THE tartan and leopard print clad army were out in force as Sir Rod Stewart arrived in Southampton.

And he didn't disappoint his army of fans, who had travelled from far and wide to see their hero in action at St Mary's.

Following lively support from Johnny Mac and the Faithful, the band he picked from obscurity on his beloved Celtic TV, the musical legend burst onto stage in Southampton for the first time since Sir Rod was knighted following his impressive last appearance at the Ageas Bowl three years ago.

There was a lively atmosphere as the music icon entertained the adoring crowd with You Wear It Well before switching to the Chuck Berry .number Sweet Little Rock and Roller. There was jiving on the pitch, followed by a mass singalong to Forever Young.

One of the greatest hits, Maggie May, was dedicated to Sir Rod's wife Penny Lancaster, who was born in 1971, the year it was released.

Highlights of a top night included a black and white spotted Sir Rod, bearing a Celtic necklace, leading the crowd in I Am Sailing and a tens of thousands strong singalong to I Don't Wanna Talk About It as the sun set over St Mary's and the phone lights were out and lighting up the sky.

The crowd couldn't resist continuing the singalong as the legend took a breather and tens of thousands of fans belted out The First Cut is the Deepest and Have I Told You Lately.

Sir Rod switched to white jeans and a white blazer, with the usual bling of course, for the finale tracks of Sailing and Baby Jane.

Fireworks lit up the night sky as Sir Rod brought down the curtain on three incredible nights of entertainment at St Mary's, including a superb two-nighter from Take That last weekend.