One of the highlights of this year’s NAMM expo was a celebration honoring one of the most respected men in the industry, founder and CEO of Peavey, Hartley Peavey. A press conference was held in an upstairs ballroom that was attended by some of the biggest names in the music business. They all came to talk about Hartley (in what became a gushing fest) and what he has meant to them on a personal level. The press conference lasted for about 30 minutes and immediately following, the artists got together to play for guest of honor Peavey, media and any attendees who decided to show up.
First up was the band Blue Oyster Cult led by original members Buck Dharma and Eric Bloom along with current member Richie Castellano. The band was joined by Bobby Rondelli on drums and former member Rudy Sarzo on bass. The band played four songs and during the rock staple “Don’t Fear the Reaper,” drummer Kenny Arnoff came out to do the infamous cow bell part. The half hour set got the crowd going for the all star lineup that came next.
Lynyrd Skynyrd members Gary Rossington, Rickey Medlocke and Peter Keys were joined by pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph, Chickenfoot and former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony and drummer extraordinaire Kenny Arnoff. The band started off with the Bo Diddley classic “Who Do You Love?” Anthony and Medlocke shared vocal duties on the Skynyrd classic “Gimme Three Steps.” Anthony, who was battling flu like symptoms, powered through the set and gave an impressive performance nonetheless. They wrapped up with “The Breeze,” “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Ain’t talking About Love.” It was a fun and unpretentious night of rock and roll! The way it should be!
Setlist:
Burnin’ For You (Blue Oyster Cult song)
Godzilla (Blue Oyster Cult song)
Cities on Flame With Rock and Roll (Blue Oyster Cult song)
(Don’t Fear) The Reaper (Blue Oyster Cult song)
Who Do You Love? (Bo Diddley cover)
Gimme Three Steps (Lynyrd Skynyrd song)
The Breeze (Lynyrd Skynyrd song)
Sweet Home Alabama (Lynyrd Skynyrd song)
Ain’t Talking About Love (Lynyrd Skynyrd song)
We would like to thank Laura Whitmore and Pauline France of Mad Sun Marketing for the credentials to cover Peavey’s 50th anniversary party.
