The Guess Who's 'Takin' It Back' Tour: A Nostalgic Journey Through Time and Sound
The Guess Who's 'Takin' It Back' tour is a celebration of the band's rich history and a testament to the enduring power of classic rock. This summer, the Canadian Music Hall of Famers are bringing their unique brand of 'toe tappin' and finger snappin' rock and roll' to audiences across the United States. On a warm summer evening, the band took the stage at the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview, and the audience was transported back to the 1970s.
The opening act was Don Felder, the former lead guitarist of The Eagles. His set was a delightful surprise for many, as he effortlessly navigated through hit after hit, including the classic 'Already Gone'. Felder's performance was a masterclass in guitar playing, and his ability to captivate the audience with his sunburnt Les Paul was truly impressive. My personal favorite was 'Witchy Woman', which took on a slightly sinister tone, and the standing ovation for 'Hotel California' was well-deserved.
The Guess Who took the stage next, and the audience was treated to a video montage of their storied 60+ year career. The band opened the evening with 'Runnin' Back to Saskatoon', a travelogue tune that celebrated their Canadian heritage. However, the audio engineering didn't match the musicianship on stage, and the first part of the set was 'loud', with a sonic wall that overwhelmed the voices and lead guitarist. This was a disappointing start, especially in contrast to the clarity of Don Felder's sound.
Despite the technical issues, Burton Cummings exhibited a youthful exuberance throughout the night. He was clearly revelling in performing these classic songs alongside his longtime friend, Randy Bachman. The band introduced their 1968 hit 'These Eyes', and the audience sang along, swaying their arms. The nostalgia went both ways, and the mix had settled in at this point, revealing the band's exceptional songcraft.
The band's set was filled with stories, and they introduced their 1969 hit 'Laughing' with a uniquely Canadian blend of humility and bravado. My personal favorite was 'Star Baby', a short and sweet straight ahead rock song. The band also performed several Bachman-Turner Overdrive songs, including 'You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet' and 'Takin' Care of Business', which were crowd favorites.
The Guess Who's 'Takin' It Back' tour is a testament to the band's enduring legacy and the power of classic rock. The band's musicianship and songcraft are top-notch, and the deep cuts can go to some strange places. The tour is a well-deserved musical victory lap for Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings, and it's a must-see for any fan of classic rock. The band's ability to transport the audience back to the 1970s is a testament to their skill and the timeless nature of their music. The 'Takin' It Back' tour is a celebration of the past, present, and future of classic rock, and it's a journey that every music lover should experience.
