Article and Photos by: Jolene Roderick

CHARLOTTE, NC — Cheap Trick opened the night with a bang, delivering a set that reminded the Charlotte crowd exactly why they’ve earned their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame stripes. From the opening punch of “Hello There” to the celebratory farewell of “Goodnight,” the band covered all the bases—hooky, heartfelt, and never phoning it in. “Dream Police” turned the venue into a sing-along frenzy, “The Flame” proved their ballad game is just as strong as their power-pop roots, and “Surrender” lit up the night with pure nostalgic electricity.

Sir Roderick David Stewart, CBE might be the marquee name, but the real story of this show—aside from the eternal charm of the man himself—is the band he’s surrounded himself with. This ensemble isn’t just tight; they’re a force. Multi-talented, genre-bending, and full of charisma, every member was given their moment to shine—and shine they did.

Before Rod even reentered the stage for some portions of the show, the band took the reins with arrangements that could’ve held their own in any headlining slot. One highlight was their powerhouse cover of “Proud Mary,” where the backup vocal trio—Becca Kotte, Joanne Harper Bacon, and Georgiana Policano—absolutely unleashed. Their harmonies were seamless, their stage presence magnetic, and by the time the final chorus hit, the Pavilion crowd was roaring in response. These women weren’t supporting cast—they were showstoppers.

Speaking of Becca Kotte: her featured performance on “It Takes Two” was a knockout. Vocally flawless, emotionally charged, and delivered with pure fire, she proved she’s not just a background singer—she’s a full-on vocal athlete. Her chemistry with Rod was dynamic and playful, and the way she commanded the stage without ever overstepping was the mark of a true professional.

The instrumentalists matched that same energy all night long. Julia Thornton brought visual flair and sonic complexity with her switch-ups from harp to massive bass drum to auxiliary percussion. Her musicality is only matched by her ability to captivate a stadium with a single strike of a mallet. J’Anna Jacoby (violin, mandolin, acoustic guitar) and Andrea Young (violin, banjo) layered every song with texture and drama—particularly during “Maggie May” and “Mandolin Wind,” where their strings added a rootsy, lived-in soul to the set.

On the keys, Kevin Savigar held down the melodic foundation like the seasoned legend he is. With Rod since the ‘70s, his understanding of the music is deep, and it shows in every keystroke. Bassist Curt Schneider locked in effortlessly with David Palmer on drums, creating a backbone that never faltered. Schneider, who’s producing Rod’s upcoming record, balanced stage groove with studio-tight precision. Emerson Swinford on guitar brought clean, expressive leads all night—even while stepping in for longtime guitarist Don Kirkpatrick, who’s currently recovering and set to return in September (sending him good vibes!). Not only is Don a core member of the band, but he’s also Julia Thornton’s husband, which adds a sweet layer to this already tight-knit musical family.

Saxophonist Jimmy Roberts added his signature sultry flair to “Downtown Train” and “Young Turks,” dancing between melody and rhythm like a man who’s lived every note of it.

Rod’s set was packed with the kind of hits that shaped generations. From the classic swoon of “Tonight’s the Night” to the euphoric punch of “Young Turks” and the soulful ache of “I’d Rather Go Blind,” every song was delivered with showmanship, sincerity, and that unmistakable raspy roar. During “Forever Young,” the stage shifted into a poignant tribute featuring a moving video montage of artists who’ve passed on—faces like Kurt Cobain and Mac Miller flickered across the screen, creating a moment of shared remembrance that transcended genre and generation.

Whether or not this really is one last time for Rod Stewart on tour, the show felt like a full-circle celebration. A man with a legacy he still wears proudly, backed by a band so good they could—and should—headline. This wasn’t just a concert, it was a masterclass in performance, musicianship, and stage chemistry. Charlotte got a night of pure magic: glittering suits, killer harmonies, jaw-dropping musicianship, and the kind of songs that will outlive us all. If this is goodbye, it’s a damn good one.