ROD Stewart raised an incredible £150,000 for a Somerset hospice with a show-stopping performance at the County Ground in Taunton a decade ago.

Around 18,000 people descended on the cricket club in June 2014 to witness the rock ‘n’ roll legend give his support to St Margaret’s Hospice’s vital work.

Everything about the night was golden, from the shimmer of Rod’s gold-dust suit (one of three vivid outfits fans got to see him in) to the sounds of a golden age of music.

Addressing the crowd on the night, Rod, who was then approaching his 70th birthday, was in high spirits, moving around the stage like a man a third his age.

“Good evening my friends! Oh what a gorgeous evening. Unbelievable,” he said.

“Before we get into our two-hour set, thank you for coming, especially those who’ve travelled a long distance – it’s definitely going to be worth your while.”

Somerset County Gazette: Rod and his band were bathed in June sunshine.Rod and his band were bathed in June sunshine.

And so it was. The warm husk of Rod’s voice was loud and clear on ‘Maggie May’, ‘Sailing’ (for which the lights of all mobiles were held aloft and glowing), ‘The Rhythm of My Heart’, ‘The First Cut Is The Deepest’, ‘Baby Jane’ and ‘I Don’t Want To Talk About It’.

And he showed his support for Celtic Football Club by firing signed balls into the crowd.

The finale was, of course, the number that the throng had all been waiting for – the disco-licked ‘Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?’

Somerset County Gazette: Fans who couldn't get their hands on tickets watched on from Priory Bridge Road.Fans who couldn't get their hands on tickets watched on from Priory Bridge Road.

With the music over, a crescendo of fireworks darted into the night sky, which had everyone looking up and catching their breath.

Reflecting on the night, St Margaret's Hospice chief executive Jon Andrewes said: “It couldn’t have gone any better.

“The atmosphere was fantastic, Rod Stewart gave a fabulous performance, and even the weather was warm and dry.”

Somerset County Gazette: The front page of our souvenir supplement in June 2014.The front page of our souvenir supplement in June 2014. (Image: Archive)

Ann Lee, St Margaret’s clinical director and deputy chief executive, said: “The concert money from Rod’s concert will go into direct patient care.

“We want to continue to strengthen and develop our community service beyond Taunton and Yeovil.

“People are already asking us how we’re going to top Rod Stewart, and all I can say is watch this space!”