Rock's Greatest Generation

A representative of what is arguably rock 'n' roll's Greatest Generation, Ian Hunter, made his Narrows debut Saturday night.

Hunter, 71 years young, was Mott the Hoople, the glam rock band from the 1970s. Their hits include All the Way from Memphis ("You look like a star but you're really out on parole"), a cover of Lou Reed's Sweet Jane ("Standing on the corner, suitcase in his hand"), and David Bowie's All the Young Dudes, which gave Mott the Hoople a career after they were on the verge of being the next big thing that never was.

After Mott, Hunter went on to a solo career and songwriting. His greatest commercial successes were his Cleveland Rocks (the theme song of the Drew Carey Show, recorded by the Presidents of the United States), Ships, sung by Barry Manilow, and Once Bitten Twice Shy, covered by Great White. Did I miss anything, fans?

Saturday night he was in great voice, with plenty of energy, spurred on by former Wings member Steve Holley on drums and guitarist extraordinaire Andy York.

Hunter is one of the oldest of Rock's Greatest Generation, but Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Bob Dylan, Roger McGuinn, Chris Hillman, Paul McCartney, David Crosby, Dan Hicks, Steven Stills, Grace Slick, Jorma Kaukonen, John Sebastian,Pete Townsend, Ray Davies, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Jeff Beck, Leon Russell, Van Morrison, Judy Collins, Donovan, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, etc. aren't far behind. And many still pack venues, despite being on the scene for 40 or more years. To put that in perspective, if you were living in the 1960s, it would be like performers from the 1920s still competing in the concert halls and on the record charts. With the exception of Louis Armstrong, I don't think that was happening much if at all.

So Hail! Hail! Rock's Greatest Generation. Long may you live. Hope to see you, like Ian Hunter, at the Narrows soon.