LYNN — God bless America.
The band, not the country, though the country could certainly use a little love.
Thursday night, America performed before a rapturous capacity crowd at Lynn Auditorium. Happy to say, 47 years after London-based Air Force brats Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell founded the group with Dan Peek, who died in 2011, the tight harmonies and catchy adventurous folk-rock that characterized the hits of their heyday remain strong. They have stayed true to the sound that earned them millions of fans and the best new artist Grammy in 1973. Their greatest hits album was probably in every baby boomer’s record collection.
On stage, Beckley and Bunnell, who perform 100 shows a year, seemed to be having the time of their lives. All of the hits were performed, of course, and sounded as fresh as when they burst from our radios at the dawn of FM rock. Some of the deep album cuts played during the 20-song, 90-minute, masterfully-paced show rocked harder than expected, thanks to three stellar backing musicians including bassist Richard Campbell, lead guitarist/banjoist/keyboardist Andy Barr, and drummer Ryland Steen.
They opened with two of their best-known tunes, “Tin Man” and “You Can Do Magic,” and “Don’t Cross the River,” with Beckley on acoustic 12-string and Barr on banjo. Campbell’s high notes added to the wondrous harmonies.
“Hollywood” and “Monster” were full-tilt rockers, fueled by pounding drums, extended bass solos and explosive guitar breaks. At the conclusion of “Hollywood,” Beckley joked “that was dangerously close to jamming.” It was also totally unexpected, especially to casual fans who know America only for its mellow California ’70s pop pedigree.
Vibrant versions of “Ventura Highway” and Beatles collaborator George Martin-produced hits “Sister Golden Hair” with great slide guitar by Barr and “Lonely People” were more than mere nostalgia. Covers of “Eleanor Rigby” and the Mamas and the Papas’ “California Dreaming” were given energetic, exuberant readings.
Three songs from the 1972 eponymous classic debut album hit the mark. The romantic “I Need You” had many couples stealing a kiss. The hard-rocking “Sandman,” a radio staple back in the day, was aided by a terrific video that paired Vietnam War and peace march images. The No. 1 smash “A Horse With No Name” became a glorious singalong and closed the show on a high note.
Lynn’s Brian Maes opened the night with a winning set of piano originals and tributes to musical friends and influences. He dedicated the band Boston’s “Peace of Mind” and “Hitch a Ride” to the late Brad Delp and Sib Hashian; Maes had performed with both. A medley of Tom Petty’s “Mary Jane’s Last Dance/American Girl/Don’t Do Me Like That” honored the recently departed R ‘n’ R Hall of Famer. Maes’ soulful vocal on “Time,” a song from the recent album by Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room, made it a winner. Maes, Goudreau and bandmates will perform at the Auditorium on Jan. 26; The Stompers and Charlie Farren will open.
