Rod Stewart tribute show to perform live in Braintree

The Rod Stewart Songbook will perform at the Institute in Braintree on Friday, November 27, following Sir Rod Stewart's announcement of retirement from touring.

The show's team says it is hoping to help keep the music legend's legacy alive by bringing more than 50 years of his music to the stage.

Sir Rod Stewart's Final Encore tour is due to run from April to July 2027, with dates in cities including Manchester, London, Berlin and Prague.

Fronted by Pete McCall and accompanied by a live band, the theatre production pays homage to Sir Rod with performances of some of his best-known songs.

These include Sailing, Maggie May, Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?, Some Guys Have All The Luck, Baby Jane, You Wear It Well and Hot Legs.

Organisers describe the production as the "ultimate homage" to the singer and say it aims to recreate the atmosphere of a Rod Stewart concert, with audiences encouraged to sing along and become part of the show.

McCall has also received praise from people with close connections to Sir Rod.

His sister Mary Cady is quoted by the production as telling McCall: "You were excellent."

The Hull Daily Mail has also previously been quoted by the show as saying: "Pete McCall is the next best thing to seeing Rod himself."

The man behind the production also has a long history in the entertainment industry.

Before becoming involved with The Rod Stewart Songbook, its manager and promoter spent 10 years as keyboard player for legendary comedian Sir Ken Dodd.

Following Sir Ken's death in 2018 at the age of 90, he later joined the Rod Stewart tribute show and went on to become its primary promoter.

The Rod Stewart Songbook will perform at the Institute in Braintree on Friday, November 27.