Rod Stewart Tribute by Bob Wyper

After a spell as a singer in a duo, it was decided to explore some new cabaret/theatre ideas which could be taken into smaller clubs and hotels.   The original idea was to perform four sets of songs by legendary artistes, and I chose David Bowie, Sting, Bryan Ferry and Rod Stewart for the various challenges presented by each.   Sting proved difficult to get satisfactory backing tracks and was dropped to make 3 artistes, and with further experimentation, a decent show was developed around these three stars.

DAVID BOWIE was the most challenging, with hair and make-up particularly difficult, so it was decided to start the show with his set, giving me more time to get ready and knowing the others were easier costume and make-up changes.  Although perfect in one or two songs, that was not good enough for me.  The voice was not accurate enough in most songs for real Bowie fans, although I enjoyed singing them and visualised a spectacular space-age theme for the Starman type character.  My specially made red suit complemented by 7-inch white platform boots was amazing to see as a complete outfit, especially with the coiffured spiky red hairpiece.  Most people at the early shows said they enjoyed the concert but didn't know the songs well enough.  I love listening to a lot of the Bowie songs, the highlight being the live dvd of 'A Reality Tour' which narrowly beats the 'Glass Spider' video as the best I have seen.

BRYAN FERRY was a difficult character to portray as he tends to draw an audience in to him when in concert, rather than project himself outward like Bowie or Rod Stewart.  I managed a very good impression of his voice and created a realistic character which was highly acceptable to his fans, but unfortunately Bryan's is a limited fanbase at club level where my shows were less lively and a little moodier than performances of Rod Stewart songs.  I still enjoy the music immensely, especially the Bryan Ferry 'Live In Paris' dvd filmed at Le Grand Rex in 2000.

ROD STEWART became the highlight of this 3 part show, and was soon developed to become a full-blown act on its own.  The voice which I had rehearsed for so long, well over a year,  suddenly clicked into a real likeness of the great man's unique soulful style, and the hair had been groomed into place ready to launch the new package on the world.  A few carefully chosen clothes, a dozen more famous hits and suddenly it all made sense... the Rod Stewart Tribute by Bob Wyper was well and truly on the scene and has never looked back.  It is now a spectacular tribute night lasting well over two hours, much like a real Rod Stewart live concert.  Even the set list is close to Rod's with only 3 or 4 songs different, which is pure coincidence.  For great live dvd/video of Rod Stewart, check out 'Tonight I'm Yours', 'One Night Only' (the Albert Hall), and 'A Night To Remember' from Japan, all great performances by Rod with a mixture of different band members.

Pictured here with Johnny Cash Tribute artiste Rick Herrington, visiting my sister Debi who looks after my hair.  Karen also keeps Rick in trim at this Hairdresser To The Stars...   KAZMARK in Irvine High Street.

I looked at various ideas for PA and lighting and decided early to buy the new BOSE L1 system.  This PA is ideal for rooms of about 75 up to 175 people (NOT the 300 originally anticipated) and works really well where the audience is up close.  It is a pure sound which does not hurt the ears in the way that traditional 'boom' boxes do... much friendlier to everyone in the room, including me.   New EV ZXA5 speakers have now been linked to the system giving an extra 2.5Kw of power for shows in the larger venues, making sure the sound carries to all parts of the room, and EV speakers maintain the quality of sound which is now expected from my shows.  The LOGIC Sub-bass adds another 1000 Watts of quality low-end power and control, giving me a superb system for rooms of 100 up to about 700.

The lights have almost all been replaced.... I got rid of the HOT and BRIGHT lamps with loads of action, in favour of a new LED set-up with a classier look.  I originally had a gantry at the back of the stage area to hold a large starcloth as this changes a room completely and gives the audience a bit more of a show.  The gantry also held 4 scanner/rollers, throwing light across the whole room in patterns which lift the venue out of the ordinary.  Add a couple of sensational moving heads on the floor and the effect was complete.   The colour floodlighting came from a pair of ACME iColour4 lights which are excellent at the job.   My only reason for replacing them was the immense heat coming from the eight 500W lamps built in to the set.  I have now found LED's which are bright enough to take over....  building a whole new look with a very low power consumption and more interesting light patterns.  These MEGA BAR PRO and MEGA BAR LED lights are truly amazing, all worked in simple DMX sequences for greater effect, along with the new LED PAR 64 lights.

