On a warm Friday night, the Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park was transformed into a glittering time capsule of rock and soul as 80-year-old Rod Stewart delivered what he says will be his final Chicagoland performance. Aptly named One Last Time, this tour marks the planned end of Stewart’s decades-long run on the road, a bittersweet farewell to a career that has spanned over half a century.
From the moment Stewart stepped on stage, dapper in a white tuxedo jacket with open ruffle shirt, slim black trousers, and that unmistakable mop of spiky blond hair, the sold-out crowd knew they were in for something special. Opening with the roaring, feel-good “Infatuation,” Stewart’s voice still carried that signature raspy warmth that has defined him for generations. The video walls loaded with images of Stewarts past showcasing his illustrious career.
The setlist was a masterclass in nostalgia. Fans sang every word to “Maggie May,” their voices echoing across the amphitheater in unison, while “You’re In My Heart” had couples swaying and smiling under the summer sky. Stewart peppered the night with his covers, like his rendition of “I’d Rather Go Blind” brought both energy and sentiment and when he slid into “Stay With Me,” the audience erupted in cheers that felt like a collective embrace.
Midway through the show, Stewart took a seat to slow things down with “Have I Told You Lately” each note dripping with emotion. The amphitheatre, lit by thousands of phone flashlights, became a sea of twinkling lights, underscoring the moment’s gravity. He joked about his age, acknowledging he couldn’t kick soccer balls into the crowd as far as he used to, but his showmanship playful, charming, and effortlessly cool remained untouched…