5:00AM Tuesday February 19, 2008
By Joanna Hunkin 

Anyone who has ever questioned how Rod Stewart pulls so many hot young things obviously hasn't seen him in the flesh.

The man oozes charisma and, dare I say it, sex appeal, even at 63.

Starting his month-long Australasian tour at the Vector Arena last night in the first of two Auckland shows, the raspy-throated Brit took the audience on an aural tour of the musical history of the late 20th century.

Playing a variety of his own hit singles and unique covers of other people's work, Stewart narrated the journey with sporadic commentary, including details of when the songs were recorded and who wrote them.

"This next song's by Van Morrison," he said, introducing Have I Told You Lately. "A great songwriter. And a miserable person."

Despite spending most of this century recording his Great American Songbook series, Stewart returned to his roots for the sold-out show, playing favourites including Sailing, You Wear It Well, Maggie May and Hot Legs complete with a candid photo of Stewart wearing his wife's stilettos and a nurse costume at a New Year party three years ago.

And yes, he sang Do Ya Think I'm Sexy.

He also drew on his latest album, Still the Same: Great Rock Classics of Our Time from 2006, playing iconic songs by artists such as Morrison, Cat Stevens and Bonnie Tyler.

Standout moments included an extended version of The Rhythm of My Heart and Sam Cooke's Twisting the Night Away.

Accompanied by three back-up singers - each of whom could give Tina Turner a run for her money - and an eight-piece band, Stewart was happy to share the stage and showcase the group's talents, often wandering off stage while players took their turn in the limelight.

He also incorporated his passion for soccer into the two-hour show. As well as having various clips of Celtic FC and the team's logo emblazoned on the stage floor, Stewart displayed his own soccer skills, kicking balls high and wide into the audience throughout the evening.

At times the dancing was comical - the vision of Stewart spanking his own derriere will never be forgotten - and the overuse of sequins was somewhat bewildering. But Stewart is no joke.

The 63-year-old performed every track with gusto, his gritty vocals remaining pitch-perfect and tender.

He may be a showman of old ... but he is definitely not an old showman.

Rod Stewart was recently honored in New Zealand for his 6 x Platinum sales across the “American Songbook” titles and the “Still The Same” album.

Pictured here during the disc presentation, from left to right are: Terry Anderson Buyer for NZ largest music retailer The Warehouse, Scott Morrison SONYBMG Publicity & Promotions Manager, Lynn Anderson, Noel Barkley SONYBMG NZ Director of sales, Kim Boshier SONYBMG NZ Director OF Marketing, Teresa Hooper The Warehouse assistant buyer.