Story & Photos by Andy Lyons, Editor-in-Chief
The riffs and gang vocals of ‘70s rock n roll once represented the rebellious spirit of the era, but have evolved to symbolize family bonding and car singalongs in the decades since. Those family bonds were prevalent Friday night at the Missouri State Fair as Foghat rolled into town with support from other classic rock legends Pat Travers Band, Firefall, and Atlanta Rhythm Section.
From the time Pat Travers announced to the crowd “I’m gonna kick your ass” to Foghat’s show-closing hit song “Slow Ride,” the small crowd was dancing, singing along, and rocking out to some of the greatest musicians to ever step on the Pepsi Grandstand’s stage.
While the crowd was small, the show was an evident family affair with grandparents singing along while grandkids danced to the lengthy jams and sang along to the multiple vocalists fans have come to love.
One of the biggest parts of the show not lost on those in attendance was how each band seemed to be having fun with their sets. Each group seemed to smile and enjoy being on stage together, from Firefall’s members standing shoulder to shoulder to play to Foghat’s Roger Earl sticking his tongue out at guitarist Bryan Bassett, the mood was light and the crowd responded with laughs and cheers.
The concert was an example that musicianship as well as showmanship can elicit some of the best reactions from the crowd. In an era where pop music and playing audio tracks from a laptop are commonplace in the music industry, the Rock of the ‘70s night at the Fair proved full bands still have a home on stage in front of a crowd, and can still get people on their feet and their hands in the air.
View our preview of the show featuring an interview with Foghat guitarist Bryan Bassett here.