Bob Seger is an iconic rock musician who rose to fame in the 1970s with hits like “Night Moves”, “Turn the Page”, and “Old Time Rock and Roll”. Seger enjoyed tremendous success throughout the 70s and 80s, selling over 51 million albums and putting on legendary live shows across the world. However, as Seger entered his 70s, he began scaling back his touring schedule. This has left many fans wondering, is Bob Seger still touring these days?
Bob Seger’s Touring Heyday
For the majority of Seger’s career, he was a road warrior, constantly touring with his Silver Bullet Band. Seger first hit the road in the 1960s, playing college bars and small venues across the Midwest. As he gained more popularity in the 1970s, Seger began selling out large arenas and stadiums. His 1976 tour in support of the breakthrough album Night Moves played to over 1 million people and cemented him as a must-see live act.
Seger remained a major concert draw throughout the 1980s. His 1986-1987 American Storm tour sold over 1 million tickets alone. Reviews praised Seger’s boundless energy on stage, as the singer belted out hits and played extended guitar solos well into his 40s. The sheer physicality of Seger’s performances added to his blue-collar, hard workingman persona.
Winding Down Touring
After 30 years of solid touring, Seger finally began slowing down his live schedule in the late 1990s. He embarked on his last major nationwide tour in support of the album Face the Promise in 2006. The tour was still a big success, selling out shows across North America.
In 2011, Seger announced he would stop touring extensively but would still perform select shows. He began booking short residencies of 4-6 shows in cities like Chicago and Las Vegas. His final concert tour was a 6-show run in 2017. By that point, Seger was 72 years old.
Is Bob Seger Still Touring at All?
The short answer is no, Bob Seger is essentially retired from touring at this point. Outside of occasional one-off performances, he has stepped away from the grueling concert circuit.
There are several factors contributing to Seger’s touring retirement:
Age and Health
The primary reason is simply Seger’s age. At 77 years old as of 2023, the rock icon has entered the twilight of his music career. Years of strenuous touring have likely taken a toll on Seger’s body, so it’s understandable he would want to limit performances. In 2017, Seger postponed several shows due to an urgent medical issue with his vertebrae. This was a sign that the rigor of touring was too much.
Focus on Family
Seger has expressed a desire to spend more time with his family. He married his third wife in 1993, with whom he had two children in the 1990s. After being on the road for so much of his career, it appears Seger is happy staying home with his young kids and wife. Family life is taking priority over touring at this stage.
No More Albums
Seger has not released a new studio album since 2014. With no new music to promote, he has been less compelled to mount major tours. Seger has stated his recording days are likely behind him at this point. Without an album to support, there’s less incentive to get back out on the concert circuit.
Farewell Tour Unlikely
Many iconic musicians like Elton John, Ozzy Osbourne, and Paul Simon have embarked on advertised “farewell tours” to mark their retirement from touring. However, Bob Seger has stated he has no plans to do a special goodbye tour. He seems content with his limited engagements since 2011 serving as his farewell to the road. Seger does not want to make a big deal of retiring from live performance.
Will Seger Ever Tour Again?
Never say never, but it’s highly unlikely Bob Seger will ever resume the intense touring schedule he maintained for so many decades. The combination of his age, health, and family priorities all point to retirement.
That said, it’s possible Seger will return for select special performances in the future. He continues to play the occasional benefit concert or festival date. And Starting in 2022, Seger embarked on a sporadic Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The limited multi-show engagements in Vegas allow Seger to perform in short bursts without a grueling tour.
It’s also conceivable Seger could schedule hometown Detroit shows to mark major anniversaries in the future. But extensive national or world tours seem out of the question at this juncture. Barring a major comeback album, Seger appears content winding down his live career gently.
How to Still Experience Seger’s Music Live
Even if Bob Seger never tours again, fans can still experience his music live by attending shows by Seger tribute acts. The two most prominent Seger tribute bands are:
Katmandu – The Bob Seger Experience
- Formed in 1991 in Baltimore
- Tour nationally year-round
- Lead singer captures Seger’s voice convincingly
- Cover all Seger’s major hits
Turn the Page – America’s Premier Seger Experience
- Formed in 2010 in Detroit
- Tour mostly Midwest and select nationwide shows
- Authentically recreate Seger’s Silver Bullet Band
- Rotating setlists of deep album cuts
While no substitute for the real Bob Seger, these tribute acts allow fans to re-live Seger’s songbook in concert. It’s the next best thing to seeing the iconic rocker himself back on tour.
Bob Seger’s Musical Legacy
Whether or not he tours again, Bob Seger’s musical legacy is firmly cemented. He has achieved just about everything possible as a rock musician:
- Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004
- Sold over 51 million albums worldwide
- Scored 7 platinum and 7 multi-platinum records
- Charted 33 songs on the Billboard Top 40
- Earned RIAA Diamond certification for Greatest Hits album (10 million units)
- Influenced countless musicians across multiple genres
- Performed in front of millions of adoring fans on tour over 5 decades
Few musicians can rival the longevity and far-reaching impact of Seger’s career. His recordings will be played on classic rock radio for generations. Though he may not tour anymore, Seger’s musical legacy will live on eternal.
Conclusion
Bob Seger had an extraordinarily successful run as a touring musician for over 50 years. But having entered his late 70s, Seger has understandably hung up his touring shoes. Retirement from the road allows Seger to rest his body, spend time with family, and bask in the glow of an amazing career.
While hardcore fans undoubtedly wish they could still see Seger perform marathon shows into his golden years, he has more than earned a respite from touring. The good news is Seger’s iconic catalog of music will continue inspiring new and old fans for decades to come. So crank up “Hollywood Nights”, “Shakedown”, or “Against the Wind” and enjoy the mastery of Bob Seger – on record or live through tribute acts if not the legend himself. Seger may be done touring, but the memories and music remain as strong as ever.