Eric Burdon... Remember him?

 

Every Spring there's a local event called the Daffodil Festival.  Lots of blooming yellow flowers amid craft vendors, food tents, and local bands: http://www.daffodilfest.com/  There's always a famous headliner, usually an older performer who appeals to the parents and is discovered by their kids.  Last year we saw The Turtles whose original members, the lead singers, are still going strong since the 60's. We met them after their show and talked to them while they signed autographs.   It's taking us almost 40 years to finally see more of our 60's faves like Donovan, Roger McGuinn (The Byrds) twice, The Monkees, and the stars of 2007's Hippie Fest. Go to earlier blog entrees for those shows.

   So this year the new oldie is Eric Burdon & The Animals.  Good Gawd, I was a huge fan in my high school/college years and never saw them in their prime. We almost saw him two years ago but the timing was bad. This time he's closer and for free. There's a brief bio on the website and it appears two of the original lineup will be here. He's in his late 60's and we saw him recently on a PBS show featuring him and other older rockers who still perform. He didn't sound too good, as if he was going through the motions so we shall soon see or, better yet, hear......

 

   At 3:30 we found a good spot on the ground in front of the band stage. Eric was to begin at 4:00 but an announcer told the crowd that his plane was delayed and they would be here soon. A local band that was to follow them would switch times with them.  They were OK but we wanted to see Eric who finally opened at 6:00. He's 66 with white hair and wore sun glasses. He was accompanied by younger musicians who were allowed long solos.  But how was Eric after all these years?  He could still bellow and grunt with his raspy, seasoned voice.  However they didn't perform enough of the hits and they wasted time on songs we could have done without although they were OK.  I didn't care for most of the new arrangements. When they opened with a Reggae version of 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood' I feared for the worst. He redeemed himself on 'House of the Rising Sun.' Yes it was good to finally see him but I didn't care for the skimpy choices and new versions of their hits. Original bandmate Hilton Valentine who lives and performs nearby never arrived, another disappointment. But WTF the concert was free and I'd be pissed if I paid for this so-so show. Thank Gawd for their Greatest Hits CD to refresh my memories.