Peoria’s Civic Center is playing host to another one of our classic rock heroes on his final tour of a legendary career. In addition to Lynyrd Skynyrd gifting Peoria with a tour stop in early November, Midwest icon Bob Seger will play Peoria one last time on his “Travelin’ Man, The Final Tour” stop on January 22. Tickets go on sale for Seger’s final Peoria performance on Friday, September 28, with fan club and pre-sales starting on September 25.
Bob Seger’s music and words have traveled along with me throughout my life, especially my younger years, leaving their indelible mark in my mind and rock and roll soul. His “Live Bullet” album broke him out from a regional attraction to an international rock star from the Motor City. He was no longer just a hometown favorite, no longer “just ours.” After 50 years of creating and playing fantastic rock music that connected with you and the masses, he’s calling it quits, at least from touring.
Last year, his back issues forced the postponement of concert dates and required back surgery and rehab. He had already planned to make good the dates that were cancelled when his back would allow it. He’ll play make-good shows in St. Louis, November 30 and Chicago, December 14, for instance, that were scheduled in 2017. Now, he and The Silver Bullet Band, featuring sax man Alto Reed, will launch a full tour, beginning in Grand Rapids, as usual, on November 21. His tour stretches into May of 2019. No Detroit shows are as yet scheduled, but you can be sure that’s where his famous final scene, at least from touring, will happen with multiple shows.
I’ve seen him half dozen times at least, including a 2013 show up in Rosemont (pic at top). I can attest, he and his dozen band members and back up singers can still deliver a high-energy, rockin’ show. Can’t wait to see him in P-troit in January!
Doc Watson
