Interview with Paul Metcalfe of ‘Some Guys Have all the Luck – The Rod Stewart Story’

50 years on from the release of Rod’s first album, Some Guys Have all the Luck – The Rod Stewart Story is back in theatres in 2019 with a brand new show, bringing to the stage a fantastic live concert celebration of one of rock music’s greatest icons.

Frontman Paul Metcalfe is incredible as Rod and captures all the excitement, energy and charisma of the legendary performer including the infamous moves, showmanship and sense of fun that have made Rod one of the most successful artistes of all time.

 

Paul brings Some Guys Have all the Luck – The Rod Steward Story to the Playhouse, Weston, on 13th October. I chatted him ahead of his performance, the third time the show will be at the Playhouse.

Paul tells me that it’s amazing that Rod Stewart’s own brother and sister think that his act is the closest to the real thing that they’ve ever seen, both in mannerisms and voice (honestly, even his speaking voice sounds like Rod!). Rod’s sister Mary has been to Paul’s show three times and they always have a hug and a catch up.

Paul’s obsession with Rod started at a young age, when he first heard the popular Maggie May, on the strength of which he went out and bought the 1971 album ‘Every Picture Tells a Story’, an eclectic record that converted Paul. “I couldn’t stop playing it. Such a great mix of sounds. I love Rod’s early period – it’s so warm and honest”. That album also includes Paul’s favourite ever Rod Stewart track, Mandolin Wind – “I heard it and thought ‘I wish I’d written that!'”

Maggie May is a close second in Paul’s heart though and the song took on even more meaning for him when he was contacted by a man whose mum, Maggie, was dying of cancer and the family had decided to give her a good sending off party in what was to become Paul’s most poignant gig ever. “Maggie was at the end of her life, all flesh and bone, and as I sang her song, we couldn’t stop hugging. It was an incredible night, so nice. The sort of event that restores your faith in human natuure’

I comment that, as Rod is now 73 years old, we’re actually getting a very decent deal by being able to hear Paul do his material, him being younger and all. He agrees that Rod’s voice has changed a lot. Paul has captured that huskiness of Rod’s early career, a career he talks about in his performance, “including the risqué bits”.

Paul has been playing music since he was in his late teens – in bands, as a drummer, then backing vocals and onto lead singer. He’s done the lot – weddings, grotty pubs and large venues. He’d done a few covers of Rod Stewart songs and started as his tribute act 20 years ago, after being told constantly that he sounded uncannily like him.

“I didn’t dream I’d be a tribute act but with so many of our much loved stars dying off, it’s the way to go. I reckon the future is orchestras playing the songs we love today, just like they play Mozart and Beethoven compositions” he says in his London Stewartesque accent.

Weston-super-Mum will be at the Playhouse on 13th October, of course! Maybe see you there