S04E03 - The Band Played On: Paul Talks About Seeing Bands Live After a Lineup Change

In this episode of "Seeing Them Live," host Charles welcomes back Paul Peterson, a retired technology manager and lifelong audiophile who hosts the podcast 'An Avid Listener.' Together, Charles and Paul explore the complex world of bands performing with significantly changed lineups. The conversation was sparked by Paul's recent concert experiences, including seeing Alan Parsons and the Doobie Brothers with almost entirely new members, which led him to question what makes a band authentic and what concertgoers are really seeking when they buy tickets based on a famous name.

Charles and Paul examine numerous examples of lineup changes with varying outcomes. They contrast successful transitions like AC/DC replacing Bon Scott with Brian Johnson and Iron Maiden swapping Paul Di'Anno for Bruce Dickinson, with more questionable situations like Grand Funk Railroad touring without Mark Farner, the Beach Boys performing with only Mike Love, and Queen continuing with Adam Lambert. The discussion reveals how fans often purchase tickets unaware of major personnel changes, raising questions about transparency and the power of brand names in the music industry.

Paul encourages listeners to research bands before attending concerts and seek experiences that offer more than nostalgia. He emphasizes the value of artists sharing stories and offering unique performances rather than simply recreating studio recordings, praising innovative approaches like Steely Dan performing entire albums in sequence and intimate acoustic sets from aging rockers. While lineup changes are inevitable, the key is transparency and delivering an experience that justifies the ticket price—whether through musical excellence, storytelling, unique venues, or discovering new bands at smaller, more intimate settings.

BANDS: AC/DC, Alan Parsons, Beach Boys, Beatles, Black Sabbath, BoDeans, Brian Auger, Doobie Brothers, Duke Tomato and the All Stars, Eagles, Emerson Lake and Palmer, Flaming Lips, Fleetwood Mac, Gov't Mule, Grand Funk Railroad, Grateful Dead, Heart, Iron Maiden, James Gang, Johnny Reno and the Sax Maniacs, Led Zeppelin, Led Zeppelin Two, Motley Crue, Pink Floyd, Queen, Rolling Stones, Scorpions, Steely Dan, Super Tramp, The Doors, The Who, Toto.

VENUES: Arcadia, Auditorium Theater, Candlestick Park, Chicago Stadium, City Winery, Empty Bottle, Fitzgerald's, Hollywood Bowl, House of Blues, Living Room, Riot Fest, Shea Stadium, The Sphere.

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