All good things must come to an end.
That cliche rings hollow for me today. It’s true, of course, and it’s producing mixed emotions after watching Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band wow the record-setting crowd at Carver Arena inside the Peoria Civic Center last night.
First off, 73-year-old Bob and his 14-piece backing band and singers killed it last night. Bob’s raspy, soulful voice might not be what it once was, but it got the job done. And when his voice disappeared for a word or two, the capacity gathering chimed right in to sing them and add to the splendor of his final Peoria performance. And for the record, it was a record-setting night at the Civic Center. The show is now the highest-grossing show in the building’s 37-year history, exceeding $1 million at the box office and breaking the previous record by Elton John in 2011.
Not even a still star-struck, hometown DJ who promoted this concert incessantly for months was getting a free ticket for this one. From the folks I talked to around me, with their love of Seger and the historic aspect of his final tour and long gap between Peoria visits, no one thought they paid too much. All were enthralled with the legendary Midwest singer and song writer from the start of this show to the final encore song, “Rock and Roll Never Forgets.”
Bob and the Silver Bullet Band, led by long-time sax man Alto Reed, bassist Chris Campbell and some added fresh talent from Nashville, sounded great all night. One of the three backing female singers, the lead guitarist and one of the pianists all are CMA award-winning Nashville-based artists who’ve played on hit records themselves. Seger’s voice was fine, and his story-telling introductions were humorous in his aw shucks, low-key style. His 22-song setlist hit all the right notes and key songs from his half century of – at times – magical music making.
I was amazed to learn that Bob Seger’s last Peoria show was at a sold-out, now gone Robertson Fieldhouse on Bradley’s campus in July of 1977. Prior to that he had done very small shows in the area when he was not a household name in the late 60’s and early 70’s. After ’77, he only played the larger 15,000-20,000 seat venues. It’s an unfortunate fact of life in a big/small town, the Zeppelins, Stones, Beatles and Springsteens never played here for that reason either. It’s why Peorians had to wait almost 42 years for his return on his final tour.
Having seen Seger in 2011 in Rosemont, I figured that would be the last time to see him live. So, this was a bonus for me. Literally growing up with Seger on Detroit radio since my kindergarten days, this show was almost spiritual to me. His music was the backdrop for my life. His lyrics still pop into my head at times. His song-writing skills still rank with the best of his contemporaries. He was never the dynamic front man that Jagger, Tyler, Springsteen, Mercury or even Mellencamp was early in his career, but he is what he is: A humble, hard-working, uber-talented, rock-n-soul guy… a Midwest guy like you and me, just with a helluva lot more drive, talent and ambition.
I won’t likely see you in person again, Bob, but know you’ve left your mark in my heart, mind and soul and in that of millions of others. And at least, I get to keep your legacy alive by playing your songs for the masses in my adopted hometown on 95.5, Peoria’s classic rock home for Seger!
Doc Watson