Special mention on equipment has to go to SENNHEISER for the most amazing hand-held microphone I have ever experienced... called the Evolution e840 when it has a cable and the EW145-G2 when its a wireless mic.   Other mics in the range are pretty good too, but the 18,000 Hz makes these a bit special... AND they are budget mics.  If it had not been for RGM Music in Kilmarnock, I would never have discovered this.... Loretta made me try it out one weekend and I never gave it back.  It combines beautifully with the BOSE and EV quality to make me sound even better.

I think that by using high quality equipment, I can concentrate more on delivering the show, and everything... right down to the SKB cases that protect all the hardware.... reflects this policy.

Right from the start, I wanted to make the LOOK on stage represent Rod Stewart as an artiste...    Loads of research revealed that Rod actually has NO style... and I mean that in two of the nicest ways.   He really has no style sense in many ways, mixing and matching his clothes in experimental fashion without ever finding too many that actually work... and yet that is WHY they work... Rod carries everything in his own unique way, just the same as he produces the songs in his own unique vocal style.  Some of the early clothing combinations were stunning if somewhat unusual.

All this experimentation means that he also has no single style that has become Rod, although some costumes do stick in the mind a bit more than others....  leopard print leggings.... zebra print jackets....  pink silk.... yellow chiffon... 30 inch flared trousers followed by drainpipe stripes... ALL uniquely Rod but not staying around long enough to become an everlasting icon...  only ROD managed that.... I wont be attempting to wear any of this as I have passed the age Rod was at when he looked cool in those particular items, but some smart blazers and silk suits are adding a touch of class.

More recently, Rod has been wearing various pin-stripe suits on stage to promote the American Songbook series and I must admit that I am pleased he has moved on from there, back to a more casual look.   The newer suits have more sparkle to them... a bit more like the old days... his silver jacket becoming a recent favourite, and now the blue suit, sky blue jacket and the hot pink blazer.

MY CHOICE is to compromise a bit and show a flavour of some of Rod's outfits... white tuxedo for the classier elements, silk shirt hanging out for the more casual approach...  then there's the gold velvet battledress jacket and the MOD style striped blazer to add more colour.    My new silk suits in burgundy and navy are already being replaced by a new red and silver striped blazer from Los Angeles, and more tailors are currently updating my sizes as I enquire about the latest Rod outfits.   I am still looking for that famous red Hussar jacket.... and the amazing Scottish shirt from the Japanese video.   Does anyone know where I can get them....???

I have heard many tribute artistes try to emulate Rod's voice and NONE of them comes close to Rod in terms of delivery.... well some do a little better than others... under Rod's gravel is a singing voice of pure soul and that is the biggest difference....  most tributes concentrate on getting the rough edges right but fail to get the singing right first....   I was the same at first because it is something that is unique to Rod.   A few of the top tribute acts have got the balance right, representing Rod's voice in a way which is acceptable to the audience, delivering the songs in phrases that remind you of how Rod would sing the song, and capturing movements and mannerisms that Rod has used in various shows over the years... more like an actor than a singer when studying the subject for a play or film.... but very difficult to achieve. 

Top of his trade at the moment is Jack Danson who has featured on the Legends show in Blackpool for years now, and has a professional and polished approach to his work that is admirable.  Many others exist who could achieve a higher level with a bit of effort, and some are already making a good career out of this most enjoyable of jobs.  Only a few need to look at themselves and ask if they are cut out for showbiz at all, and if they decide they are, then they need to buckle down and do the work that makes the tribute industry viable today... it won't always be this good if the standards are not maintained.

I have great respect for those tribute acts who have made the effort to learn their craft and deliver a show that is worthy of the real star artiste.... I only hope I live up to the standards I set for myself, but the regular practice is helping all the time... I even learn new parts to Rod Stewart songs I have sung for 20 years.

