Taunton: Rod Stewart To Play County Ground

20 November 2013, 12:45 | Updated: 20 November 2013, 13:07

Rod Stewart has announced a five-date outdoor tour of the UK in 2014, including a show in Somerset.

Following hot on the heels of his 2013 sell-out Live The Life Tour, the legendary rocker, who is one of the world’s biggest stars, will be making his live return when he plays a series of outdoor shows in June 2014. Performing hits old and new the tour takes in five dates across sports venues in the UK, including Somerset County Cricket Club's ground in Taunton on Wednesday 18th June.
 
Excited at the prospect of getting back on the road, Rod Stewart said:
 
“I cannot wait to get back on the road and perform to fans across the UK. Performing is what I love to do and the fans always make it very special for me. This tour is an opportunity to perform some of my new material as well as the old favourites – it’s going to be fantastic.”

The concert is happening thanks to Somerset-based St Margaret’s Hospice. St Margaret’s challenged itself to considerably raising its profile so it could change people’s perceptions of what the hospice actually provides and also raise much-needed funds. 

St Margaret’s is Somerset’s major provider of free, specialist care for people who are suffering with life limiting conditions, offering consultant-led support for symptom control, advice and respite to those who need it. The Hospice doesn’t just offer care and support for cancer sufferers, but it also treats and cares for people with motor-neurone disease, cardiac failure, renal failure, chronic respiratory and other life-limiting conditions. And, it is not just for patients and their families in their last few days of life; some can be looked after for years and months; the majority of whom are cared for in their own homes.

St Margaret’s Chief Executive Jon Andrews said:
 
“To continue to deliver our services, we need to raise in the region of £10 Million each and every year, which in real terms amounts to needing to achieve a daily fundraising target of £27,400. It is fantastic to have secured a world-famous artist for our first Charity concert, who has sold out year on year in all the countries he has performed in; we are so lucky that he has chosen us”
 
Ann Lee, Clinical Director at St Margaret’s adds:

“We are delighted to have pulled this off; what a coup for us to share with our patients, their families and the people of Somerset!  In this period of austerity, we needed to refresh our fundraising efforts and come up some exciting activities that would raise at least £100,000.  We are aiming for ‘Somerset Rocks’ to be an annual charity event so come and share the magic of this experience. We always want to help our patients and their families create special memories that are everlasting. This charity event will do just that and help us raise the necessary funds.”

Guy Lavender, Chief Executive of Somerset Cricket Club says:

“We are delighted to have been chosen by St Margaret’s Hospice as the host venue for the Rod Stewart charity concert and look forward to playing our part in the delivery of an unforgettable evening. It is wonderful to be staging another major concert in the heart of Somerset as well as contributing to our own business performance. For St Margaret’s Hospice and Rod Stewart to be having their party at our house is great news for all concerned.”

Tour Dates
 
June 2014
Fri 13th                    BRIGHTON, Amex Stadium
Sat14th                    STOKE, Britannia Stadium,
Wed 18th                SOMERSET, Somerset County Cricket Club, Taunton
Friday 20th              BLACKPOOL, Bloomfield Road Stadium
Sat 21st                   FALKIRK, Falkirk Football Stadium
 
Tickets go on sale on Friday 22nd November 2013 at 10am priced from £55 and are available online at www.ticketline.co.uk or by phone 0844 888 9991.