Old but famous bands today; worth seeing? | The Boneyard

Old but famous bands today; worth seeing?

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Blue Oyster Cult is playing soon near me and I was wondering about going. But, are any of these famous bands still worth seeing? The band itself may be all new people. I know some of BOC songs, the "Don't Fear the Reaper" one got way overplayed for me, but Cities on Flame, Godzilla, Hot Rails to Hell are cool. Online fans say their live shows are great and as a rock band goes, BOC is really underrated.

Still, has anyone seen newer incarnations of classic rock bands, and are the shows worth it?
 
They never compare with the original acts. Judas Priest lost both original guitarists for their present tour. Decided against going.
 
I saw Maiden in Mansfield MA a few years ago ... definitely worth it. Although I've never been particularly impressed with Janick Gers, he gives them that 3rd guitar sound that enhances the live performance. I even took my teenage kids and they had a great time too.
 
Saw EW&F two years ago at Tanglewood, when they had 3 original members remaining. Turned it out, they added one of the member's son. They are one of those groups that you can sing every song, which to me is important for longevity.

My daughter (26 at the time) who didn't know or care for them, never sat down, they are that good!
 
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Saw the Who last March. Only 2 originals. And they are old. Well I was so pleasantly surprised. Going to see ELO later this year....Tickets ain't cheap. I remember seeing the Doors, Kinks, and Beach Boys at Dillon Stadium for 6 bucks. LOLA, L O L A LOLA!!!!
 
Not something I'd spend money on. But to each his own.

I'd also draw a distinction between seeing a bunch of 70-year olds playing as a band vs. a solo artist with backing instrumentation. Case in point would be someone like Frampton. You don't go to hear the hits from FCA. You go for all the other stuff he plays. He's a much better guitarist than generally given credit for, and he still looks like he's having fun instead of collecting a paycheck.
 
Just recently saw the Classics IV and the Box Tops in the same show. Both did well. And yes, these guys are in their mid 60's but can still play.
 
Cheap Trick was good even though it was "free" with the price of admission to the Norwalk Oyster Festival.

Is Pearl Jam counted? Still as good live as ever even without Eddie climbing the light scaffolding.
 
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Ewekon said:
Cheap Trick was good even though it was "free" with the price of admission to the Norwalk Oyster Festival.
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+1 on Cheap Trick. Robin Zander can still sing.

I was also darn near blown away by Toto when I caught them recently. Steve Lukather is a great guitarist. They even did a Robin Trower cover.
 
I'd love to go see Neil Young or Bob Dylan, but not sure what they're like these days.

I saw Willie Nelson a couple of years back and he still had his trademark voice. Couldn't really strum the guitar in a rhythm, but he was fun to see.
 
uconnphil2016 said:
I'd love to go see Neil Young or Bob Dylan, but not sure what they're like these days.

I saw Willie Nelson a couple of years back and he still had his trademark voice. Couldn't really strum the guitar in a rhythm, but he was fun to see.
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Several years ago< I saw BB King. He had just turned 83. He relegated much of the show to his band. I was fearful of seeing Willie the next night because he was 75. He killed it for 2 plus hours at Red Rocks. The opening act was Billy Bob Thornton. He had top notch musicians, but was mediocre at best.
 
uconnphil2016 said:
I'd love to go see Neil Young or Bob Dylan, but not sure what they're like these days.

I saw Willie Nelson a couple of years back and he still had his trademark voice. Couldn't really strum the guitar in a rhythm, but he was fun to see.
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Neil is still pretty great. He's been playing with Willie Nelson's sons for the past few years but didn't tour in 2017. Still puts on a killer show imo.

As for Bob- go just so you can see a legend.
 
uconnphil2016 said:
I'd love to go see Neil Young or Bob Dylan, but not sure what they're like these days.

I saw Willie Nelson a couple of years back and he still had his trademark voice. Couldn't really strum the guitar in a rhythm, but he was fun to see.
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I have seen Dylan numerous times. Rolling Thunder review was epic. Saw him in Winter Park Co, and a few years back saw him with Amos Lee and Merle Haggard.........not recently though.
 
HskysNvrSlp said:
Neil is still pretty great. He's been playing with Willie Nelson's sons for the past few years but didn't tour in 2017. Still puts on a killer show imo.

As for Bob- go just so you can see a legend.
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I was pleasantly surprised by Joan Jett....she held up well

Had to check the Stones off my bucket list some years ago...energetic show with Jagger prancing and screeching in spandex...but their live music sounded nothing like the album...
 
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Waquoit said:
+1 on Cheap Trick. Robin Zander can still sing.

I was also darn near blown away by Toto when I caught them recently. Steve Lukather is a great guitarist. They even did a Robin Trower cover.
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Too bad 2 of the 3 Hartford guys are dead. They used to watch me ball up near Bowles Park, where they lived.
 
By old I assume you mean bands in their 60s and older. I had the same positive experience with Daltrey and Townshend a few years back. I expected Roger's voice to be a weak spot but he was surprisingly good that night. The backing band was Simon Townshend and Ringo's son Zach Starkey was fantastic. Was able to knock the top artist off my bucket list last year when I saw Clapton at The Garden. He sounded fantastic but he's been playing a fairly static setlist the past 4 years or so. Was so happy to see him but for $230 for a 200 level seat, I wouldn't do it again unless he changes up his setlist. Here's my list of other older artists I've seen the past 5 years.

