Photos by Andy Argyrakis

The Guess Who could quite realistically be Canada’s answer to The Beatles and it’s absolutely criminal the classic rockers aren’t in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. But the fans haven’t forgotten, filling up the beautifully restored Genesee Theatre for an “Up Close” view of original lead singer/songwriter/piano player Burton Cummings, while simultaneously keeping tabs on Randy Bachman’s solo career and the Garry Peterson-led edition of the current group (all of whom regularly sell out around Chicago).

By the time “American Woman” kicked into gear, the entire floor was on its feet where it stayed glued for the equally exhilarating “No Time” and an armed forces-dedicated encore of “Share The Land” to bookend Burton Cummings’ generous Genesee set with another pile of multi-generational musical fortunes.

As for Cummings, he and a forceful five-piece band went right for the reminders of why The Guess Who have endured for more than 50 years, charging through “No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature,” “Hand Me Down World,” “Clap For The Wolfman” and “Laughing.” At one point during the radio-friendly stretch, the veteran lamented the scores of rock stars lost in the last few years, exuding appreciation for not only the audiences that keep showing up, but the fact that he’s able to remain on the road.

At 71 years of age, Cummings can still play the piano with his classical training intact and faired just fine vocally on the rockers, though was the first to admit ballads such as “These Eyes” might not sound quite like the record these days. His warning it could come across a bit “froggy” was right on the money for those listening carefully, yet no one seemed to mind one bit as they leapt to a standing ovation at its conclusion, either for the effort or being the man behind such an immortal song.

The two-hour evening also gave Cummings the chance to dive into his solo career (“Stand Tall”), choice covers (J.J. Cale’s “Trouble In The City,” The Equals’ “Baby Come Back”) and unsung personal favorites from The Guess Who archives (“Star Baby,” Running Back To Saskatoon,” “Guns, Guns, Guns”). By the time “American Woman” kicked into gear, the entire floor was on its feet where it stayed glued for the equally exhilarating “No Time” and an armed forces-dedicated encore of “Share The Land” to bookend the generous Genesee set with another pile of multi-generational musical fortunes.

Click here for more photos of Burton Cummings at the Genesee Theatre.

For additional information on Burton Cummings, visit BurtonCummings.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Genesee Theatre include Patton Oswalt (May 17); “The Buddy Holly Story” (May 18); Steve Martin & Martin Short (May 24); Criss Angel (May 131); Cheap Trick (Jun. 7); Freedom: A Tribute To George Michael & Wham! (Jun. 8); Credence Revived (Jun. 13); Dan Petty & The Heartshakers (Aug. 17); Kenny G (Sept. 5); “Napoleon Dynamite”: A Conversation with Jon Heder, Efren Ramirez and Jon Gries (Sept. 12); Alan Parsons Live Project (Sept. 13); A Tribute To Patsy Cline (Sept. 14); The Capitol Steps (Sept. 19); UB40 (Sept. 20); Orleans and Poco (Sept. 21); April Wine with Asia featuring John Payne (Sept. 28); “Who’s Live Anyway?” (Oct. 3); Three Dog Night (Oct. 4); Kansas (Oct. 19); Queen Machine (Oct. 25); The Ides Of March with Mark Farner and Bo Bice (Oct. 26); John Cleese (Nov. 15); Brian Regan (Nov. 16) and The Piano Guys (Nov. 22). For additional details, visit GeneseeTheatre.com.

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