Rod Stewart’s “One Last Time” tour, brought his unmistakable voice, boundless energy and charisma to Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek in Raleigh, NC on July 8, 2025, with Cheap Trick opening. Inspired by the success of his recent global run and citing a desire to conclude his large-scale touring era without retiring entirely, Stewart, now 79, embarked on this 20-date North American farewell tour. The run began March 7 in Austin, TX and includes stops in major cities across the U.S. and Canada—Quebec City, Toronto, Philadelphia, Nashville, and more—culminating August 15 in St. Louis.

Born in Highgate, London, Rod Stewart leads a dynamic and seasoned band featuring Don Kirkpatrick (lead guitar), Emerson Swinford (rhythm guitar), Conrad Korsch (bass), Jay Davis (backup vocals, bass), and Calvin Smith (drums). Equally essential to the energy of the performance were the powerhouse female vocalists and multi-instrumentalists—Becca Kotte, Holly Brewer, and Joanne Harper among them—who not only provided soaring harmonies and duets, but also brought choreographed dance numbers and standout vocal showcases. Violinist and mandolin player J’Anna Jacoby added a textured, folk-rock element to key songs. Their show-stopping renditions of “I’m Every Woman” and “Lady Marmalade” brought the crowd to its feet, delivering an ensemble experience that matched Stewart’s star power with musicality and style.

The stage visuals were bold and immersive—LED walls, quick-change risers, and fluid lighting design executed by Patrick Woodroffe with production by Cosmo Wilson, while Triad Staging handled stage construction. Steve Kempster ran front-of-house audio, delivering a perfectly tuned mix that gave each element of the show—from harmonies to harp solos—its due presence. Behind the scenes, Stewart kept the spirit loose but focused: personally reviewing setlists, swapping stories with the crew, and working closely with longtime costume designer Zoe Ellis, whose sequined jackets, silk shirts, and fitted trousers gave his wardrobe its signature blend of glam and polish.

Spanning over six decades, Stewart’s career includes 33 studio albums and a catalogue that touches rock, soul, pop, and jazz. Landmark releases include Every Picture Tells a Story, Atlantic Crossing, Vagabond Heart, and his most recent Swing Fever (2024). He has recorded under Mercury, Warner, RCA, and Atlantic Records, and remains one of the few artists to be inducted twice into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame—once solo, once with Faces. He’s been knighted, earned Brit Awards, ASCAP honors, and continues to support causes like Teenage Cancer Trust and Nordoff Robbins music therapy.

Tour merchandise included tour-specific T-shirts, vinyl reissues, limited-edition lithographs, and deluxe photo books—all snapped up by the ecstatic, multi-generational fans that packed the venue. His official website, rodstewart.com, offers access to his full discography, charity efforts, and current tour updates. This Raleigh stop was more than a farewell—it was a celebration of an artist still at the top of his game, backed by a band and ensemble worthy of his legacy.