Review: Bob Seger

Photos by Allison Long/The Star

If you feel like some numbers, here are a few: Today is Bob Seger’s 66^th birthday.  Thursday night, he spent about 140 minutes (including a very brief intermission) performing 25 songs before roughly 11,000 fans at the Sprint Center.

The setlist was a mix of the usual Seger nuggets, a couple of covers (Tom Waits’ “Downtown Train” and Vince Gill’s “Real Mean Bottle”) and, according to Seger, a song of his own he was performing live for the first time ever, “Long Twin Silver Line.”

He brought with him a four-piece horn section (the Motor City Horns), the six-piece Silver Bullet Band and three vocalists – enough fire power to deliver plenty of arena-size heft.  He opened with “Roll Me Away,” a nearly 30-year-old song about escaping the straits of everyday life, even if briefly – something a rock show is supposed to help us do.

This one had its escapist moments. The large crowd responded to the first half almost piecemeal: Some songs provoked lots of noise and singing, like  “Mainstreet,” “Old Time Rock and Roll,” “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man” and the first-set closers, “Travelin’ Man” and “Beautiful Loser.” But there were some lax moments, too.

The stage was practically barren. There was no video projection, no light show. Just Seger doing his yeoman best to stir up some enthusiasm, running back and forth, pumping his fist. Except for His voice sounded surprisingly strong – no less than it did his last performance here, at Kemper Arena in December 2006.

Except for sax man Alto Reed – his Clarence Clemons – who did some showboating, his supporting cast didn’t add much to the vibe.  Their performance was brassy, clean and tight, but at times, some looked like they were going through some familiar motions.  I guess you appreciate something most when it isn’t there, and this show could have used even some primitive video projection. Without it, the action on stage seemed static and remote.

The mood changed in the second set, when he sat at the piano and sang the saccharin love ballad “We’ve Got Tonight,” then the road-dog anthem “Turn the Page,” a song so good Metallica covered it.

The crowd lit into both songs, and Seger seemed to pick up on it. It helped that he had some of his best cards in hand, like “Katmandu,” which he and his band set afire, and “Night Moves,” which was rendered with a more soulful vibe. 

He ended with  “Rock and Roll Never Forgets,” another song about the search for invigoration or redemption – for the spirit of lost youth.The song’s solution has been Seger’s since the mid-1960s: rock and roll. And on the last day of his 65^th year, he proved that his faith in that solution is as strong as ever.

Setlist: Roll Me Away; Tryin’ to Live My Life Without You; The Fire Down Below; Mainstreet; Old Time Rock and Roll; Downtown Train; Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man; Real Mean Bottle;  Good For Me; Shinin’ Brightly; Travelin’ Man; Beautiful Loser. Intermission. Nutbush City Limits; Come to Papa; Her Strut; Long Twin Silver Line; We’ve Got Tonight; Turn the Page; Sunspot Baby; Horizontal Bop; Katmandu. Encore: Against the Wind; Hollywood Nights; Night Moves; Rock and Roll Never Forgets.

|Timothy Finn, The Star

Comments

[Scorp]

excellent review Tim

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2032718420389.123535.1317014291&l=178dd65257

[Bob]

I found it refreshing to see someone focus on the music, not the incidentals. Too many "performers" today are just choreographed, lip-synching dancers who provide more style than substance. Good for Bob to stay true to his craft.

[Ross Dubois]

Timothy, some people don't need projection screens simply because they are good enough without it. As a true Seger fan, I thought last night was electric -

[Hubert]

What a great set list.

It would really be a shame for an artist to go away and retire as long they were able to play all those songs and as long as there are people who want to fill an arena to hear all those songs.

I did not go to this show, but sooner or later I better catch good ole Seger again, it has been a while, but I bet it is be fun to hear all those songs live.

[The Big Lead]

Mandatory springsteen reference! I invented a drinking game, drink for every springsteen connection, finish your drink if he's mentioned by name.

[Marcy]

This was a really great show and needed no showboating. His voice is still strong and true. I hope when I am 66 that I have half his energy. There was even a bit of bra throwing, not bad for an old guy..

[Free Medical Marijuanie]

We already invented a game like that, but it uses a real group, DROPKICK MURPHYS, instead of that canceling on KC, Elton John wannabe Bwucey Springsqueen.

The rules are simple, what you do is drink until you pass out, no matter the song or artist, and if there is no music, you sing or whistle and then drink until you pass out.

Wake and bake and do it again, rinse and repeat.

LEGALIZE IT - WEED IS GOOD

[Big Joe]

No No No, Clarence Clemons is Bruce's Alto Reed

[Bob Loblaw]

They played Against the Wind twice?

[TrueFan]

To clarify to the person a couple posts back: Springsteen canceled in KC because his cousin (who worked on the tour) died in a local hotel room a few hours before the show. I think we can give that to him.

That said, the show last night was fantastic and Bob's voice sounds the same as when I saw him in the 90s.

Great review, Tim.

[Drun]

I was at the show last night and loved it. I was surprised at the strength in his voice and the number of songs he sang. It was great. As for projection, I found it refreshing that there was no big screens, sometimes I find myself focusing on the screen versus the live perfomance. The concert was great, the acostic's could have been better but I'd go again tonight if he was here.

[pellboy]

A technicality I know because it was somewhat popularized again by Seger's Nine Tonight version, but "Tryin’ to Live My Life Without You" is also actually a cover of an old Otis Clay R&B hit.

