Steve Miller’s ‘Eagle’ Still Flies Despite Its Age
Steve Miller is proof that ‘70s dino-rockers can rest on their laurels.
Miller, who brings his eponymous band to Washington State University on Tuesday, has produced only one hit song since 1981 - “Wide River.”
That was in 1993. And it’s been just as long since the Steve Miller Band released a full set of new studio material.
But after producing an impressive body of unforgettable rock nuggets like Miller did in the 1970s, he can coast for the rest of his career.
And why not?
The Steve Miller Band still fills arenas and sheds (outdoor amphitheaters) concert season after concert season. Additionally, their blockbuster greatest hits package “1976-78” continues to “Fly Like an Eagle” from the shelves of record stores.
Why release new albums when radio and fans are intent on relishing the past? Few rock icons from the ‘60s and ‘70s have had much luck drawing interest in new albums. Why do you think so many of them release “unplugged” versions of their old hits?
Miller might as well keep playing the crowd favorites at concerts. Doing so ought to guarantee him lucrative paychecks from now well into the next millennium.
Plus, it’s a good deal the singer-guitarist has worked out with his audience. Onstage, Miller doesn’t necessarily have to focus only on his hits. He can also play a slew of songs that interest him. Fans paid money to see him and his band; it’s not like they’re going to walk out if the Steve Miller Band doesn’t follow up “The Joker” and “Swingtown” with “Take the Money and Run.”
Such was the case in November of 1995 at the Steve Miller concert at Eastern Washington University. Miller and his band worked a number of blues tunes in with the rest of their repertoire. In the process, they seemed to really enjoy themselves. And the crowd clapped along respectfully.
Whether or not Miller wants to coast for the rest of his life on songs that were recorded as long as two decades ago is not known. If he does, at least he knows there’s an audience that still wants to hear them.
xxxx CONCERT The Steve Miller Band will perform at 8 p.m. Tuesday at Beasley Coliseum in Pullman. Tickets are $22.50, available at the coliseum, G&B Select-a-Seat outlets or call (800) 325-SEAT.