Review: No rain for Rod as star-studded gig wows Hawke’s Bay crowd

Rod Stewart makes the most of a full Mission Estate paddock. Photo / Paul Taylor

Sir Rod Stewart’s latest (and possibly last) tour of Australia and New Zealand, simply named ‘The Hits’ - and rightly - is exactly what he and his supporting acts delivered to the thousands who packed Napier’s Mission Estate Winery on Saturday night for the venue’s first concert since Cyclone Gabrielle hit Hawke’s Bay.

The long-awaited gig had been on a knife’s edge all week due to the impending weather, but the gloomy outlook didn’t dampen crowd spirits in the slightest.

Punters spilled into the venue about 2pm, and so did brief spells of rain. But that didn’t deter the already hundreds-strong crowd from catching the opening acts.

Local Hawke’s Bay talent Ella Pollet and Stretch kicked the night off with a bang. Pollet charmed the crowd with her enthralling powerful country vocals, singing a mix of originals and covers, and Stretch doubled down with their energetic set.

Noiseworks/INXS great Jon Stevens also covered his solo discography and hits from his impressive career.

Rod Stewart wows the crowd at Mission Estate Winery. Photo / Paul Taylor

Drink queues flowed nicely, but some of the more popular food options would set you back a 20-odd minute wait.

That proved just enough time for ‘80s icon Cyndi Lauper to grace the stage.

”How ya doin, Napier? We’re all such a hearty bunch,” she rightly proclaimed with her distinct Brooklyn twang.

With her quirky dance moves and punk attitude, she rattled through a greatest hits setlist that was as loud and impressive as the outfit she wore.

Cyndi Lauper performs at Mission Estate Winery in Napier. Photo / Paul Taylor

Still sounding like the rebellious teenager that broke onto the scene all those years ago, she strutted ‘round the bright set pieces on her stage like she owned it.

Crowd favourite Time After Time was the night’s first big sing-along, and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun was a rousing anthem for women’s rights. A small cover of Rod Stewart’s Sailing was a fitting taste of what was to come.

Sir Rod knows who's boss. Photo / Paul Taylor

Despite a couple of minor sound issues and a possible near-wardrobe malfunction, Lauper was a clear highlight and ended with a powerful message for those in the Bay.

“We’ve gotta take care of each other. We’re the only humans on the planet. We are the caretakers.”

Cheers erupted as bagpipes sounded, ushering in the 78-year-old Stewart, who is notably proud of his Scottish heritage.

The Mission aficionado’s trademark rasp captivated the audience from the get-go. Opener Addicted to Love showcased an impressive backing band and singers, who accompanied the star throughout the more than 20-song setlist.

Punters make an early sprint for the best seats. Photo / Paul Taylor

“It’s a privilege to be here after what you folks have gone through,” Stewart said, a sentiment well-received by many of those who have struggled over the events of the past few weeks.

“We’re gonna enjoy it like it’s the last night of our lives.”

And that we did. A loud, brash, Vegas-style party descended on the Bay for two hours.

A notable false start saw Stewart cover Have You Ever Seen The Rain?, a fitting and ironic nod to the events of this week.

“I thought it was gonna be pissing down”, he said when, amazingly, rain did not show up for the rest of the night.

Other highlights included a tribute to Christine McVie (I’d Rather Go Blind), an ode to those in Ukraine (Rhythm Of My Heart) and one of the best sing-alongs I’ve ever heard with a cover of Cat Stevens’ The First Cut Is The Deepest.

Many punters clearly didn’t want the night to end, as Mission wine flowed and arms draped around shoulders while people sang the soundtrack to their lives.

“I see you’ve been drinking tonight. Merry Christmas!” Stewart joked.

Front seats sparked the best moves. Photo / Paul Taylor

The latter end of the night saw him thrive vocally, with ballads like I Don’t Want To Talk About It lighting up the Mission paddock.

“Singing is good for the soul, and you need it tonight after what you’ve been through - so let it rip, my friends, let it rip.”

Signed footballs were launched into the crowd during Baby Jane, and fan favourite Do Ya Think I’m Sexy had even those who were seated all night standing up to boogie.

Finishing with a heartfelt rendition of Sailing, Stewart thanked the fans and abruptly left, leaving the ecstatic crowd wanting an encore.

But just half an hour after finishing, Stewart posted a picture showing he was already at Hawke’s Bay Airport on his way to wow Auckland crowds tomorrow.

While he didn’t stick around, the memories will for a long time to come.

Some may say it was too soon for a concert in Hawke’s Bay, but the joy on people’s faces and the respect the artists and fans showed tonight proved just why music is an important healer.