Relics: I believe this is a term used to describe ancient stuff. Like rock bands that never seem to die. I want to know what happened to the mantra “Hope I die before I get old” that the Who preached back in the ‘60s. But hey, we’re all happy to see the remaining live members celebrate their 50th anniversary with a tour. Albeit with cancelled dates to rest an ailing throat, these guys are still working it.
Old Bands, New Tours
As I look at the summer concert schedule, I cannot help but notice that all the old relic bands are rolling out on new tours and everyone still wants to see them. More people will go see a bunch of grandfathers than Coldplay this summer. Nobody really wants to spend 300-600 clams for a seat, but mark my words, somebody is buying all of them regardless. I saw the Rolling Stones this week, and once again, the stadium was packed. I saw Rush this week as they celebrated their 40th anniversary. They honestly have the same energy and committed fan base that they had in 1982 when I worked with them. Proudly, we will cover both of those shows next month.
U2 has only been around 38 years. Little band that may make it to the top sometime if they keep at it. They just spent seven weeks in rehearsals to perfect a new touring show for their audiences. Most tours barely last that long. The Grateful Dead have announced they are doing their final shows. After 50 years of live shows and the fact that half the band members have passed on makes one wonder why they are getting back together to do some final shows. But the people packing the stadiums for these shows are all thrilled to be there, even if Jerry is only there in spirit. I kind of want to go myself.
In 1994 I joined the Eagles on their triumphant comeback tour called “Hell Freezes Over,” as that band decided to come out of retirement and traverse the world one last time. They were the first to charge 100 bucks for a ticket, and it opened a lot of eyes and wallets. Twenty years later, these guys are still cashing in. I have a hunch 100 clams won’t even get you in the nosebleed sections anymore. I wonder if those in attendance even stand up for an Eagles concert anymore. As for AC/DC, I doubt anyone at all could possibly sit down for one second of that show despite their age.
Neil Diamond has been writing top pop tunes for 50 years now. His stellar touring production (see profile, page 40) is out filling arenas as I write. Bette Midler burst on the scene when I was in high school, doing show tunes from old musicals I thought she was long gone from the business, but no, she’s heading out on a summer tour.
Then there’s the combo relic tour. See if you can combine any two performers together who collectively have over 125 years on earth. Paul Simon and Sting is quite a draw, as are any assortment of Fleetwood Mac members who reunite for a trot around the globe. The usual Journey/Def Leppard/Styx/Foreigner package is coming to a shed near you. Some of those acts have a combined 200 years of live experience between band members.
I honestly think that Paul McCartney never really stops touring. I think that tour just constantly ships containers of gear to different continents between shows and the crew and band catch up once a month in a different part of the globe. It’s been 50 years since this cat and his band played Shea Stadium. Still plays the same sized venues and he doesn’t look all that much different.
Relic Designers, Too
When one thinks of it, these old bands are probably lit by relic lighting designers. Such as yours truly. We all have to do something besides edit magazines. I remember the days when I insisted on standing for a whole show so I could dance around while hitting light cues. Now I often ponder how I could run a desk from a rocking chair. I may have to ask my pal Jonathan Smeeton, he should know.
Nook is still rocking both the LD and editing gigs. For his introduction to the June 2015 issue of PLSN, go to http://plsn.me/201506ednote
