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Rod Stewart Rocks Noblesville Despite the Heat

By Larry Philpot on August 11, 2025

I pulled into the Ruoff Music Center parking lot in Noblesville, Indiana, on August 9, 2025. The sun beat down hard. Temperatures hovered near 90 degrees. Fans streamed toward the venue. Excitement buzzed in the air. Rod Stewart was set to perform. He had just wrapped a two-hour show in Chicago the night before. Yet, he promised a full night of hits. And he delivered, even if fatigue showed at times.

The crowd filled the amphitheater quickly. Families, couples, and groups of friends settled in. Many wore vintage tour shirts. Others sported sequined outfits, nodding to Rod’s flashy style. Rock Hall of Famers Cheap Trick got the crowd going, playing a very energetic full set until the sun faded.

File Photo: Rock Legends Cheap Trick perform as the opener for Rod Steward in Noblesville, Indiana on August 9, 2025 (Photo Credit and Copyright; Larry Philpot/SoundstagePhotography.com)

As dusk fell, lights dimmed. Cheers erupted. Rod took the stage in a sharp suit, microphone in hand. He opened with “Infatuation.” His raspy voice cut through the humid evening. The band kicked in strong. But first, let’s step back. Who is this rock legend?

Rod Stewart’s Early Life and Spark in Music

Rod Stewart, born in London, England, has just turned 80 years old. He grew up as the youngest of five children. His father hailed from Scotland and loved music. Family sing-alongs filled their home. Scottish folk songs echoed through the rooms. This environment lit a fire in young Rod.

File Photo: Rock Legend Rod Steward in Noblesville, Indiana on August 9, 2025 (Photo Credit and Copyright; Larry Philpot/SoundstagePhotography.com)

He discovered rhythm and blues early. He credits artists like Sam Cooke and Bob Dylan as inspiration. In 1959, his dad bought him a guitar, a gift that changed everything. Rod practiced relentlessly. He dreamed of performing. By 1962, he busked on streets with a harmonica. Street corners became his stage. In 1963, he joined The Dimensions as harmonica player and vocalist. His journey had begun.

Over time, Rod blended rock, folk, and soul. His voice stood out – raw and emotional. He chased gigs across Europe. Hard work paid off. Success followed. But challenges tested him. He pushed through. Today, that spark still burns bright.

Bands and Collaborations

Rod’s career took off with key groups. After The Dimensions, he joined the Jeff Beck Group in 1967. They fused rock and blues. Hits like “Rock My Plimsoul” emerged, but the band split up in 1969.

Next, Rod linked up with the Small Faces remnants. They formed Faces. Members included Ronnie Wood (of the Rolling Stones) on guitar, Ronnie Lane on bass, Ian McLagan on keyboards, and Kenney Jones on drums. Faces rocked the 1970s scene. Albums like “A Nod Is as Good as a Wink… to a Blind Horse” thrilled fans. Tracks such as “Stay with Me” became anthems. The group toured wildly. But by 1975, they disbanded. Rod went solo full-time.

Relationships shaped his path too. He collaborated with Elton John on duets. Romantically, he dated Britt Ekland and married Alana Stewart, Rachel Hunter, and now Penny Lancaster. These ties made headlines often. Yet, music remained his core.

Awards and Accolades

Achievements piled up for Rod. He entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice. First as a solo artist in 1994. Then with Faces in 2012. The UK Music Hall of Fame inducted him in 2006. In 2025, the American Music Awards gave him a Lifetime Achievement Award. He performed there too. Sales topped 100 million records. That earned him the Chopard Diamond Award in 2001. Knighthood came in 2016. Sir Rod Stewart – the title fit perfectly. Grammys and Brit Awards line his shelves.

Biggest Hits

Rod’s catalog boasts timeless tracks. Here are three standouts:

Maggie May – Written by Rod Stewart and Martin Quittenton. This 1971 smash topped charts worldwide. It blended folk-rock vibes with heartfelt lyrics, about losing his virginity.
Da Ya Think I’m Sexy – Penned by Rod Stewart, Carmine Appice, and Duane Hitchings. Released in 1978, it dominated radio and streams. Disco beats met rock edge.
Forever Young – Crafted by Rod Stewart, Jim Cregan, and Kevin Savigar. From 1988, it resonated emotionally. Ballad style drew massive plays.

The Current Touring Band

Rod’s 2025 lineup shone brightly. Six female vocalists doubled as musicians and dancers. They wore gold shimmering minidresses. Talents included clogging, violin, and harp. J’Anna Jacoby handled lead violin. Katja Rieckermann played saxophone. Two guitarists added depth. A keyboardist anchored melodies. Two drummers – one on kit, one on congas – drove rhythms. They carried segments seamlessly. When Rod needed breathers, they stepped up. Their energy kept the show alive.

Back to the concert. After “Infatuation,” Rod dueted “It Takes Two.” It honored Tina Turner. One singer joined him. Voices blended perfectly. Then, “Forever Young” brought cloggers out. Rod paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, who had passed recently. Emotions ran high. The crowd swayed.

Violins and harp featured in “The First Cut Is the Deepest.” Notes floated through the night. “Tonight’s the Night” followed. Fans sang along. Rod referenced Motown influences next. “Young Turks” energized everyone. Hands clapped in unison.

“Maggie May” turned into a massive singalong. Lyrics echoed across seats. Rod smiled wide. He walked off briefly. The band covered with “I’d Rather Go Blind.” Then, “Downtown Train” by Tom Waits rolled in. Soulful delivery captivated the crowd.

The females owned “I’m Every Woman.” Powerhouse vocals soared. Rod returned for “If You Don’t Know Me by Now.” He mentioned a past show at the venue where sound issues cut it short two years ago. Tonight, he made up for it. Laughter filled the air.

A tribute to Christine McVie came softly. Then, “Have I Told You Lately.” The lead violinist stole the spotlight. Her solo mesmerized. “Proud Mary” revved up as another Tina nod. Rolling on the river, indeed.

“Da Ya Think I’m Sexy” got hips moving. Rod strutted. “Stay with Me” recalled Faces days. “Some Guys Have All the Luck” wrapped the main set. Cheers demanded more.

The curtain dropped. But Rod returned. The one song encore: “The Love Train” by the O’Jays closed the night. He seemed tired. Short walks offstage happened. However, he refused to act his age, flirting with the front rows. Energy pulsed through every song and the heat couldn’t dampen anyone’s spirit.

If some guys truly have all the luck, it was us in the audience.