Experience The Rod Stewart Show, a tribute concert starring Shaun J. Marshall at State Theatre in Sydney on 16 October 2026. Expect classics such as "Maggie May" and "Sailing", performed with a live band. Plan your visit and ticket purchase for an evening of rock, pop and familiar ballads
The Rod Stewart Show in Sydney: famous hits performed by Shaun J. Marshall
On Friday, 16 October 2026, at 19:30, The Rod Stewart Show will take place at the State Theatre in central Sydney, featuring a concert programme dedicated to the songs of Rod Stewart. It is important to distinguish this performance from a concert by the British singer himself: the artist on stage will be Shaun J. Marshall, a performer from the United Kingdom who interprets Stewart's repertoire with a backing band. The concert is also promoted under the name "The Maggie May Tour", after one of the best-known songs in Stewart's catalogue.
Audiences can expect a combination of rock, pop, soul and ballads, ranging from lively choruses to songs built around an expressive, raspy voice. Unlike recorded impersonations, this programme is based on a live performance by a singer and musicians. The venue is no coincidence either: the lavish State Theatre, a historic theatre with approximately 2,000 seats, offers a different setting from an open-air concert venue. Visitors wishing to hear familiar songs in a theatrical atmosphere should check ticket availability and secure their seats in good time.
Who is Shaun J. Marshall and what does a tribute concert mean?
Shaun J. Marshall comes from Plymouth in the English county of Devon. The programme's presentation highlights his powerful, husky vocals and his ability to convey the distinctive way Rod Stewart delivers lyrics. Marshall has also performed in shows dedicated to the music of Paul Rodgers and Sting. This experience is an important part of his current role: the performer must preserve familiar melodies while singing and presenting them to the audience in his own voice.
The Rod Stewart Show is not a performance by the original singer, is not part of Stewart's concert tour and should not be presented as such. It is a separate musical project centred on Stewart's body of work. This distinction matters when choosing tickets, particularly for visitors travelling from outside Sydney who may be planning their trip specifically because of the name in the title. Marshall provides the vocals, while the musical accompaniment comes from a full band of experienced Australian musicians.
A tribute concert attempts to convey the vocal tone, phrasing and stage character of the original musician. In Stewart's case, this is demanding because his catalogue encompasses blues-rock, ballads and dance-oriented pop. Marshall will bring these different styles together in a single performance.
From "Maggie May" to "Sailing": the songs shaping the programme
The State Theatre's announcement explicitly mentions a selection of Stewart's recognisable songs. These are titles through which audiences have discovered different aspects of his voice and repertoire over the decades. They are songs highlighted in the concert presentation, not a confirmed running order: the complete setlist and any possible programme changes have not been published.
- "Maggie May" - the song that helped the album "Every Picture Tells a Story" reach the top of the charts in both the United Kingdom and the United States in 1971. Its narrative structure and melody give the singer room for distinctive phrasing.
- "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?" - the more dance-oriented side of Stewart's catalogue, with a rhythm and chorus that differ from his earlier folk-rock recordings.
- "Hot Legs" - a more pronounced rock sound, well suited to showcasing the band's energy and a sharper vocal approach.
- "The First Cut Is the Deepest" - a ballad in which the interpretation of the lyrics matters more than speed or volume.
- "Some Guys Have All the Luck" - a pop song recognised for its direct, memorable chorus.
- "Sailing" - one of the songs naturally associated with audience singalongs and the more emotional part of the evening.
Why Rod Stewart continues to attract listeners from different generations
Rod Stewart established his musical identity through his work with the Jeff Beck Group and Faces, followed by a long solo career. His raspy voice remained his trademark even as his musical style evolved. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which inducted him as a solo artist in 1994, particularly emphasises his ability to move between rock, pop and ballads in its biography of the singer. This provides important context for a concert attempting to cover a substantial part of his repertoire in a single evening.
"Maggie May" remains associated with the beginning of Stewart's major solo success, "Sailing" with his era of grand ballads, and "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?" with his shift towards a more dance-oriented sound. For audience members who listened to these songs when they were first released, the titles may evoke memories of a particular period. For younger listeners, who may have discovered the songs through radio, family music collections or the internet, the concert offers an opportunity to hear them performed by a band rather than only through familiar recordings.
Stewart's musical output does not end with his older hits. In 2024, he released "Swing Fever" with Jools Holland, an album dedicated to the songs and sound of large swing orchestras. The release demonstrates how far his musical interests extend beyond the usual rock and pop categories. However, it has not been announced as a special part of Marshall's programme in Sydney. The Rod Stewart Show focuses on the earlier, widely recognised hits listed in the concert announcement.
Live musicians and a concert approach to familiar recordings
The organisers' description announces Shaun J. Marshall accompanied by a full backing band selected from Australian session musicians. This is important for songs that have received very different arrangements throughout Stewart's career. Expressive vocals alone are not enough if the rhythm, guitars and other instruments do not support the transitions between a rock song, a dance hit and a slower ballad. At the same time, a live band can allow room for small changes in dynamics, pauses and interaction between the singer and the audience.
The State Theatre's announcement does not name the individual musicians in the line-up, nor does it mention special guests or a support act. There is therefore no basis for promising solo performances by particular instrumentalists or a specific production style. What is confirmed is the concept: Marshall's vocals, a live band and songs from Stewart's catalogue. Visitors can expect live concert performances of familiar melodies, but not exact reproductions of the original studio recordings down to the last detail.
