Attended Summerfest in Milwaukee for the first time ever this past weekend.
It won't be the last.
Amazing to see people I never dreamed were still doing it, people I missed because of covid cancelations, newer up and comers. Performers ranged the gamut from local power pop band Tigera (who look like they would have a hard time legally getting served at a bar) to Marshall Tucker Band(who are still ace musicians but who's lead singer Dougie Grey sadly doesn’t have it anymore)
One old fart whom did still have it was Rod Stewart. At 77 he still gives your money's worth and has lost little of that raspy but effective voice. He still has the moves as well.
He was opened by Cheap Trick who were clearly mailing it in. Rick Nielsen, whose zany stage presence was a big part of their shows,, can't move like he once did (he can still play) and while Robin Zander can still belt them out their true aces in the hole were Daxx Nielsen on drums and Robin Taylor Zander helping on guitar and taking more vocal leads.
Another night's headliner, Thomas Rhett, killed it. May be the hottest male country star going today. And he clearly plays off the crowd and enjoys interacting.
Black Crowes, with the Robinson Brothers back together again after their approximately 195th fallout, blew the doors off the stage. John Fogerty was professional as you would expect someone of his status to be. Flock Of Seagulls...sucked. Rick Springfield always has been a better live performer than record maker. Chevelle, they fucking rock on a live stage. Death Cab For Cutie...boom chugga lugga.
Which brings us to the biggest reason I went to summerfest. After all these years, Covid cancelations, and personal schedule conflicts, I finally got to see Bob Mould. It was worth the wait. In 75 minutes he banged out 23 songs, no fewer than eight of which were from Husker Du. He even played Never Talking To You Again, written by his former (and now late) Husker Du bandmate Grant Hart and rocked up considerably from its original acoustic version.
Also saw many lesser bands that you've never heard of, but are the whole point of the festival when you find the right one. Had a memorable weekend. Will definitely go again next year.
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