The biggest effect I have seen is in normal everyday life, where walking the dog with blond hair cut like Rod's  attracts funny looks....  (no... the dog doesn't have blond hair)  it sometimes feels a bit 'over the top'.   Then there's the tinted glasses to protect the puffy eyes after a couple of heavy weekend shows...  it's just too much for the local chip shop.   It's all become necessary, though, as this is now a full-time occupation.   If I was a builder, I'd be wearing the hard hat and goggles that come with the job...  my uniform just happens to be a colourful blend of clothes which makes it a little more difficult to look normal.

On a recent cruise booking, I noticed how much hard work it is to keep up appearances.   Every time I left the cabin, I was expected to look like Rod so that people could have photos taken with me, a strange experience for me but one I am getting used to.  I realise that if I want the job of looking like Rod, I have to work the hours that come with the position... my Mum still thinks its strange that anyone would want a photo of me.

Then there's the Indian takeaway at 1am on the way home from a show ....  it was the first time I have ever walked into a strange place and the whole shop started singing Maggie May to me... a nice warm glow with more than a hint of red face... and it's happened a lot since then in different parts of the country.

Another nice effect is that the best looking girls come up to me and ask for a photograph together... my wife Margaret ( or Maggie as she has become known) thinks its funny to see me being over-run by blondes...  she is my engineer and road-manager, so travels the country to help me get the shows just right... she is also a massive Rod Stewart fan from 1971, long before I met her, and keeps me right on many aspects of quality.  We are a great team and make it work as a show, a business and a life together.

Travelling all over the UK, we have made many new friends, from Hurstpierpoint near Brighton to Inverallochy near Fraserburgh.... only John O'Goats and Lands End are further apart....  I have thanked the agents for those bookings and asked them to check if there is anything in-between that they may have overlooked....

Great also to re-visit some venues locally, like Blacklands club which was my second home for a while...  I think they all go to the same hairdresser by the look of them, but since that is my sister Debi, I can't really say anything.   Debi keeps me trimmed to the right style... often at short notice... thanks Debs... drop in and see her at KAZMARK in the High Street in IRVINE.... that's in Ayrshire up here in Bonnie Scotland.

I have also managed to see some other artistes in action... like Steve Bishop & Christy Mac who perform 'The Time Of Your Life Show'... a sensational mix of tributes with a lot of quality and a touch of humour.  Two great entertainers who get all the respect they are due in this business. 

Then there is Navi who IS Michael Jackson as far as I am concerned... here is a guy at the very top in quality.. and it shows in every aspect of his presence, his performance and his team who provide excellent dance support and business management.   Navi is a true professional who deserves the accolades simply for the effort he puts into his career, never mind the quality which is so evident.

Des Martine delivers a Rod Stewart tribute show from his home near Preston and I saw him in action recently.  The American Songbook material is made for him, effortless delivery and suave movements, and some of the classic Rod Stewart ballads catch Des at his best.   A lovely guy as well, but much older than me...  almost a year.   That might be why I do more of the rock songs than him.  

Des says Gerry Trew is even older than him, but I can't believe that....  anyway, in showbiz, we are all the same age.... I saw Gerry in action as Rod Stewart along with his wife Nova Casper who does an amazing tribute to Tina Turner and Shirley Bassey... a wonderful voice and great impersonation of Tina on the night I saw them.  Gerry has the speaking voice of Rod being from the same part of north London originally, and covers a lot of the classic songs in his show... then Tina takes over with a dynamic entrance to Nutbush City Limits and all the big hits... a truly brilliant show... and no hint of a Yorkshire accent in that lovely L.A. voice she delivers...

Jack Danson appeared in Scotland recently with his fabulous Rod Stewart tribute, and it coincided nicely with my only night off.  It was great to meet this most professional of artistes and see his show... his reputation goes before him and the only real disappointment was the lack of a bigger audience and venue for him... he really needs lots more space to get the full effect of his projection show and mic-stand acrobatics... a pleasure to meet Jack and hope to see him again soon on a bigger stage...