State Theatre: a concert in a historic theatre rather than a large arena
The State Theatre is located at 49 Market Street in Sydney's business and cultural centre. It opened on 7 June 1929 and was designed by architect Henry White. Originally conceived as a luxurious cinema, the venue has developed over the decades into a location for film screenings, theatrical productions and musical performances. The building's history is also linked to the Sydney Film Festival, which has been held at the State Theatre since 1974.
Visitors are welcomed by interiors combining Gothic, Italian and Art Deco influences. The main auditorium features the enormous Koh-i-Nor crystal chandelier, while the foyers and galleries are decorated with artworks and historical details. According to the venue, the auditorium accommodates approximately 2,000 people. With seats arranged facing the stage and clearly defined seating sections, a concert here feels different from an outdoor festival: the audience watches the performance from an assigned seat rather than from a large standing area.
How to choose a seat in the auditorium
The State Theatre's seating plan distinguishes between Stalls, Mezzanine and Dress Circle. Stalls is the lower part of the auditorium, Mezzanine is the middle level, and Dress Circle is the upper gallery. Seat location affects the viewing angle, distance from the stage and ability to see performers' facial expressions. Visitors particularly interested in seeing the singer up close will generally prefer seats in the nearer rows, while the upper sections offer a broader view of the stage and the entire auditorium. The availability of individual seats should be checked when selecting tickets.
Sound depends on the audio system and seating position, so an identical experience cannot be guaranteed from every row. For audiences wishing to follow subtle changes in the voice and the interaction between the singer and the band, seat selection is an important part of planning. It is therefore advisable to choose tickets in good time.
Entry times and the evening schedule
For the concert on Friday, 16 October, the State Theatre lists the following schedule in Sydney local time:
- 18:30 - foyers open to visitors.
- 19:00 - auditorium doors open.
- 19:30 - scheduled start of The Rod Stewart Show.
These times are approximate, and the organiser warns that they may change. The exact duration of the performance, the concert's finishing time and any possible interval are not specified in the schedule for this show. Visitors should therefore avoid planning their return transport on the assumption that the concert will end at a particular time. Arriving early is practical for finding the entrance, checking seating sections and navigating the multi-level building, while also providing an opportunity to explore the foyers before the music begins.
Visitors must have a valid ticket while inside the State Theatre. If someone arrives with a larger bag or items they do not wish to carry to their seat, the venue indicates that belongings can be left with the cloakroom service. For questions about specific entry requirements, the most reliable approach is to check the venue's current instructions before departure rather than assume that the same rules apply to every type of event.
Arriving by public transport or car and accessibility
The Market Street location makes it possible to reach the venue by public transport from various parts of Sydney. The theatre lists Town Hall and St James as the nearest railway stations, QVB as the nearest light rail stop, and Gadigal as the nearest metro station. From these stops, visitors continue on foot through the streets of the city centre to reach the theatre. Those travelling from other neighbourhoods should compare routes and possible connections in advance, particularly for the return journey after the evening programme.
For visitors arriving by car, the State Theatre directs drivers to the Queen Victoria Building car park, known as QVB, with access from York Street. Parking in the city centre may require additional time, so it is sensible to check space availability and parking conditions before setting off. The theatre itself on Market Street has no area where vehicles can stop for an extended period during passenger drop-off; a brief drop-off for people with reduced mobility is possible subject to the theatre's conditions.
Accessible seating is located on the Mezzanine level, where a hearing loop is also available for people with hearing impairments. The venue indicates that accessible toilet facilities in the neighbouring hotel may be used and recommends arranging accessible seating requirements with the box office in advance. It is important to know that access to other sections involves stairs: according to the theatre, reaching part of the Stalls requires negotiating 21 steps, while access to the Dress Circle involves additional staircases. Visitors should therefore not choose a seat solely on the basis of its view of the stage if step-free access or assistance on entry is important to them.
An evening in central Sydney for fans of classic rock and pop
The Queen Victoria Building is located near the State Theatre, while the surrounding streets offer opportunities for a walk and dinner before the concert. With the show scheduled to begin at 19:30, visitors should allow enough time for these activities to enter the auditorium without rushing.
The Rod Stewart Show is particularly aimed at listeners who recognise Stewart's hits, but it is not limited to a single age group. Classic rock fans will find "Hot Legs" and "Maggie May" among the announced songs; audiences who prefer ballads will recognise "Sailing" and "The First Cut Is the Deepest", while "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?" provides a connection to more dance-oriented pop. Different musical tastes come together within the same concert programme, making it suitable for a shared evening out even among people who do not necessarily listen to the same artists.
Before arriving, visitors should check the section indicated on their ticket, accessibility to their selected seat and any changes to the schedule. It is worth securing tickets for this concert in good time, particularly if specific rows or auditorium levels are important.
Sources:
- State Theatre - The Rod Stewart Show: confirmation of performer Shaun J. Marshall, programme title, announced hits, band and schedule. https://www.statetheatre.com.au/show-calendar/rod-stewart-show/
- State Theatre - FAQ: address, public transport, parking, accessibility, cloakroom and tickets. https://www.statetheatre.com.au/faq/
- State Theatre - History, Seating Plan and Guided Tours: theatre history, seating layout, capacity and architectural features. https://www.statetheatre.com.au/history/; https://www.statetheatre.com.au/seating-plan/; https://www.statetheatre.com.au/guided-tours/
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame - Rod Stewart: overview of musical style and induction information. https://rockhall.com/inductees/rod-stewart/
- Rod Stewart - The Official Timeline: the album "Every Picture Tells a Story" and the success of "Maggie May". https://timeline.rodstewart.com/1971
- Jools Holland - Official Website: the album "Swing Fever" and its musical concept. https://joolsholland.com/newreleases.htm