I was wondering if anyone knew anything about where Rare Earth toured in 1972. I saw them in a concert in 1971-1972 (I think) in West Virginia. Does anyone have any info about where they appeared?
John-In 1971 Rare Earth played quite a few shows as special guest with Sly+The Family Stone. They played at NYC's Madison Square Garden as well as many other venues in the northeast U.S. Off the top of my head I couldn't tell you the dates, however, I can ad one definite date for 1972. 12/11/72 at what is now called Avery Fisher Hall in NYC's Lincoln Center and Rare Earth was headlining. I still have the program page with the date and a photo of the band. At this show the band was presented with a gold record for Rare Earth In Concert by record company execs onstage during a short break between songs. I might have something with the garden date on it, I will take a look next time I have a chance. They also did some shows during this era with Deep Purple if that's any help. Up until a few years ago I still had numerous copies of Circus rock+roll mags which contained a concert section that listed concert dates with the venue, city and state for many acts and Rare Earth was among them. I now regret getting rid of them. JockoD
I recall a Chicago concert on Friday, April 7, 1972, the day after a blizzard. They also came to Chicago July 8 & November 7. I think all dates were at the Arie Crown.
I saw Rare Earth in Huntington WV in November 1971. The opening act was Don McLean, a then-unknown guy with a guitar who was about to release 'American Pie'. The middle act was Chase who was known for their single 'Get It On. I liked Rare Earth but as a 14 year old trumpet player I was there to see Chase, a rock band with 4 great trumpet players including the amazing Bill Chase. The concert was the Homecoming Concert for Marshall University, about a year after a plane crash at Huntington's airport claimed 75 lives including most of the players & staff of Marshall's football team. Less than 2 years after the concert Bill Chase and 3 other members of his band died in plane crash while en route to a performance.
Hey, everyone. My name is Bill Kiefer and I'd like to share my experience of the Rare Earth concert I saw in 1972. It's interesting that I am unable to find only I brief mention in this context.The show isn't listed on any of their tour dates/schedules of that year. I hope you enjoy it, and if you were there, please give us a shout out and describe your experience.
In 1972, my sister was a freshman at Madison College (now James Madison University) where she had invited me to spend the weekend and attend a concert on campus.This was her gift to me for my inaugural teenage birthday.
THE SUPPORT BANDS: The opener was a trio named Baxter. Everything about them was unremarkable and pretty forgettable. Well, except the guitarist/vocalist/frontdude who I assumed was Baxter. Hair down to his ass, Mark Farner style. Years later I did a great deal of research online trying to determine whether or not he was studio musician extraordinaire Jeff Skunk Baxter of Doobie Bros., Steely Dan fame (and missile defense expert.) I found no evidence substantiating this.
The second band was Gallery (Its So Nice To Be With You) who encountered an unfortunate, albeit brief electrical problem that killed most of the amps. They pressed on, sans power, amongst the jeering and booing crowd. When power was restored, Gallery blazed. At the end of their set theyd turned the crowd around 180° and everyone was on their feet, some standing on their chairs screaming for more.
HEADLINER: We were familiar with Rare Earth because, like us, they hailed from Detroit. This band of white guys had Motown coursing through their veins. Drummer/vocalist Peter Rivera (Hoorelbeke) was at the front & center of the stage.
Sacrelige! my brain screamed. Drummers are NEVER front of the stage! This is a violation of all kinds of rock and roll rules!
Mr. Rivera percussed and sang every note with his eyes closed.
Rare Earth brought the house down. Every note of the funky Motown R&B left cracks in the foundation.
THE DORM: The four dorm rooms were connected via a common/shared area. The common area was pretty sparse as far as furniture, etc, but there was a couch and that would be my rack for the night.
THE TWINS: They were identical. They were roommates. They were blonde. They were beautiful. They enjoyed teasing. They enjoyed this debuting teenager. Alot. And I enjoyed them enjoying me. Alot.
The twins may have been the greatest gift of all.
That's my story more than 40 years later. It may be a little anecdotal because memories aren't always 100% accurate. But that's okay because this is a great memory.
