Atlanta’s Big Spring Concerts
Springsteen, Matthews, Fleetwood Mac
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Friday, April 24, 2009
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN AND THE E STREET BAND
Milestones
Paul Sakuma/STF
Bruce Springsteen, who will be 60 in September, is bringing the E Street Band to Philips Arena.
AJ Mast
Dave Matthews and his bandmates will release their seventh studio album in June.
Charles Sykes/FRE
Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac are still bringing in crowds decades after their ‘Rumours’ glory.
The Boss turns 60 in September.
Pre-concert listening
Some might quibble, but you can’t go wrong with “Born to Run” and “Darkness on the Edge of Town.”
Who’s missing
Danny Federci, longtime E Street Band organist, died in April 2008 after battling melanoma for several years.
The politics of rockingSpringsteen got some grief for his outspoken support of Barack Obama. He performed supporting shows during the campaign and during the pre-inaugural celebrations.
Atlanta connection
Atlanta seems to be Springsteen’s favorite spot to record these days. And Atlanta’s Brendan O’Brien is his go-to producer. Every Springsteen album released this decade — except for a Pete Seeger tribute — has been recorded primarily in Atlanta.
THE FACTS
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. 7:30 p.m. April 26. $69-$99; $99 standing floor. Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive N.W., Atlanta. 404-878-3000, 404-249-6400, www.philipsarena.com.
What they’re saying
“To be sure, Springsteen and company provided plenty of deeply felt music Wednesday, but he delivered something more earthbound: a much-needed message of optimism to counter the daily doses of grim news bombarding us.”—The Los Angeles Times reviewed Springsteen’s April 15 show.
DAVE MATTHEWS BAND
Milestones
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the band’s major label debut, “Under the Table and Dreaming.” The band’s seventh studio album, and the first since 2005’s “Stand Up,” is coming in June.
Pre-concert listening
DMB is at its best onstage, so try “The Central Park Concert” or “Live at Red Rocks 8.15.95.”
Who’s missing
Longtime DMB sax man LeRoi Moore died in August 2008 due to complications from injuries he received in an ATV accident.
The politics of rocking
Matthews endorsed Barack Obama and played several benefit shows during the last presidential campaign.
Atlanta connection
In September 2007, DMB joined the Allman Brothers for a concert in Piedmont Park to raise money for the Piedmont Park Conservancy.
THE FACTS
Dave Matthews Band. With the Avett Brothers. 7:30 p.m. April 28-29. $75; $40 lawn. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. 404-733-5010, 404-249-6400, www.vzwamp.com.
What they’re saying
“DMB once again distinguished itself as the premier live band working today.”—The Richmond Times-Dispatch, in a review of DMB’s tour kickoff with hometown shows in Charlottesville, Va.
FLEETWOOD MAC
Milestones
In October, Lindsey Buckingham will be the last of the band’s most famous lineup to turn 60. Stevie Nicks will be 61 next month.
Pre-concert listening
They’ve never been better than they were on the one-two punch of 1975’s “Fleetwood Mac” and 1977’s “Rumours”
Who’s missing
Christine McVie, who joined Fleetwood Mac in 1970, retired after the band’s 1998 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The politics of rocking“Don’t Stop” was used by Bill Clinton in his first presidential campaign, and the then-disbanded group got back together to perform it at Clinton’s first inaugural ball.
Atlanta connection
Not Atlanta exactly, but Buckingham did one of the country-meets-rock “CMT Crossroads” concerts with Little Big Town, which includes North Georgians Kimberly Rhoads Schlapman and Karen Fairchild.
THE FACTS
Fleetwood Mac. 8 p.m. April 28. $49.50-$149.50. Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive N.W., Atlanta. 404-878-3000, 404-249-6400, www.philipsarena.com.
What they’re saying
“At times, you got the impression that Buckingham might snap up there — and thank goodness. His emotionally raw vocals and unhinged guitar heroics stole the show.”—Cleveland’s Plain Dealer reviewed the band’s April 17 show.
