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Like a F*cking Rock

Music → Articles

Posted By: J.M.B | February 22, 2010 | 1 comment

On May 6, 1945, a mortal man was born with the aura of a god, and the voice of an angel. No, I’m not talking about Elvis, Pavarati, or Little Richard. I’m talking about the man with the distinct, extraordinary ability to sing with his soul. A man whose introduction I am not worthy of giving, but am honored to right now. The ramblin’ gamblin’ man himself… Bob Seger.

Some of you may wonder how it comes to be that a 24 year old woman like myself could worship an artist whose peak came and went before I was born. It’s perplexing to me, as well. But what I’ve come to learn throughout my life is that you cannot help who you have feelings for. NO, I do not have sexual/romantic feelings toward Bob Seger. The thought disgusts me. Not because he is 41 years older than me, but because my love for him is comparable to the love I would have for my father. When I was a child, my parents would play my favorite TAPE (lol) of Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band. I remember to this day what it looked like. It was transparent with white print, and I was able to see the wound up black tape that held the voice I could that soothed my soul (reference? yup). I protected the exposed tape with my life, as if it were the only copy in existence. As if all others had been destroyed by those who never loved Bob as I did. I was almost mad that everyone else in the world could listen to him sing, as if he were mine and only mine. My admiration and respect for this man has only continued to blossom over the years, and to this day I occasionally still feel that same way, though now much more maturely accepting of the fact that others will hear him.

When I hear Bob’s voice come through a speaker, it’s breathtaking. The sound resonates to the core of my being and I am happy. He has been the savior of bad days, and a stress reliever when I am feeling overwhelmed. It is a reminder of the comfort of home, the innocence of childhood, and unconditional love. The deep rasp in his voice that somehow always manages a perfect pitch is by far unmatched. The songs he’s written and performed will forever be staples in the transcendence of Rock n’ Roll music. The scene in Risky Business where Tom Cruise, donning sunglasses and no pants, plays air guitar to “Old Time Rock n’ Roll” has been replayed countless times, and recognized by every generation. “Like a Rock” is the theme song for a popular Chevrolet commercial, representing a make of car that just proudly says “America.” Bob’s endorsement is only fitting. Ford might be a sturdier make, but Chevy is for blue-collar, hard working Americans such as he was before he was famous. I like that. “Turn the Page” is a haunting, yet equally beautiful ballad, covered years later by Metallica. Those bastards. Who do they think they are? We’re talking about the same guys who raised hell about Napster back in the day, when they were rolling in dough already and we we’re just trying to save money and not spend $25 on a CD with only one song we like. Bob’s not down with that- I can assure you.

I spent many years disappointed that I was born too late and was never able to attend a concert of his. I yearned to know what it would feel like to be surrounded by the presence of the epitome of Rock. Then, as if the angels had heard my prayers, Bob Seger went back on tour in the winter of 2006, after an 11 year hiatus. Out of nowhere. After two battles with cancer, and a stoke by the age of 43, a 61 year old Bob Seger stepped on stage in jeans, a black t-shirt and a bandana and belted out songs like he never missed a beat. He was incredible, untouchable and mysterious. If anything, aging has been beneficial as his voice is deeper and more soulful now. He sat down at the piano, with a saxophone playing in the background, and let pure magic flow through his fingertips. And for $250 a pop, my best friend and I were THERE in person to witness this gloriousness. Because of that night, my life is complete and if I were to die tomorrow, I would die a happy woman. Rock on, Bob Seger. Rock. On.

1. 

   Ms. That February 22, 2010 at 6:43 pm

   dude. when i clicked on this article, i wasn’t expecting to see a picture of Bob. I can’t even describe to you the .976 seconds of happiness I felt.

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