Molineux getting ready for big Rod Stewart show

Plenty of heroes have graced the Molineux turf down the years but a different kind of icon will be performing on Saturday - and it promises to create memories that are gonna last forever.

The final countdown to Rod's big Wolverhampton performance has begun with the show now just days away.

The famous football stadium is being turned into a concert arena ready for Rod's highly-anticipated show.

Around 25,000 fans will pack into the ground and fans are being promised a show to remember.

Securing Rod is a major coup for Wolverhampton and the first time a major music concert has been held at Molineux since Bon Jovi rocked the stage in 2003.

Promoters revealed that Rod himself played a key part in choosing the home of Wolves for the near sell-out gig.

Event organisers have faced a challenge in making sure the stadium is ready to host the concert.

Special material will be laid in order to protect the pitch and allow it to "breathe". Work will also be starting to set up the stage. The stadium has had to pass safety inspections to ensure it is suitable to host a music concert.

A partial closure of Waterloo Road that is in place on matchdays for crowd safety will also be brought in for the concert.

Peter Taylor, director at promoters Cuffe and Taylor, said: "It is a big challenge. Football stadiums are not really built specifically to hold a concert.

"There are lots of things we have to do to put the event on at a football stadium, from getting a licence from the council to getting a safety certificate.

"If there are lots of people bouncing up and down in the stand it is different to people jumping up when someone scores a goal so we needed to do tests to make sure it's safe and fit for purpose.

"We have been planning this gig for nearly two years now. It is a long process but the end result will be a lot of happy Rod Stewart fans."

Mr Taylor said the prospect of bringing the music superstar to Molineux was too good an opportunity to turn down.

He said: "We go and see a lot of premises. Geography is important. We have done lots of touring with the Grand Theatre and we know it's always a big seller.

"We saw the stadium and it was a really nice stadium. The team were really hospitable and it always helps when the venue wants the concert. We go to a lot of football clubs and they really aren't interested in hosting concerts.

"He (Rod) is involved with what stadiums we play at. We get a big long list from him and have conversations with him. He is very much involved in deciding which stadiums we play at."

For those who have managed to get their hands on a ticket it promises to be a special night in Wolverhampton.

Mr Taylor said: "Wolverhampton has got the jewel in the crown. Saturday night, outdoors, I'm told the sun is going to be shining. The concert starts at dusk and when the lights go down it's a totally different atmosphere. The stage is absolutely enormous, it fills one end of the ground.

"He will be bringing out all his hits and there will be a few surprises in there. If you are a Rod Stewart fan you won't leave disappointed and if you are seeing him for the first time you won't leave disappointed."