The Guess Who's 'Takin' It Back' Tour: A Nostalgic Journey Through Time and Sound
The Guess Who, the legendary Canadian rock band, took us on a nostalgic trip down memory lane with their 'Takin' It Back' tour. This summer, the band, comprising founding members Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings, is celebrating their 60th anniversary and legal victories, bringing their iconic brand of 'toe tappin’ and finger snappin’' rock and roll to the United States. The tour is a testament to their enduring legacy and the timeless nature of their music.
On a warm summer evening, the band performed at the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview, accompanied by special guest Don Felder, the former lead guitarist of The Eagles. Felder's set, filled with classic Eagles hits like 'Already Gone' and 'Hotel California', was a delightful surprise for the audience, who may not have been familiar with his work outside of the band.
The main event, however, was The Guess Who's performance, which was a mixed bag. The band's set was opened by the travelogue-like song 'Runnin’ Back to Saskatoon', a nod to their Canadian roots. However, the audio engineering didn't quite match the musicianship on stage, with the first part of the set being overly loud and overwhelming the voices and lead guitarist. This was a disappointment, especially in contrast to the clarity of Don Felder's sound.
Despite the technical issues, Burton Cummings exuded a youthful exuberance throughout the night, clearly relishing the opportunity to perform alongside his longtime friend, Randy Bachman. The band's set was a mix of their classic hits, including 'These Eyes', 'Laughing', and 'Star Baby', as well as some Bachman-Turner Overdrive songs like 'You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet' and 'Takin’ Care of Business'.
One of the highlights of the night was the band's cover of The Doors' 'Roadhouse Blues', which seamlessly transitioned into 'American Woman'. Bachman's fuzzed-out Les Paul echoed throughout the amphitheater, creating a hazy, mystical atmosphere. The band's musicianship and songcraft are top-notch, and their deep cuts can take the audience on strange and wonderful journeys.
The 'Takin' It Back' tour is a well-deserved musical victory lap for Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings. The band's legal victories and 60-year journey have resulted in a collection of timeless songs that have touched countless lives. While there were technical issues and some pacing concerns, the overall experience was a nostalgic and enjoyable journey through time and sound.
In conclusion, The Guess Who's 'Takin' It Back' tour is a must-see for fans of classic rock. The band's music is a testament to their enduring legacy, and their performance is a celebration of their 60-year journey. The tour is a reminder that, despite the passage of time, the songs never go away, and the band's music continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
