Keep on rocking me, baby

Classic rock fans will soon get a chance to view some of rock's greatest performers in concert

 by Lauren Cusimano
 published on Wednesday, February 20, 2008

For any student who has heard the phrase, "You were born, like, 40 years too late," this is an exciting time.

Performances like Johnny Rivers, Bon Jovi, Rush and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers will be in town soon.

"There are so many classic rockers that are still going strong these days," Susan Stone, DJ for classic rock station KSLX-FM, says in an e-mail. "I think that's awesome."

It's also hard to ignore the rumor that Led Zeppelin may tour later this year after Robert Plant's own tour with bluegrass star Alison Krauss.

"Of course, the Led Zeppelin one-off reunion show in London was huge, and now there are still rumors that a full blown tour could happen later this year," Stone says.

Pre-film freshman Wyeth Taylor says it's exciting that Led Zeppelin may get back together. "The fact that they're willing to get together for their fans is really just a generous thing on their part," he says.

Accounting freshman Alex Jones agrees and says it's great to see Led Zeppelin moving into this century.

"The thing about Led Zeppelin is that they're huge," he says. "Not just to my generation, but the previous generation, and they've impacted both."

Jones also says these performances act as a way to make long-time fans feel young again.

"I mean, why do you think my mom still goes to Rolling Stones concerts and still goes to Eric Clapton concerts?" he says. "It makes her feel like she is not twice the age of what she (first) was when she was listening to that music."

KSLX program director Jim Owen says people are excited about the possible Led Zeppelin tour.

"Led Zeppelin has maintained this status throughout the decades as a huge rock band, not just a classic rock band," Owen says. "They're just one of those kinds of bands that's going to create a lot of interest across a lot of different people."

But Owen says there is one drawback to the possible reunion tour.

"They're going to be expensive tickets," he says.

Rush will be in Phoenix in May for the Snakes & Arrows Tour. Owen says it has been a while since they have visited, and many people are eager for the show.

"Rush is another one of those bands that has a really strong following," he says. "It doesn't cross as many different types of people, but the folks that are into it are into it heavy."

"The Pink Floyd LaserSpectacular" and "Rain: The Beatles Experience" are also about to blow some minds in Phoenix. According to Jim Owen, these tribute bands are the next best thing.

"There is a lot of interest for people who didn't see the bands before," he says. "If they did see them before, this is the only way to see them again."

Owen says these tribute acts are the only way to relive the experience and if the band has enough talent, then it can be a decent show.

Referring to the Led Zeppelin hype and excitement over Phoenix's future guests, Owen says this is a great time for old and new fans alike.

Reach the reporter at: lauren.cusimano@asu.edu