ROCKSTAR Rod Stewart performed at a Southend theatre and lauded the praise onto his fans.

Sir Rod treated the town to some of his classics as part of his warm-up shows before his worldwide tour which begins in Berlin tomorrow.

He took to the stage at Cliffs Pavilion and stayed at the Seven Hotel in Southend.

Javed Rashid, 65, director of Seven Hotels, said: “It was very good, a great success.

“Rod was an excellent man, he stayed for dinner at the hotel with his wife and both were very nice.”

The star tweeted last night after his performance: “I’ve been lucky enough to play most of the major venues in the world- Madison Square Garden, the O2- but it was a total great experience the energy, intimacy and sheer excitement of playing Southend on Sea.”

“What a night – one I’ll never forget.”

Fans who attended the gig also tweeted: “Last night was one of my best ever nights with you Sir Rodders”.

Another fan tweeted: “I’ve seen you perform in arenas but last night was the best, thank you.”

Stewart is visiting countries including Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, France, Poland, Portugal, Austria, Spain and the United States, as part of his tour.

He is also performing in cities across the UK, showcasing his talent in Leeds, Glasgow, Belfast, Manchester, Birmingham, Brighton, Newcastle, Sheffield, Bolton, Aberdeen, Bristol, Nottingham, York, Southampton, Liverpool, Milton Keynes, Ipswich and Wolverhampton.