The Big Gig, WMGK’s summer concert, has gone through a few iterations and a few different names over the years, but despite the changes, the great music has never changed. Since its inception as the Let Freedom Rock Fest at Cooper River Park in 2001, it has continued to be one of summer’s musical highlights and this year is no exception.
Hitting the newly dubbed BB&T Pavilion (formerly the Susquehanna Bank Center) on June 12 are Joe Walsh and Bad Company, who will each perform 90-minute sets. To kick things off, Anglo-Swedish indie band Alberta Cross takes the stage, as does WMGK house band Tommy Froelich Trio, with its straight guitar-slinging brand of classic rock.
We’re expecting it to be quite a night—and a musical tour de force—as Joe Walsh touches on all aspects of his career from the Eagles to James Gang to his solo career. He’ll bring his charm, entertainment, and, of course his thrilling guitar licks. Joining him will be his longtime friend and storied singer Joe Vitale on drums and sideman extraordinaire Waddy Wachtel on guitar.
As for Bad Company, the band has so many hits that the question is: what won’t they play? To mix things up, the band has recently been heard covering Beatles song “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” Paul Rodgers carries the band with his great vocals—among the best men in rock—and his tremendous stamina. The always-charming Simon Kirke will be on drums, and stepping in for Mick Ralphs on guitar is Rich Robinson from The Black Crowes.
Regardless of what they pull out from their storied and decade-spanning careers, it’s guaranteed to be a sing along.
BB&T Pavilion
1 Harbor Blvd, Camden, N.J.
Sunday, June 12
Tickets start at $20
