As most of us have discovered, milestone ages can either be times to celebrate or they can be occasions to reflect – or maybe a little of both. This month, Bob Seger turned 60, and it stopped me for a second.
I have debated about the wisdom of broadcasting these advanced birthday factoids on Classic Rock stations. On the one hand, we want to know how old our rock icons are turning. On the other, it can make us feel old.
Yet, so much depends on how things are going when these “round number” ages sneak up on us. The same goes for our Classic Rockers. In Seger’s case, we Detroiters would love to hear that next album in the hope that it has a little of that magic that made Stranger In Town or Night Moves so special. We’d certainly love a tour to get another chance to see Bob with his Silver Bullet Band. But this is a guy who enjoys his privacy, going to Pistons games with his kids, and taking his sweet time.
On the other hand, Eric Clapton is now 60 as well, and he’s had a different month. The reconstituted Cream played a series of Royal Albert Hall concerts to wildly enthusiastic reviews. There’s even talk of some concert dates here in the States. Despite their ages, Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker, and E.C. still have it.
Also this month, we heard tour date information from the Stones, another group that defies age and logic. Let’s not forget that Paul McCartney’s tour is also selling out across the country – another reminder that he continues to be vital, popular, and laughing in the face of conventional wisdom.
Happy birthday, Bob, and may you join your fellow Classic Rockers for what is promising to be yet another banner year for concerts – and the format.
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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