Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Getting to see guitar god Jeff Beck, blues rock belter Paul Rodgers and interpreter of pretty much anything Ann Wilson on their own would be cause enough for celebration, but put them all together on the “Stars Align” Tour, and it’s an absolutely mandatory combination. At Huntington Bank Pavilion on the breathtaking lakefront of Northerly Island, the former axe-slinger for The Yardbirds turned band leader and solo star closed out the generous night, and throughout 75 fast minutes, illustrated exactly why he’s ranked so high amongst the greats.

Considering Free found most of its fans the first time around in the UK, Bad Company selections such as “Can’t Get Enough,” “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “Ready For Love,” “Shooting Star” and “Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy” actually garnered the most appreciation from this primarily American audience and further spelled out Rodgers’ integral role in the classic rock era.

Opening with “Pull It” from his latest project “Loud Hailer,” the 74-year-old defied age while flexing flawless chops and refusing to settle into any comfort zone, backed by drum titan Vinnie Colaiuta (Frank Zappa, Sting, Herbie Hancock), all-star bassist Rhonda Smith (Prince, Beyoncé, George Clinton), less noticeable cellist Vanessa Freebairn-Smith, and in some cases, dependable but far from flashy vocalist Jimmy Hall. Though the majority of the material was older (Bonnie Dobson turned The Grateful Dead’s “Morning Dew,” The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s “Little Wing,” his own “Blue Wind,” Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition,” The Beatles’ “A Day In The Life,” “Going Down”), every single interpretation was approached with fresh ears and kept everyone on their feet.

For Rodgers, he’s been fortunate to not only find a bit of fame with Free, but reach superstardom with Bad Company, link up with Jimmy Page in The Firm, dabble with Kenney Jones as part of The Law and even front Queen for a season in between solo offerings. But what made this excursion different from most was its emphasis on the 50th anniversary of his earliest act, which mirrored the premise of the current CD/DVD set “Free Spirit.”

That meant everything from the blues-inspired hard rock of “Little Bit Of Love,” “Wishing Well,” “Woman” and “Fire And Water,” through the breakthrough “All Right Now” with the 68-year-old’s voice and backing band in exceptional form. Considering Free found most of its fans the first time around in the UK, Bad Company selections such as “Can’t Get Enough,” “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “Ready For Love,” “Shooting Star” and “Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy” actually garnered the most appreciation from this primarily American audience and further spelled out Rodgers’ integral role in the classic rock era.

Ann Wilson of Heart took the support slot, performing only the growling “Barracuda” from the group (despite many hoping for at least a couple more), but she displayed versatility throughout covers as vast as Yes’ “Your Move,” Audioslave’s “I Am The Highway,” Lesley Gore’s “You Don’t Own Me,” Eagles’ cleverly reconstructed “Life In The Fast Lane” and The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” Many will be found on her forthcoming collection “Immortal,” though the live setting found the 68-year-old on fire and in full alignment with her other two musical brothers.

Click here for more photos of Jeff Beck, Paul Rodgers and Ann Wilson at Huntington Bank Pavilion.

For additional information on Jeff Beck, Paul Rodgers and Ann Wilson, visit JeffBeck.com, PaulRodgers.com and AnnWilsonOfHeart.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at Huntington Bank Pavilion include Charlie Puth (Jul. 31); Slightly Stoopid (Aug. 12); G-Eazy (Aug. 14); 311 and The Offspring (Sept. 6); Needtobreathe (Sept. 8) and Dispatch (Sept. 15). For additional details, visit LiveNation.com.

Related Articles

Jeff Beck, Paul Rodgers (Free, Bad Company) and Ann Wilson (Heart): “Stars Align” Tour at HB Pavilion Chance The Rapper, Usher and more: Special Olympics 50th Anniversary Celebration Concert at HB Pavilion Foreigner, Whitesnake slide assertively into the jukebox on Northerly Island Herbie Hancock and Kamasi Washington: “Double Bill” Tour at Huntington Bank Pavilion “Love Alive” captures the essence of Heart reunion, Sheryl Crow soaks up the sun A potent, no frills goodbye from Deep Purple follows a gothic extravaganza by Alice Cooper Jazz giants Herbie Hancock and Kamasi Washington embrace improvisation, collaboration Robert Plant breathes fire on the now and a whole lotta lost Led Zeppelin