[LBC]

He didn't play Against the Wind twice as is listed in the set list. I thought for Seger's age he was pretty amazing. His pipes don't allow for the higher notes anymore but he compensated quite well by lowering the key and/or figuring out a way to keep the song flowing without having to hit the higher notes. He had good energy which was impressive. But I do agree his band at times seemed bored. They've been doing this long enough to know that even if you are bored you don't let it show onstage!

[wadkc]

if your voice "can't hit the high notes anymore....have to lower the key" then your voice isn't strong anymore, that's the definition of your voice weakening.

[Gary Dean]

That was a fun concert last night, only downside for me was rude people, after spending 80 bucks a ticket, 10 parking and 8 dollar beer, I came to hear the artist, not some out of tune person behind me singing

I can stay home and save big money and have the dog howl if thats what I wanted

[PAB]

I was at the show last night and it was great. Bob was on top of it and I loved the interaction with the crowd. Less hype more music. The guitarst was great and the sax player was excellent, Love the guy at the piano and the drummer had a good rip, too. I have no critizism at all I do wish he'd have done "Feel Like a Number", but I'm not complaining. That concert sustained me and my friend for a 3 hour drive home from KC. I'd do it again in a minute. Bob I hope I can do half as well when I'm that age. Rock on.

[Tim Finn]

thanks for the against the wind fix. i misread my notes.

[LBC]

No problem, Tim. I tought perhaps it was a test to see if anyone actually read the setlist!

[KC Cutie]

I thought the guitarist was awesome! So was the drummer and piano player. But the best part was Bob. I think he is getting better as he gets older. So let's hope he tours just a little longer.

[JJ]

The drummer was Don Brewer former original member of Grand Funk Railroad.

[Rick]

Alto Reed is twice the showman Clarence Clemons is !!!

[gully]

How many really were there? Lots blocked off (both ends) and many nosebleeds not filled. I got a good ticket, aisle seat in 108 for $27 about 7:30 right in front of Sprint.
Aside: Springsteen chose to cancel, not reschedule, or not go by the "show must go on" school of thought. I'm still upset.
Seger was pretty darn good, but why is it all these guys need thirteen to fifteen people on stage? (Rod Stewart, Seger, Springsteen)
BTW, I enjoyed the three Frankie Ballard songs I got to hear.

[Gary Dean]

Gully said: BTW, I enjoyed the three Frankie Ballard songs I got to hear.

Yea I never heard of this guy, but his last song Fortunate Son got the crowd going...

[joe]

Bruce doesn't have 13 people in the E Street Band. He currently has 8-9 depending on whether his wife joins in. He has one more guitarist than in his glory days because Steven Van Zandt chose to come back to the band and Bruce didn't force Nils Lofgren out as a result. All of them play a vital role. I'm still bummed about the cancellation too. But, put yourself in Bruce's shoes. Family member dies... Whole different game. He'll be back...

[Gary Dean]

Against the Wind

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY-jKuhGy3o

[Tami]

I had never seen Bob Seger perform live...it was truly a great night! His voice was strong and he seemed like a regular guy. It was nice not to have the giant projection screens. I sang and danced the entire night and it was fabulous! I feel very fortunate to have been able to see him Thursday night!

[yabba]

Thank you for capturing and sharing that video with everyone, that is awesome when folks do that for other folks.

Thanks Gary Dean.

[Putter]

Also, the bands keyboardist is Craig Frost, former member of Grand Funk Railroad. Great concert and Bob doesn't need any gimics.

[MARK DON MEL]

MARK DON & MEL,
A GREAT AMERICAN BAND....
Play some foot stompin music!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZj1uElADZw

FK YEAH!!!!!!

[Ricky Miller]

My brother, his wife & I, are kicking ourselves in the rear for not seeing Seger sooner in our lives. His performance was raw & true so it's easy to see why we admired his effort. a true performer can really bring back memories. Thanks Mr. Seger & band.

[tresdognite]

would have come just to hear
"Turn the Page" alone..

have seem him so many times and he is still my favorite..nothing phony, flashy, no tricks..just pure gutsy music..and that voice..

and I sure remember those after-parties at the Peanut on Main in the early 80's..

none better...thanks, Bob

[Pat]

The lack of any video projections, stage props, or pyrotechnics only ensured the focus was on the musicians and the stage. It's a double win for the fans since a few extra four wheelers of equipment don't need to be hauled in. That's reflected in the lower ticket price. A Sprint music event is normally between $100 and $200.

The set list from Against the Wind was deep. He performed "Good For Me" only on the closing night of the last tour. Seger joked he was surprised he remembered the words to "Long Twin Silver Line" after not performing it in 31 years. I thought he might play the entire album, but surprising left of two of the biggest singles, "You'll Accomp'ny Me" and "Fire Lake" along with "Betty Lou...".

"Feel Like a Number" has been on some of the set lists for this tour, but Seger's fan base in KC is among the biggest in the country and the fans knew those deeper album cuts. I did miss "Get Out of Denver / Let It Rock", "C'est La Vie" and "Shakedown" from the Beverly Hills Cop 2 soundtrack. He went heavy on the early material, also bypassing charting songs "Even Now" and "Shame on the Moon". The man has a huge catalog. Thankfully the Chevy Commercial, "Like a Rock" was skipped.

While the review was about the music, I miss the occasional crowd comment. The Sprint Center somewhat resembled a large waiting room for the generation ready for their knee and hip replacements. Seger at 66 has held up better than some of his fans.

[bob evans]

great review tim i was at the st.paul show and got teary eye when it was over ,kind of like ,thats it ,,,sure hope not,,ps.the show was awsome .a sure 10 for me