Farewell Tours?

I don't know about you, but I often find my mind wandering to odd thoughts during the day. Yesterday I was leaving work when the thought of Aerosmith doing a farewell tour crossed my mind. I swear - this is no exaggeration - I teared up a little. I truly worked myself into a tizzy over the thought of Aerosmith calling it quits. Then, I found myself wondering how many of the shows I'd attend on the farewell tour. As I (narrowly) avoided hitting a gaggle of geese in the company parking lot, I ran over the emotions I'd feel: excitement, sadness and longing.

Yeah, I'm nuts.

After I'd made it safely out of the lot (give me a break -- I work at a giant company so we have a huge parking area)  I started thinking about actual farewell tours. The ones that come to mind off the top of my head are Cher (who didn't actually retire), KISS (who didn't actually retire) and the Eagles (who didn't actually retire).

2008 brings a host of farewell tours. Some of the biggest goodbyes are for President Bush (yea!), George Michael (I'll be there!) and Paul McCartney (I'm skeptical this is his last go' round). Apparently AC/DC are planning a lavish farewell jaunt that will take them to all ends of the globe. When - and if - that happens, count me in!

I think farewell tours are more marketing gimmick than actual goodbye. Think about it: fans buy tickets for a "last chance" to see musical heroes rehash old tunes. I'm not so certain legacy acts, like Van Halen, Aerosmith or the Rolling Stones need farewell tours. They've been around for so long, true fans have likely had plenty of chances to catch them live. Since none of us knows when we're checking out, I suppose we should approach each day like our own personal farewell tour. Thoughts?

Here's Kiss performing "Beth" on their 2000 farewell tour.

Comments

[Heather]

Uh oh..you used that dreaded word "gimmick". Beware of the verbal lashing sure to come from Nikki and Vince. LOL

[DrCrue]

Why would you say "Yea!" when talking about Bush leaving office? Why did you feel the need to interject your political opinion and turn off half your readers? You just insulted your Republican readers. I think the only farewell I'll be doing is me from reading your blog anymore. Bye.

[Christine]

I saw Ozzy's "No More Tours" tour back in the early to mid 90's. As we all know, he surely didn't stop touring. I also caught the Ramones farewell tour, but just like all the others, they never really stopped touring.

[red6ixx]

Drcrue getting upset about georgie boy - awww shame - remember the rest of the world doesnt like him either dr and NOT all readers are from the US of A.
Now ive forgotten what i was goin to say in the first place.

[Sgt.Tommy's Lonely Hearts Club Band]

I'd like to see Paul McCartney before he calls it quits. I doubt I'll be able to do it.

And I'll be doing my farewell tour year after year. The only thing I'm certain about life is that you never know what's coming around the corner, but it's probably some retard who is talking on the phone, eating a McValue Meal and has just dropped their cigarette on the floor while driving a two-ton automobile in your direction.

Nice to know you! Goodnight (fill in your local municipality here)!

[rob]

thank god bush is leaving office. hes the reason why this country is in so much trouble. the war in iraq is nothing more than a personal vendetta . were are those weapons of mass destruction they supposedly had ? hey dr crue you are a fool for supporting this guy.

[rob]

thank god bush is leaving office. hes the reason why this country is in so much trouble. the war in iraq is nothing more than a personal vendetta . were are those weapons of mass destruction they supposedly had ? hey dr crue you are a fool for supporting this guy.

[Joe]

I didn't know Aerosmith were saying farewell..bummer..Thanks for the cool video of "Beth" Allyson...Hope all is well too =)

[Allyson]

Joe,

They are not. I was saying "what if"

Allyson

[Valentine]

ANYWAY... back to the glam at hand...

Sheesh. Politics everywhere...

Farewell tours are kind of a joke, in my opinion... I mean, Kiss really pissed in the cereal bowl with their first go 'round with Ace and Peter and now they've lost all validity.

(bush sucks)

I agree with Allyson that a lot of it is a gimmick kind of thing. But, ofcourse, now we're seeing the next logical progression with "Reunion Tours"... What's next?

(bush lied to you)

Ofcourse a lot of it is the record companies wanting to make a buck. And they figure that people will always come when they trot out a show pony and there's big money to be had, right? Look at Van Halen...

("Mission Accomplished" my ass)

Anyway, I just think nobody should play a "Farewell Tour" unless they're ACTUALLY NOT GOING TO PLAY LIVE ANYMORE. Easy as pie, huh?

(George Bush made the average American his bitch)

Oh, by the way... Fuck George Bush.

[Joe]

Allyson...Thank you..what was I reading?..HAHA...Too much hair spray must have rotted my brain..HAHA!