Classic Albums Live slated to perform at Holland Theatre
Audience members at the Holland Theatre’s second ticketed performance this season will have the chance to sit in on a classic rock “recital” that features world class musicians playing note for note and cut for cut from Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers’ 1979 triple platinum album, Damn the Torpedoes.
“Refugee,” “Here Comes My Girl,” “Don’t Do Me Like That,” Louisiana Rain” and each of the other album tunes will be performed by Classic Albums Live during the group’s 7:30 p.m. concert Saturday, Oct. 26, one of more than 100 shows the group performs in each year, traveling to locations around the U.S. and Central and East Coast Canada.
“We don’t dress up or wear any sort of costume. All of our energy is put into the music. We want the performance to sound exactly like the album,” Classic Albums Live founder Craig Martin said via telephone interview.
“We want to take good care of these songs for the modern day and to introduce a new generation to classic rock albums that are well-played.”
Classic Albums Live takes some of the legendary classic rock albums and recreates them live on stage, Martin explained. The approximately 100 professional musicians that are part of the organization are fitted for roles in a variety of shows that in addition to Tom Petty, include albums by AC/DC, The Beatles, Cheap Trick, David Bowie, Elton John, Jimmy Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Rolling Stones, Prince, The Who and many others.
A longtime musician himself, Martin said he founded Classic Albums Live in 2003 after feeling unimpressed with the quality of music being performed by bands who were attempting to cover classic rock favorites.
Martin related that Saturday’s Tom Petty show will feature a nine-piece band, who will run through the entire Damn the Torpedoes album during a 45-minute opening session, with no talking by performers in between songs, as is tradition with each of their shows.
Forty years after its release, Damn the Torpedoes has special meaning for the founder, along with many other fans.
“The sound of that album reminds me of the 70s; it was a time when punk, disco and new wave were all exploding, but ol’ Tom stayed the course and wrote a perfect rock album,” he said.
“When we started learning this album, we were struck with how beautiful the guitars sounded, really silky and graceful. We started out with two guitarists and then we added two more. It’s the sound of four guitars that allows the music to soar.”
Following an intermission, the second set will feature other Tom Petty favorites and the musicians interacting with the audience, Martin related.
Through his work with Classic Albums Live during the past 16 years, Martin said its been a privilege in many ways and he appreciates the fans who have supported the show in cities across North America.
“It’s been an honor to work alongside some of the best musicians and to keep them employed for all of these years.”
Tickets for Saturday’s concert are available from $25 to $40 at the Holland Theatre box office and online at www.thehollandtheatre.org.