Classic Concert - rating of bands in order (because sometimes you rate things).
First of all, the weekend was excellent. I'd say the best Supergroup concert other than the original Nardfest in 2013 or the infamous Camarillo High School Gymnasium Nardcore show. Here are my ratings (in case you wondered how good the bands were).
6. Steely Dan - well, someone had to be 6th. They sounded great. But missing Walter Becker was huge blow, even if they had legendary guitarist Larry Carlton with them. But the loss of Becker prevented them from playing 3 of the hugest hits - Rikki Don't Lose that Number, Peg, and FM.
5. Earth, Wind, and Fire - still a stellar performance. But the loss of Maurice White, sound issues, and no "Reasons" dropped them. They were fun and the crowd was hopping.
4. Journey - this was not Arnell Pineda's fault. He was great. And they were great. Played all of their hits. Dropped this low because of not 1, but TWO Neal Schon lengthy guitar solos. I know he's great, a prodigy of Carlos Santana himself, but every song already had a great guitar lead - no need for lengthy solos to show how great you are. The return of Steve Smith on drums was their highlight and he undoubtedly played the best solo (of any instrument) the entire weekend.
3. Doobie Brothers - solid performance. Sounded great. Sang all of their hits. They had the tough slot of opening the weekend and did NOT disappoint. No Michael McDonald, or they would have threatened for no. 2. I did have them ranked 2, until the final moments of
2. Fleetwood Mac - Sound issues would have dropped them lower. But all original members (well, you know what I mean) was huge. Considering 3 are older than 70, the other two 67 and 69, they ROCKED the place. Lindsey Buckingham is an EXCELLENT guitarist and Christine McVie is the talent. They made it to no. 2 because of the Dodgers Stadium fireworks at the end of the show. Epic ending to a great weekend.
1. Eagles - surprise! Okay, most of this is in part an emotional vote, seeing that it was mostly a tribute to Glenn Frey. But Deacon Frey, Vince Gil, and Bob Seger all filled in with stellar performances. They sounded great, played all of their hits, and some obscure songs too. But worth every penny knowing that my wife had never seen them before. I'd seen them a few times with Felder and Frey, and this still may have been my favorite time.
If you are in NY or want to go there, I highly recommend seeing the Classic East at Citi Field next weekend.