The Tribute Show That's Won Audiences Worldwide

Rob Caubill promises to bring the Rod Stewart energy to the stage every night. Photo supplied: Dale Genner.  

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The raspy voice, spiky blonde hairstyle and charismatic stage presence of Rod Stewart will be on full display when a world-class tribute show comes to Airlie Beach this July 25th and 26th, celebrating one of music’s most unmistakable performers.  

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Spanning every era of Stewart's career, the production recreates the legendary singer's voice, mannerisms and stage presence, delivering an authentic concert experience for fans of the British rock icon.

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“It's basically trying to be as close to Rod as you can as far as the music,” said the man behind the persona, Rob Caudill.  

"Rod's career has been through so many different phases.

“The catalogue's amazing, you know, just such great songs."  

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“The whole experience with the clothes and actually speaking with an English accent while I'm on stage."  

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Born in North Carolina, the American performer spent much of his childhood moving around. At 19, after finding his passion for music in Orlando, he decided to move to Memphis in an effort to study music at university and also immerse himself in the city’s famous Beale street, performing wherever he could.  

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"I've been playing music my whole life, but I cut my musical teeth in Memphis," he said.

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A bassist by trade, he spent years touring and recording with his brother in bands including The Breaks, landing a record deal with RCA Records and appearing on MTV during the channel's early years. Following another successful project, The Willies, and years performing alongside respected musicians in Memphis, he eventually made the move to Nashville, where he still lives today.  

It wasn't until 1997, after the collapse of two record deals and the birth of his first son, that he found himself searching for a more reliable career in music.

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Having spent years playing bass on Rod Stewart classics, people had long pointed out the resemblance between the two. A visit to Las Vegas and witnessing long-time tribute show legends in concert, sparked an idea that would ultimately change his life.

"I was already singing and playing, and people always said, 'You look like Rod Stewart,' so it just kind of fell in my lap," he said.

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Nearly 30 years later, that decision has taken him across Asia, Europe, South Africa, Mexico and Australia, which has become his favourite destination to perform.

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"Australia is actually probably my favourite place to go," he said.

"Rod's big all over the planet, but it seems like they have a special affinity for Rod in Australia."

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While Rob fits the bill of Rod to the Tee, he says the show's success is credited equally to the musicians performing alongside him.  

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Leading the production is musical director and producer Dale Jenner, alongside drummer Mitch Farmer, a sought-after session musician who played on one of Keith Urban's early albums.  

Guitarist Clive Lendich has also shared the stage with international artists including Glenn Frey, while bassist Jeff Camilleri rounds out the rhythm section.

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Vocalist Amanda Easton completes the line-up, providing backing vocals while also taking on mandolin duties during Maggie May.

"The band's amazing," Rob said.

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"We have some great players in the band, so that makes all the difference in the world."

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Blending authentic musicianship with timeless classics, the production offers Rod Stewart fans a chance to relive decades of unforgettable music.  

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What: Rod Stewart Tribute Show  

When: July 25th and 26th at 2-5:30

Where: Airlie Beach Hotel

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