting started as well and announced, “It’s Friday night!” like he was ready to go.

While his moves have slowed down a bit, his swagger remains intact. The 80-year-old’s iconic, raspy vocals are still familiar and somehow comforting. His style has been as a huge part of his persona since the early days, and he is still rocking that spiked blonde hair and those tight pants like no one else can. With his legendary fashion sense on display, he sported four outfits throughout the show, hopefully keeping him cool with every change. There was no shortage of leopard print in attendance, as his fans paid homage to his signature look.

He then appropriately dedicated the song “Forever Young” to his good friend Ozzy Osbourne while a beautiful tribute played out on the jumbo screen. Throughout the show, Sir Rod’s own legacy was displayed in Polaroid-style images, with every picture telling his story.

But the night belonged to his first solo single and introduction to the music world in 1971, “Maggie May.” As he told a short story about her, the mandolin began those famous first notes, and the crowd erupted in cheers. Some of the lyrics were placed on the screen, and the fans obliged by singing along and sometimes taking over.

It takes many instruments to create that one-of-a-kind sound, and the stage was full of them. A piano, a harp, a saxophone, a mandolin, violins, and more. His backup singers were a big part of the production, as were the violinists who doubled as Irish step dancers.

Known for his love of “football,” the English singer didn’t forget to bring the soccer balls, and instead kicked a couple of them into the audience before the song “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy.” And yes, they still do.

He rounded out the night with more fan favorites such as “You’re in My Heart” and “Stay With Me.” Though others like “Hot Legs,” “I Was Only Joking,” and “Reason To Believe” didn’t make the cut, the two-hour performance included 22 songs in all.

For the fans who have seen him once or multiple times, his music never gets old. Sir Rod Stewart has become a legend to a generation and will continue to inspire long after the last show. | Laura Tucker

Rod Stewart setlist:

Infatuation
Tonight I’m Yours (Don’t Hurt Me)
It’s a Heartache
Roll and Tumble Blues
It Takes Two
The First Cut Is the Deepest
Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)
Forever Young
The Motown Song
Young Turks
Maggie May
I’d Rather Go Blind
Downtown Train
I’m Every Woman
If You Don’t Know Me by Now
You’re in My Heart (The Final Acclaim)
Have I Told You Lately
Proud Mary
Do Ya Think I’m Sexy
Stay With Me
Some Guys Have All the Luck
Love Train