July 18th, 2025 – PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel NJ
Photography & Review by Estelle Massry
Sir Rod Stewart brought a party to NJ on his “One Last Time” 20 show North American tour, a vibrant celebration of a legendary career that has spanned more than five decades.
Special guest Richard Marx started the night with a very intimate set – just Richard, his guitar, his piano and a martini. His voice has not changed one bit. If you closed your eyes you could easily think you were back in the 90’s. He played many of his hits, including “Endless Summer Nights”, “Hold On to the Nights”, “Don’t Mean Nothing”, “Should’ve Known Better” and “Right Here Waiting”. Marx’s set served as a refined prelude and crowd-pleasing performance that set the tone for the evening.
Walking out on his polished Vegas style set design, Sir Rod Stewart sparkled not only with his smile but his sequined jacket and signature styled shag. His stage presence remains magnetic. Opening up with “Infatuation” with his iconic raspy voice, the energy surged. It was a high energetic performance by the 80 year old grammy artist. It was easy to forget his age as he confidently led his band and dancers.
He owned the stage and moved around flawlessly with charisma and showed us all that he is “forever young” with his signature kick. He was very engaged with the audience throughout the show, cracking jokes and blew kisses to a few lucky fans. He delivered all the classics with passion and energy. Though at times his voice may have faltered, it was hardly noticeable as fans sang along with every note.
For nearly two hours, Rod Stewart proved that even at 80, he’s far from finished—and this show was living proof. If this truly is one of his final tours, I’m grateful to have witnessed this celebration of a legendary career.
For more info please visit http://www.rodstewart.com http://www.richardmarx.com
Setlist
- Infatuation
- Tonight I’m Yours
- It’s a Heartache
- It Takes /two
- The First Cut Is the Deepest
- Tonight’s the Night
- Forever Young
- Ooh La La
- Young Turks
- Maggie May
- I’d Rather Go Blind
- Lady Marmalade
- Mandolin Wind
- Reason to Believe
- Have I Told You Lately
- Proud Mary
- Love Train
- Rhythm of My Heart
- Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?
- Hot Legs
- Some Guys Have All the Luck (Encore)