David Graham from Castle Douglas sings Rod Stewart songs under the name of Rob Stewert (strange spelling) ...   a nice guy belting out Rod's songs with a smile on his face...  David knows that some parts of his presentation are in a transition stage, and like many pub singers, he doesn't believe in dressing up in stage wear, but some of the basics are there and it's great to discuss the business with someone like David who loves what he is doing. 

Billy West performs a Freddie Mercury tribute which is especially enjoyable for me as I have been a great fan of Queen since the first album, and Billy does a high quality tribute to the great man.  I loved the combination of movement and vocals to deliver a realistic show to the audience... a wonderful night out.   Only QE2 have been better in my opinion, but that's mainly due to the combined talents of a great 5 piece band with Brian May and Freddie Mercury working the stage to maximum effect in all the biggest Queen classics.  Not every venue can accommodate the bands, though, and that is where good solo tributes come into their own.   Nice one, Billy.

Dolly James transforms into Tina Turner and delivers an interactive show that the audience soaks up...  I loved the duet we did on Addicted To Love... made my night.   Dolly is also a great singer in her own right, having supported Mick Hucknall & Simply Red amongst others.  Great voice and really good tribute show.  Watch out for her own material being released.

Chris McClure is well known in Scotland as Christian, a brilliant entertainer who takes over a room with his personality... and he's got a new CD out to go with all the other things he has achieved on the TV, radio and recording fronts in the past 35 years...

Robyn Taylor hails from Cambuslang and this lovely lady has a truly great voice... her occasional elements of Glasgow humour go down well in certain venues, but for me, she has such a singing talent I would much rather listen to her do the big songs... like Dusty Springfield's  "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me" and other such classics...  powerful and pure and very, very listenable...

Shona McVey is a wonderful singer and performer who is currently portraying Dusty Springfield, Shania Twain and Cher, with Tina Turner being the new addition to the stable.  Shona spends time and money on rehearsal and costumes to get the professional edge that is necessary in the tribute business, and her excellent renditions of these divas is worth listening to.  Personally, I would like to see Shona develop her lighting and backdrops more to create the TV studio effect I love, but that's only one opinion... I know agents who don't even look for lighting as they just want the tribute to sound like the artists... and Shona certainly does that.

Outside of the tribute acts and other artistes, The Rod Stewart Fan Club (aka Smiler) and The Rod Stewart Chronicles (RSC) have shown what a great following Rod actually has.   Mike and Ian I think it is who run the sites respectively, have loads of knowledgeable members and they regularly organise outings and share information across the globe.... I was able to find out first hand what Rod's set list was during the North American tour in August 08.    Other tribute guys like Stan Terry also get involved in some charity shows... Stan has also released an album of his own material.... good luck with that, Stan... looking forward to hearing more of it as the great Rod-sounding voice was very interesting.

Yve Paige is a member of both forums and gave me the contact to organise a couple of shows down in Potters Bar (M25 junction 22) at a little Greek restaurant called Meze Taverna.     While I was there, I thought I would do an extra show at Hunters Meet in Hatfield Heath near Bishops Stortford...  so I am hoping to meet a lot of the Rod Stewart Fan Club members and RSC members in that area too.

Helen Clowes is also a member up in Scotland and visited the Lauriston in Ardrossan recently to write a show review for RSC... thanks Helen....  thanks also to Amanda for some nice pics from the show... see the photos page.  

Still waiting for some photos from other shows around the country, including Cippenham, Slough, where we enjoyed the hospitality and performed with Navi as Michael Jackson.... it was Michael's 50th birthday that day....  we all have fond memories of Michael Jackson music when he was at his peak...

It's been a great adventure since becoming a full time tribute artiste, and when I launched the show in December 2007, I was still trying to decide whether to be David Bowie, Bryan Ferry or Rod Stewart...   I decided to do all 3 for the first few months and see how the shows developed, and Rod Stewart just fits right in with everything I love about performing...  the songs, the performance and the stage settings.   I can do all this with Rod Stewart at a higher level than I ever thought possible, so I even managed to surprise myself on that one.

I still love the music of David Bowie and Bryan Ferry even though I hardly perform their shows any more... might get the chance to bring them back as guest artists occasionally.