Rod Stewart to span the decades tonight

Corey Moss

Rod Stewart will grace Hilton Coliseum tonight with his massive collection of radio classics. In support of his 20th solo record, Stewart has compiled a menagerie of music for every style.

From the disco-influenced “Do You Think I’m Sexy,” to the beautiful ballad “Have I Told You Lately,” “An Evening with Rod Stewart” is sure to stir some emotions.

The title of Stewart’s first studio album in four years, A Spanner In The Works, comes from the British saying meaning one who causes an obstruction or hindrance.

The name may hint of what to expect this evening; Stewart will embark on a path his rebellious attitude has been paving the last 26 years.

Works was co-produced by Stewart and features his core band of guitarist Jeff Golub, bassist Carmine Rojas and drummer David Palmer. The album includes the premiere acoustic single “Leave Virginia Alone,” written by Tom Petty, and Bob Dylan’s “Sweetheart Like You.”

Stewart’s new release marks his first as the father of two children. Supermodel wife Rachel Hunter recently gave birth to Liam McCallister, named after a Scottish soccer player. Liam will make a debut appearance during the introduction to the show.

The Scotland native spent his early days in the swinging nightclubs of London, singing for a number of legendary British rockers. In 1968, Stewart fronted both Faces and The Jeff Beck Group, pioneering such albums as Truth, Beck-Ola and A Nod is as Good as a Wink to a Blind Horse.

The Rod Stewart Album, released in 1969, changed the course of rock ‘n’ roll for years to come with the introduction of a beautiful voice to the music industry.

After Gasoline Alley came Every Picture Tells A Story. And with Story came Stewart’s first international number one hit: “Maggie May.” The ’70s continued to treat Stewart with success. “You Wear It Well,” “Tonight’s The Night,” “Hot Legs,” “You’re In My Heart” and “Do You Think I’m Sexy” all became radio favorites.

Blondes Have More Fun from 1978 became a perfect introduction to the ’80s, Foolish Behavior brought along his first ’80s top-five hit with “Passion.” Camouflage came out a few albums later, releasing smash tunes “Infatuation” and “Some Guys Have All The Luck.”

Stewart went on to receive the Grammys’ Living Legend Award in 1989, capping off a decade of dominance. The 65-track Storyteller treated fans with Stewart’s first retrospective collection a few years later.

“Forever Young,” “Downtown Train” and “This Old Heart of Mine” kept Stewart fans patient in the early ’90s. The MTV showcase Unplugged… And Seated gave birth to Stewart’s most successful song yet, “Have I Told You Lately,” while his latest release has become the fastest selling album of his career.

Stewart’s show will chronicle the past three decades of his career, while exploring some tracks off his latest release.

A number of surprises are scheduled for tonight’s show, including a rendition of the Beatles’ “Get Back” (I guess it’s not a surprise anymore, but oh, well).

Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. performance are available through Ticketmaster. Prices are $20.50, $35.50 and $45.50.