A Rod Stewart fanatic who’s seen the star perform live 40 times – and even invited him to his wedding – is parting with a shirt owned by the singer.
Kevin Freeth, 54, has decided to auction off a black and white Burberry shirt covered in love hearts once owned and worn by the Scots-mad rocker, and it could make hundreds of pounds when it goes under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers.
Retired couple Kevin and wife Helen, 63, from Bewdley, Worcestershire, are lifelong Rod Stewart fans, so much so their whole wedding revolved around him.
Kevin said: “We got married in Vegas in 2014 and our wedding night celebration was watching Rod perform live at Caesars Palace with 40 fellow fans. They flew over with us from the UK.
“We tied the knot at the Treasure Island Hotel chapel and the service was led by Rod Stewart lookalike vic Vega. He sang a couple of songs too. I actually invited the real Rod to our wedding but he didn’t turn up. It was still a brilliant day, though.
“I think he saw us in the crowd at the concert at Caesars Palace because I wore a bright green wedding suit and tried to get on stage with him. I didn’t manage it.
“Both me and Helen have met Rod a few times over the years. We’re members of a Rod Stewart fan club and got together at a fan club event. I bought the shirt at a fan club charity auction. Fans get together at big weekend events and Rod’s sister, Mary, comes along. Apparently, she goes into her brother’s wardrobe and picks stuff out to be auctioned off for a good cause.
“I bought Rod’s cotton shirt before lockdown in 2019. I’ve worn it about four times – only on special occasions. I’m only parting with it now because I have three shirts, including one Helen bid on for me at a fan club auction in March
“The latest one is signed by Rod and it’s covered in playing cards which reminds us of our Vegas wedding. I suppose it’s a romantic purchase. I don’t really need three shirts so I’ve decided to part with one.
“It’s all good fun and we’ve made load of friends thanks to the fan club. I can’t put into words why I like Rod Stewart so much. My dad was a big fan and all you’d hear in the house when I was growing up was the Faces, his former band.
“I hope whoever buys this shirt will enjoy owning it as much as I have.”
Claire Howell, music consultant at Hansons Auctioneers, said: “This is why music memorabilia is so important to people, and gains in value. It taps into great memories and nostalgia. Rod Stewart has played a massive part in Kevin and Helen’s lives. He helped them meet, inspired their wedding plans and enabled them to make new friends through the fan club.
“The shirt itself is a lovely quality item made in Italy – as you would expect from a megastar. It’s a piece of Rod Stewart magic that’s both affordable and fun.”
The Rod Stewart shirt, lot 45, estimate £400-£500, will be offered in Hansons Auctioneers’ June 15 Music Auction. Catalogue: www.hansonslive.co.uk and www.the-saleroom.com.
To find out more, or to arrange a free music memorabilia valuation, email: [email protected].
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE JUNE 15 MUSIC & FILM AUCTION CATALOGUE
