Live report ROD STEWARD, Barclays Arena, Hamburg – November 25th, 2025

Sir Roderick David “Rod” Stewart is currently on his “One More Time” tour, which includes European shows. Born in Highgate, England, Stewart is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock and pop musicians. His impressive repertoire includes timeless classics, whether they are his own songs or excellent interpretations of tunes from other great musicians.

Tonight, Stewart and his band will perform at the Barclays Arena in Hamburg, and the show is expected to quickly sell out. Fans of all ages have come to celebrate the iconic singer’s musical legacy, and for most in the audience, the next two hours will be a walk down memory lane.

After the somewhat frustrating process of getting drinks, it was finally time to enter the hall and the show started right away. With German Pünktlichleit, the red curtain rises to reveal a simple yet impressive stage. In the center, there is a four-step podium with a drum kit, percussion equipment, an organ, and a harp. The rest of the stage was kept simple. What is impressive, though, are the screens framing the stage. From live projections via album artwork to colorful visuals, the digital performance enhanced each song, creating a holistic experience for everyone present that night.

We start the night with “Infatuation” from the “Camouflage” album. It’s one of the mid-’80s songs that catapulted Rod Stewart into the charts, and it’s a fitting choice with which to open a show featuring only classics.

Next is “Forever Young,” which reflects Celtic influences while Stewart’s voice fit the bluesy vibe of the Etta James cover, “I’d Rather Go Blind,” well. After sharing the story behind “Maggie May,” Stewart invited the audience to sing along, but the Hamburg crowd didn’t participate much and showed more of a Hanseatic reticence.

We have to say that Rod Stewart’s voice is great. Powerful and emotional, the singer performs each song with passion and joy. Supported by Holly Brewer, Joanne Bacon, and Becca Kotte, all of the songs are highlights in their own right.

The three ladies take center stage for songs like “Lady Marmalade” and the CCR cover of “Proud Mary.” These moments allow the 80-year-old frontman to take a breath, as well as time to change outfits. Starting in white, Rod Stewart changes into black clothing before returning in a shiny suit, finishing off the set in red.

With “Sailing” and “Love Train,” there were two encores, each with the red curtain falling and rising again before the final notes fade away in the hall. Rod Stewart leaves the stage before the red curtain drops for the last time tonight.

Rod Stewart played an impressive show in Hamburg, showing again why he belongs in the rock and pop champions league. Tonight, we witnessed not only a great concert. It was an entertaining show that included everything such an event demands. Stewart was part of shaping an entire era of rock and pop – a spirit that resonated through each song tonight. There is a bit of a melancholic feeling at the end, as fans don’t know how many more of these moments they can enjoy in the future and if there will be a “One More More Time”. Therefore, tonight’s show was a moment to remember.

Setlist