Rod Stewart, 80, Enjoys Whisky and Jokes About Growing Up at 200th Vegas Show

Rod Stewart has a strong bond with Las Vegas. On March 12, he began his limited "The Encore Shows" residency at Caesars Palace. The performance featured a mix of major hits and beloved favorites.

Stewart delivered a powerful 100-minute show. As expected, he performed iconic tracks such as "Forever Young," "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?" and "Tonight's the Night." Additionally, he showcased deeper cuts, notably "Mandolin Wind," along with various swing songs and covers from artists like Cat Stevens and John Fogerty.

Early in the show, Stewart expressed some nerves but humorously stated, "Now I know what I’m doing," when he gained confidence 15 minutes in. His solo career started in 1969, making him an experienced performer. He acknowledged the similarity of two classic songs, "You Wear It Well" and "Maggie May," explaining the reason behind it.

"After 'Maggie May,' the record company begged for a follow-up hit," Stewart revealed. He recognized the love for both songs from his fans. "You loved it. I loved it."

Emphasizing his roots, Stewart honored influential artists during his performance. He reflected on his growth, stating, "I’m still growing up." He also celebrated Muddy Waters through a powerful rendition of "Rollin’ and Tumblin.’"

The atmosphere resembled an evening of karaoke with Stewart. He performed some original songs and covered tunes, while the audience danced and sang along. The energy was palpable.

Stewart’s relationship with Las Vegas has deepened over the years. This marked the 200th show at Caesars Palace since starting "The Hits" residency in 2011. The next run, "The Encore Shows," is scheduled to conclude on June 8. Fan-favorite traditions continued, like his gestures towards the Celtic Football Club, recalling the past when he would kick signed soccer balls into the crowd.

His iconic raspy voice resonated, backed by an impressive 19-person orchestra, 14 of whom were women. "I’m so privileged to be here," he told the crowd of 4,100 that cheered loudly.

As the show progressed, Caesar’s executive honored Stewart on stage with a gold record, celebrating his 200th performance. A tray of Wolfie’s Whisky, the brand he founded, was presented to him. He quipped, "I’m gonna have a shot of whisky" before tipping back a drink and adding, "Showbiz."

Stewart discussed his venture into whisky production with PEOPLE last August. He shared the challenges involved, saying, "It’s not as easy as I thought it would be."

For Stewart, vodka embodies passion and Irish pride. "Thanks to my Scottish father, I wanted to create something Scottish," he noted. "He'd have been very proud."

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