Steely Dan-No Becker anymore but still a great show. Fagan stayed within his vocal range, great overall musicianship

Petty and Heartbreakers-Fortunate to see them before Tom passed, especially in their home state of Florida. Mike Campbell is one of my favorite guitar players, hope he stays active.

Dead and Company-With Mayer I've seen them three times, he and Oteil Burbridge have really energized the band, I highly recommend them. Mayer has really stepped into the Jerry role and been a perfect fit.

Van Halen-Eddie is clean and playing great. If Dave stays within his now limited range they're good to see, especially since ticket prices are pretty reasonable.

Pearl Jam-Current top bucket list band, excited to be seeing them Labor Day Weekend at Fenway
 
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tentoes4rings said:
By old I assume you mean bands in their 60s and older. I had the same positive experience with Daltrey and Townshend a few years back. I expected Roger's voice to be a weak spot but he was surprisingly good that night. The backing band was Simon Townshend and Ringo's son Zach Starkey was fantastic. Was able to knock the top artist off my bucket list last year when I saw Clapton at The Garden. He sounded fantastic but he's been playing a fairly static setlist the past 4 years or so. Was so happy to see him but for $230 for a 200 level seat, I wouldn't do it again unless he changes up his setlist. Here's my list of other older artists I've seen the past 5 years.

Steely Dan-No Becker anymore but still a great show. Fagan stayed within his vocal range, great overall musicianship

Petty and Heartbreakers-Fortunate to see them before Tom passed, especially in their home state of Florida. Mike Campbell is one of my favorite guitar players, hope he stays active.

Dead and Company-With Mayer I've seen them three times, he and Oteil Burbridge have really energized the band, I highly recommend them. Mayer has really stepped into the Jerry role and been a perfect fit.

Van Halen-Eddie is clean and playing great. If Dave stays within his now limited range they're good to see, especially since ticket prices are pretty reasonable.

Pearl Jam-Current top bucket list band, excited to be seeing them Labor Day Weekend at Fenway
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I'll probably see Dead & Company when they visit Hartford this year...looking forward to that one. Happy to see they have good reviews. Wonder how @August_West feels about it
 
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Let me add to this. You guys have live blues in Connecticut. Legends playing regularly, for little money.
Guys like Popa Chubby, Walter Trout, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Tab Benoit, among others for around 20 bucks.
 
Madmannsucks said:
I remember seeing the Doors, Kinks, and Beach Boys at Dillon Stadium for 6 bucks. LOLA, L O L A LOLA!!!!
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I was hoping for a Kinks reunion until about 10 years ago. Much as I love 'em, I likely wouldn't pay for a ticket today. Ray can't bring it anymore as a Kink. Dave isn't what he was pre-stroke. I would, however, see either solo (btw, Dave is in Hartford on 4/6).

It's kind of fitting that their last performance of note was Hatred on the Tonight Show.
 
uconnphil2016 said:
I'd love to go see Neil Young or Bob Dylan, but not sure what they're like these days.

I saw Willie Nelson a couple of years back and he still had his trademark voice. Couldn't really strum the guitar in a rhythm, but he was fun to see.
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Key thing is band vs. artist backed by band. Potential for clash of egos & multiple declining capacities vs. someone having something to say across the span of a lifetime.

When I last saw Willie Nelson, his guitar playing had zero virtuoso finesse but was remarkably artful. Neil Young similarly has been a master of milking the same few notes as jazz pianist Mal Waldron was. For more than half a century, Dylan has continually refashioned his songs, along with an ever-evolving 'voice' that pairs with crackerjack bands. All are worthwhile.
Of bands recreating their classic sound, I've got no real interest, although The Who at 2/4 strength have the most important 2, and The Stones will know when to stop.
 
Madmannsucks said:
Couple years back saw the Original James Gang with Joe Walsh at Red Rocks. Also saw CSNY there a while back. Both shows were outstanding.
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Very envious of that James Gang show, how was it? Finally saw my first Red Rocks show last year, Tedeschi Trucks Band. What an amazing venue that was. I'm seriously considering moving to Colorado this summer, do you live there now?
 
Hans Sprungfeld said:
Key thing is band vs. artist backed by band. Potential for clash of egos & multiple declining capacities vs. someone having something to say across the span of a lifetime.

When I last saw Willie Nelson, his guitar playing had zero virtuoso finesse but was remarkably artful. Neil Young similarly has been a master of milking the same few notes as jazz pianist Mal Waldron was. For more than half a century, Dylan has continually refashioned his songs, along with an ever-evolving 'voice' that pairs with crackerjack bands. All are worthwhile.
Of bands recreating their classic sound, I've got no real interest, although The Who at 2/4 strength have the most important 2, and The Stones will know when to stop.
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Good to know. I'll always remember leaving Willie's concert and walking to the car as he played 'Roll me up and smoke me when i die.' Concert was in Simsbury on the lawn, maybe some other yarders were there
 
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