By Jon Fassnacht
Reading Eagle
In a sense, Kid Rock could be considered a mad scientist.
Who else would consider pairing one of rap’s pioneers with a co-founder of a legendary Southern rock band and bringing them on tour.
Not only that, who else could make the coupling — Rev Run from Run D.M.C. and former Allman Brothers Band guitarist Dickey Betts — seem natural.
Returning to Reading on Friday night two years after his last performance here, Rock’s Rock & Roll Revival Tour gave the nearly packed Sovereign Center crowd a 21/2-hour bouillabaisse of Southern rock, rap, metal and country.
One moment the crowd was singing along to David Allen Coe’s country classic “You Never Even Call Me by my Name” — minutes later that same crowd was rapping along with Run D.M.C.’s “It’s Tricky.”
Before one song Rock exclaimed, “I think it’s time to do a little honky tonkin’ in here” — before another he showed off his turntable skills.
Rock was on tour to promote his latest album, “Rock ‘n’ Roll Jesus,” and the stage played off the theme, with a giant cross extending into the audience.
The Kid spent most of his time there, exhorting the crowd to make some noise and wave their hands, his hair flapping out of the back of his hat as he jumped around to hits such as “Cowboy,” “Bawitdaba” and “Devil Without a Cause.”
“I know that everyone in here may not have a lot of things in common,” Rock preached, “but what I do know is that you all came here to hear some music and have a good time.”
Then Father Rock persuaded those in the audience — which ranged from teenagers to baby boomers — to shake hands with someone near them whom they didn’t know.
Rock’s Twisted Brown Trucker Band has grown in the last few years to include two female backing singers and a saxophonist, giving it a sound reminiscent of Lynyrd Skynyrd and the E Street Band.
And it took those bands’ live ethos to heart, extending many of the songs to include breakdowns, solos and sing-a-longs.
Betts and son Duane joined the group during the evening’s first set for three guitar-solo-laden Allman staples: “Jessica,” “Southbound” and “Ramblin’ Man.”
Rev Run rocked the crowd during the night’s second half, performing a 20-minute medley of seven of Run D.M.C.’s old-school hits, including “You Be Illin’,” “King of Rock” and a scorching version of “Walk This Way” that might have been the highlight of the evening.
© Contact Jon Fassnacht at 610-371-5017 or jfassnacht@readingeagle.com.
Kid Rock brings it all together at Sovereign Center
Sunday, March 23rd, 2008
8 Responses to “Kid Rock brings it all together at Sovereign Center”
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March 23rd, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Oh Yeah… Right On!!!
We had a great time once again.
Great Show in Reading PA
Luv the write up!
Peace, Luv & Rock n’ Roll
SherZ
March 23rd, 2008 at 11:28 pm
Hey Bobby,
That was the best show I saw in years if not the best. I have to tell everyone how classy you are when you stopped in the middle of your performance to sign a Poster that was great. Keep up the great work and keep it real.
Later Dude,
TJ
March 24th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
KID ROCK was so hot, friday night at sovereign center in reading pa. He rocked the house, like he always does. that guy is sooooooooo hottttttttttttt!!!!!! He can put his sneakers under my bed any time. Good luck on the reat of your tour, can’t wait untill next year. luv you!
March 25th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
I’ve been to 5 Kid Rock shows and this one was the best!!!!!!!! The gentleman that introduced you at the beginninng of your show came off the stage and took my hand and put a pit pass on my wrist! WOW I don’t think I have ever been so happy in my life! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!! Great Show in Reading! Can’t wait to see you again! Like you said, PA sure knows how to party!!!!!! Love YOU!
T
March 25th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
Awesome show on Friday! One of the best concerts I have ever been to, and I have been to a lot of concerts! It made the 5 hour train ride and 1 1/2 car ride to Reading, PA all worth it. We saw Kid Rock @ Mohegan Sun in CT in January and thought his show was so good we just had to go see him again in PA. This show was even better and longer. Thanks Bobby for a spectacular performance. We are mapping out our next trip to see you again soon!
Love and Hugs!!!!
March 26th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
I’m still rockin’ over the concert. If there was another one tomorrow, I’d be there! The music proved what an amazing artist Kid Rock is, as well as Rev Run and Dickie. Hey!, I lost my voice and limped out of the arena, but it was all worth it. Thanks for one great evening you provided me with.
I have one of Kids’ c d’s with only one song suitable for kids and my lil’ guy, who is barely 2 years old, sits in his car seat, while we drive and knows just about every word in the song. You should see this lil guy rock with me. He and I belt out the tune and at the “I LOVE YOU” part we both go insane. Wish you could see it.
We want you back as soon as possible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Linda Lou
March 29th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Want so bad to see this concert in Valley Center-don’t know if I can afford it this time-seems like such a shame-every concert is so rockin! I will watch for more info-never know, might get lucky and win some ticks. If I get to go, I’ll let everyone know just how on his game he is on this tour-If the past is any record of his performance-he’s gonna ROCK OUT! It is after all The Kid.
Ms. Girlie
April 1st, 2008 at 10:01 pm
Thanks for a great concert!! I was hooked the first time I saw you on MTV singin’ Cowboy! You are an awesome performer, awesome singer and awesome artist. Thanks for being you!!
~Tall blonde, first row ;o)