Rod Stewart with Special Guest Richard Marx

The Northwell at Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, NY

July 31, 2026

By Mike Perciaccante 

On a pleasant mid-summer evening, the sold-out crowd at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater was treated to an amazing performance by one of classic rock’s most loved and enduring performers. Two-time Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame icon Rod Stewart brought his “One Last Time” farewell tour to Long Island, delivering a relentless, hit-after-hit onslaught that had his audience thrilled beyond its wildest dreams. 

Singer-songwriter Richard Marx kicked things off as dusk began to settle over the bay. The Chicago-born Marx holds the unique historical distinction of being the only male artist to have his first seven singles reach the Top 5 on the Billboard charts. Marx took the packed house back in time with a driving rendition of his 1987 breakthrough track “Don't Mean Nothing.” While keeping his stage banter to a bare minimum, Marx acknowledged the unique beauty of the outdoor venue. He sparked the first crowd sing-along of the night with his renditions of “Endless Summer Nights,” “Angelina,” and a gorgeous, version of “Right Here Waiting.” Backed by a tight band, his six-song opening set was a masterclass of late-‘80s pop-rock perfection.

Following a brief intermission, the lights went down just after 8:30pm (and a bit earlier than anticipated) as the audience’s roaring applause greeted Sir Rod Stewart. At 81-years-old, following a career spanning over six decades, the legendary singer proved that he is still an force of nature. Dressed in one of his trademark flashy and glittering jackets, Stewart greeted the crowd with a huge smile and proceeded to tear the proverbial roof off the outdoor venue.

Backed by his incredibly large, 11-member group, Stewart’s patented, distinctive and raspy vocals hit the listener right in the heart and the soul and simply didn't let go. His setlist was a nostalgic trip through Stewart’s musical canon showcasing his special musical gumbo of rock, R&B, soul and, yes, even folk. 

Early highlights included fantastic versions of “Infatuation,” “Hot Legs,” “Tonight I’m Yours,” and “Tonight’s The Night.” Stewart's signature, playful, tongue-in-cheek humor was on full display between numbers, teasing the audience and strutting across the stage with the energy of a performer half his age.

The audience worked itself into an absolute frenzy during “Maggie May” and during the amazing surprise mini-set within the set of “I'd Rather Go Blind,” “Stay With Me” and “Having a Party” that featuring Little Steven. The entire amphitheater was dancing in the aisles and attempting to take cellphone photos. Stewart showed his versatility during the covers of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” Van Morrison’s “Have I Told You Lately,” The Impressions’ “People Get Ready” and Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Proud Mary.” 

Other highlights included: “Forever Young,” “It Takes Two, “The First Cut Is the Deepest” and the main set-closer--a powerful version of “Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?”   

Returning to the stage for a high-octane encore of “Love Train,” Stewart proved that great music and showmanship are completely timeless. Though it is billed as his last major rock 'n' roll trek, Rod Stewart won’t leave the concert stage quietly. The final takeaway is that this wasn't just a nostalgic look back—it was a damn good, high-voltage rock show.