Bob Seger is planning to make the end of the first leg of his tour a memorable one. Rumor has it that recording will be done during the last two shows at Seger’s home-town hotspot, tonight and Saturday for a possible later live release.
The shows at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Michigan bring the Silver Bullet Band and its dynamic lead singer full circle on a tour leg that started out Nov. 8th in Grand Rapids. It’s been a decade since his last appearance in Auburn Hills, and his four-night stand at the arena has sold out all 17,000 seats each night. Though there may be a handful released today and Saturday before the show.
Seger chose to visit Auburn Hills when he was “peaking” on his tour, to make sure he was all warmed up for the reception he’s been receiving. Fans have been delighted with the energy and enthusiasm Seger and his band have shown. Perhaps part of the reason Seger’s voice remains so strong is the care he is putting into it.
After every performance, Seger sets himself into a private jet and heads home to Michigan for lots of water and sleep. Many performers run their voices ragged after performances, talking and partying after the show. Letting it rest is the best way to assure optimal performance for the many shows Seger is suddenly playing.
What started at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame induction as a possible 10-show mini-tour has expanded into a 45-date schedule that extends through late February. Fans couldn’t be happier. Shows are sold out at every stop, and the list keeps on growing as Seger’s true appeal after all these years comes across.
The shows have been running over two hours each, which gives plenty of material for a live video or album release. Wednesday night’s performance boasted the appearance of fellow Detroit-ian Kid Rock who performed their remake of Vince Gill’s “Real Mean Bottle” from Seger’s most recent “Face the Promise.” When he appeared on stage, Rock dropped to his knees to pay homage to his hero, admitting how unworthy we all are in Seger’s presence.
Former live releases include only two albums, Live Bullet in 1976 and Nine Tonight in 1981, but never a full-length DVD. Perhaps it happens once a decade, and if that’s the case, the time is right.
