In April 1989, in Querétaro, preparations were underway to host Rod Stewart in a large concert that marked the beginning of a new era of massive musical events in Mexico. The city, then quiet with a population of around three hundred thousand inhabitants, was filled with unprecedented anticipation.
Rod Stewart's concert in Querétaro was part of his world tour and did not include the capital of the country, generating even more interest in the event. At that time, the rise of rock in Spanish and the openness to new musical expressions were shaping the artistic scene, with bands like Hombres G, Soda Stereo, Miguel Mateos, Fobia, and Caifanes leading public preference.
On the day of the concert, the city transformed with the arrival of young people and adults from all over the country, each wearing their own outfits that formed part of an unspoken dress code. Leather pants, denim, bandanas, boots, tattoos, and sunglasses were common among attendees.
The concert took place on a Sunday night, and the usual tranquility of the province was interrupted by the arrival of caravans of fans who showed up at the stadium early. Despite some parents' warnings about potential chaos and drug use, the event was experienced with enthusiasm and positive energy.
Accompanied by my cousin, I had the opportunity to attend Rod Stewart's concert, which lasted for hours and left an indelible impression on all present. Without the presence of cell phones or social media, we enjoyed the music and the spectacle with a direct connection, free from distractions.
Thirty years later, that concert remains a vivid and special memory for those of us who were there. The magical night at the Estadio La Corregidora not only marked a milestone in the city's history but also contributed to the establishment of massive events in the country. Rod Stewart opened the door to live music with a performance that endures in the hearts of those who witnessed it.
