A True Celebration as Live Performances by Classic Rock Bands Return to a Legendary Venue
By John Lavitt
Burbank, California (The Hollywood Times) July 13, 2021
On July 25th, a classic rock experience is going to happen at the Starlight Bowl in Burbank. Legendary bands Jefferson Starship and Blue Öyster Cult will take the stage to celebrate live performances coming back. Outstanding examples of the history of American Rock and Roll, both bands bring energy and power to the stage. Indeed, if you are ready to see live music again, this is a concert you should not miss. All you need to do is follow this link to the Starlight Bowl website and get your tickets today. Indeed, with so many people still unwilling to go to live shows, excellent seats are still available.
With Grace Slick in her eighties and Paul Kanter no longer living, most of the founding members no longer tour with the band they helped make famous. However, Jefferson Starship is lucky to have a founding member of Jefferson Airplane still performing live. Ready to rock the Starlight Bowl, original Jefferson airplane musician David Freiberg still plays bass for the classic band. Moreover, drummer Danny Baldwin, a historic member of Jefferson Starship since the early 1980s, joins David to guarantee that the rhythm section reflects the original feel of one of the finest American bands.
Joining David Freiberg and Danny Baldwin in the Starship, longtime members of the revived band are Chris Smith on keyboards and Jude Gold on lead guitar. With many years of playing with Jefferson Starship, these incredible musicians are thrilled to finally be returning to playing live in front of excited fans. Even more exciting, GRAMMY Nominee Cathy Richardson anchors the female lead vocal spot made famous by one of the great women of American music, Grace Slick. Thrilled by Richardson’s vocals, Slick asked the vocalist to sing in her place when Jefferson Airplane accepts their Lifetime Achievement Award at the GRAMMY Merit Awards Concert.
How exciting will it be to see music that defined a generation performed live again? As a reviewer of concerts, plays, and events, this reporter could not be more thrilled. After all, the songs of Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship define a generation. From Volunteers and White Rabbit to Miracles and Somebody to Love, these songs pulsing at the heart of American popular culture will bring the Starlight Bowl to life. Indeed, if it were only Jefferson Starship playing, it would be more than enough.
However, Jefferson Starship is joined by Blue Öyster Cult, another monumental American band. Founded in Stony Brook, New York, in 1967, the incredibly popular cult band is best known for the singles Don’t Fear The Reaper, Burnin’ for You, and Godzilla. Significantly, the band has kept to their guns while selling more than 25 million records worldwide, including seven million in the United States alone.
Now nearing their fifth decade playing together, Blue Öyster Cult embraces the ethic of “On Tour Forever,” playing shows to sold-out crowds all over the world. The band still includes members Eric Bloom (vocals, stun guitar), Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser (lead guitar, vocals), Allen Lanier (keyboards), and rhythm section brothers Joe Bouchard (bass, vocals) and Albert Bouchard (drums, vocals).
Indeed, it’s incredible seeing this band continuing to move forward with such power and determination. Led by Buck Dharma, his guitar playing is the signature sound and the driving sonic force of Blue Öyster Cult. Moreover, Buck is a gifted songwriter and expressive singer. His smooth vocal style helped to turn Don’t Fear the Reaper and Burnin’ For You into classic rock hits. Without any doubt, when Jefferson Starship and Blue Öyster Cult take the stage at the Starlight Bowl on July 25th, it will be a night of classic music to remember.
