Bob Seger brings 'Old Time Rock & Roll' to Tulsa
BY JENNIFER CHANCELLOR World Scene Writer
Thursday, April 28, 2011
The more-salt-than-pepper-haired Bob Seger performed for more than two hours Thursday night, including a roster of hits from “Night Moves,” “Against the Wind” and “Turn the Page” to “Old Time Rock & Roll” and his newest single, “Downtown Train.”
“All right, Tulsa, Oklahoma!” he cheered. “Are you feeling funky tonight?”
Everyone still in a seat rose to their feet.
In a genre filled with artists struggling to remain relevant to new generations, Bob Seger is classic rock incarnate and possibly still one of the most influential acts rockin’ the road today.
The stage was set sparsely and simply — its focus set on Seger in every sense.
His 13-member backing band included Glenpool resident Mark Chatfield on lead guitar with the Silver Bullet Band and the four-piece Motor City Horns in supporting roles.
In a rare interview with Rolling Stone, Seger recently said, “My career is winding down. … I can’t do this much longer.”
If Thursday night’s show is any indication, it’s not for lack of energy. The set started strong and ended stronger with nearly two dozen tunes belted out.
In a way, perhaps he was pandering to his “classic rock” past — there was little new material — but he’s no sellout.
“Old Time Rock & Roll” took on a life of its own, the crowd overpowering the megawatt band with a call-and-response fervor.
The 66-year-old Seger performs with passion and candor that can’t be faked. On Thursday night, the fans couldn’t get enough.
One thing’s for certain: He’s honed a rapport and decades-long connection with his core fanbase.
If this is indeed his farewell jaunt, it’s a darn good one. His set list included everything from funk to soul, including “Roll Me Away,” “Tryin’ to Live My Life Without You,” “The Fire Down Below,” “Main Street,” “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man,” “Betty Lou’s Getting Out Tonight,” “Beautiful Loser” “C’est La Vie,” “Good for Me,” “Shining Brightly,” “Beautiful Loser” and more.
Newcomer Frankie Ballard opened the show. With little fanfare, he romped into a frisky set of whiskey-drinkin’ country-rock.
“Tulsa, you havin’ a good time tonight?” he yelled. With the arena nearly full, fans responded in unison, “Yeah!”
Associated Images:
Bob Seger connects with the Tulsa crowd at the BOK Center on Thursday night. The classic rocker has indicated that he may not tour much longer, but his performance showed no signs of slowing down. MICHAEL WYKE/Tulsa World
Bob Seger connects with the Tulsa crowd at the BOK Center on Thursday night. The classic rocker has indicated that he may not tour much longer, but his performance showed no signs of slowing down. MICHAEL WYKE/Tulsa World
|
