Bob Seger Returning to the Stage in March Brings Back Strong Memories

Bog Seger announced that he will begin touring America once again in March, and millions of his fans are thrilled. I have been a fan of Bob Seger since the early eighties, and his music paralleled what I would consider to be the happiest days of my childhood. His music was the backdrop to major changes in my life, and it is a familiar refrain among music fans of that era. What is it about Bob Seger's music that brings out such vivid and powerful memories? For me, it was all about the tone and lyrics, aside from the obvious life changes that were going on around me.

Music that touches the soul

My personal life was the perfect storm of Bob Seger lyrics in their own right. It was 1979, and my mom and dad were divorcing after twenty years of marriage. My mom was dating a new man, who would later become my step-father. We had never been around anyone stronger than Freddie Fender on the music scene, along with the occasional Jackson Five. Bob Seger was a revelation to me, along with other musical greats of the era that I began to explore. Seger in particular stood out, mainly because of his sound and the fact that he was my step-father's favorite singer. Something about his music soothed the soul, and made you feel as though everything would be okay.

My mother and father were both very conservative prior to this time period. My Mother was obviously not as conservative on the inside as my Dad, so the break up was inevitable looking back. My Mother was a bit of a free spirit-not wild but not one to sit and spend every moment folding clothes and doing dishes either. She needed someone that could set her free, and in many ways I did as well. My step-dad did this for us in more ways than one, and he gave me a Father I had been lacking for a very long time. All the while, the cool, refreshing and poignant tunes of Bob Seger was playing in the background and urging us to keep on moving, growing and reaching for something new and improved.

Music that marked an era

From the haunting tunes of "Fire Lake" to the fun loving and hard driving "Old Time Rock n Roll," Seger's music has been a picture of everyday living. I remember loading up in our old, beat up Pinto, pop-up camper in tow, and blasting "Against the Wind" as we headed out for family trips. The music hit you right in the heart, and grabbed hold with a simple tune and heartfelt lyrics that spoke of a simple man and a complicated life. It was easy to apply Seger's music and words to your own life, and you remembered that connection every time you heard it.

Bob Seger was also one of the first concerts I ever attended, and I will never forget it. The music was like an old friend, and it left you feeling like you were home. His concert was an exercise in feel good music with an old familiar friend. Any music lover that attends a Bob Seger concert will walk out a fan.

With Bob Seger finally coming back on tour, I can promise you that I will be there, regardless of how far I might have to travel. If I am lucky, I will have my brother and step-father beside me, and we will take that familiar musical journey through our history.

If you have not experienced the man in concert, I urge you to take in the experience. You will not only get a great concert loaded with awesome music, you just might create a memory or two along the way.

Source:

Rolling Stone, Bob Seger Announces American Tour, rollingstone.com

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