There’s something inherently reassuring about a Bob Seger show. It’s not about pyrotechnics or elaborate stage gimmicks. It’s about the music — the raw, heart-on-your-sleeve rock and roll that’s been the soundtrack to generations of working-class life. Seeing Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band at PPG Paints Arena in 2019 was like stepping into a time capsule of American rock. The arena was buzzing with energy as fans of all ages filed in, some reliving their youth, others discovering Seger for the first time. The expectation in the room wasn’t about spectacle; it was about authenticity, a chance to sing along to songs that have lived in the hearts of millions.
Opening the Show
The lights dimmed, and the first chords of “Simplicity” rang out. Seger’s voice, gravelly and familiar, cut through the arena like a beacon. From the start, the night felt like a journey through Seger’s storied career. “Still the Same” followed, a gentle, introspective piece that contrasted beautifully with the arena-filling energy of the opener. The pacing was impeccable: Seger knew exactly how to balance the highs and the quiet moments to keep the crowd hooked.
“The Fire Down Below” and “Mainstreet” deepened the set with a mixture of grit and nostalgia. The former had the kind of churning guitar riffs and tight rhythm section that reminded everyone why Seger earned his reputation as a quintessential rock storyteller. “Mainstreet”, with its reflective lyricism, was a quieter moment, but one that the audience received with hushed appreciation and quiet applause — a testament to the emotional resonance of his music.
Early Crowd Favorites
Then came “Old Time Rock and Roll”, arguably Seger’s most iconic sing-along anthem. The moment the familiar piano intro hit, the arena erupted. Everyone was on their feet, clapping, singing, and waving their hands in the air. Even casual fans couldn’t resist joining in — it was a communal moment, pure and unadulterated, that set the tone for what would be a night of shared memories.
Seger’s ability to draw the audience in continued with “Shame on the Moon”, a smooth, melodic number that showed his versatility. While some artists rely on theatrics, Seger relies on the song itself, letting the lyrics and delivery carry the emotional weight. His voice, while seasoned with decades of touring, still carried the gravelly power that fans expect, and the band’s tight instrumentation made every note hit just right.
“Roll Me Away” and “Come to Poppa” followed, both tracks carrying that signature Seger energy. The crowd was fully engaged, clapping along to the rhythm and responding to every call of the lead singer. It wasn’t a flashy performance, but it didn’t need to be — Seger’s songs are inherently engaging, and the band played with a level of professionalism and passion that kept the night rolling smoothly.
Mid-Set Highlights
As the night progressed, Seger leaned into the songs that cemented his reputation as a heartland rocker. “Her Strut” and “Like a Rock” brought a sense of power and pride to the stage. There’s a reason these songs have endured: they’re both musically tight and lyrically evocative, perfect for stadium settings where fans want to feel the pulse of rock and roll coursing through the arena.
“You’ll Accomp’ny Me” and “We’ve Got Tonite” slowed the pace slightly, giving the audience a chance to catch their breath and soak in the lyrics. Seger’s storytelling shines in these moments — lines about love, regret, and life’s fleeting beauty hit hard when delivered with his seasoned gravitas.
The setlist continued to balance hard-driving rock with softer ballads. “Travelin’ Man” and “Beautiful Loser” offered a glimpse of Seger’s reflective side, while “Turn the Page” showcased his storytelling at its finest. The iconic saxophone riff and somber tone of the song gave the arena a quiet, reflective energy, with many audience members swaying and singing along in hushed voices.
Adding “Forever Young” as a cover of the Bob Dylan classic was a clever nod to the timelessness of rock and roll. Seger’s rendition, full of grit and heart, felt like a perfect homage while still carrying his own musical signature. And then, ramping back up, “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man” brought the energy back to the forefront, reminding everyone that Seger can rock as hard as he can croon.
Encore One – Sing-Alongs and Crowd Favorites
After the main set, Seger returned for the first encore. “You Take Me In” was a personal, heartfelt number that let fans connect on a more intimate level. But the real highlights were “Against the Wind” and “Hollywood Nights”. Both songs have that signature Seger spirit: driving rhythms, memorable hooks, and lyrics that stick with you. The audience sang along word for word, and the arena’s atmosphere became electric, filled with the collective joy of singing decades-old favorites with thousands of strangers.
Seger’s charm is in how effortlessly he can command a stadium without relying on spectacle. He doesn’t need lasers or dancers to make a moment memorable — his music does the work, and the crowd responds naturally.
Encore Two – Legendary Closers
For the second encore, Seger brought out “Night Moves” and “Rock and Roll Never Forgets”, two songs that perfectly bookended the experience. “Night Moves” carried that nostalgic, bittersweet feeling that made fans sway and reminisce about their own coming-of-age moments. “Rock and Roll Never Forgets” ended the night on a triumphant note, an upbeat celebration of the genre itself. The crowd roared, hands in the air, and for a few minutes, it felt like the arena itself was vibrating with decades of rock history.
The Band and the Performance
It’s impossible to review a Bob Seger show without acknowledging the Silver Bullet Band. Each member played with tight precision, allowing Seger’s voice and storytelling to remain front and center. The guitars were crisp, the rhythm section relentless, and the saxophone solos — particularly on “Turn the Page” — added that signature soulful touch. Every song felt full, complete, and perfectly executed, which is exactly what you want from a veteran band of this caliber.
Seger himself was in his element, moving across the stage with a casual confidence that comes from decades of performing. His voice, while showing signs of age, carried the gravelly warmth and emotional weight that make him a legend. He interacted with the audience just enough to make it personal without overshadowing the music. This was a man who knows his strengths and lets the songs do the talking.
Final Thoughts
Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band at PPG Paints Arena in 2019 was everything you’d expect from a veteran rock act — and that’s exactly the point. There’s a timeless quality to Seger’s music that transcends decades, and the performance reflected that beautifully. It wasn’t flashy or over-the-top, but it didn’t need to be. Every song, from “Simplicity” to “Rock and Roll Never Forgets,” was delivered with authenticity, precision, and passion.
For anyone who grew up on Seger, the night was a trip down memory lane. For newcomers, it was an introduction to a man whose music has shaped the sound of American rock and roll. The show was polished, professional, and deeply satisfying, even if it didn’t reinvent the wheel. Sometimes, that’s exactly what makes a concert great — the comfort of knowing that the songs you love will be performed exactly as they should be.
Walking out of PPG Paints Arena, the crowd was buzzing with smiles, laughter, and shared memories. The night didn’t feel rushed, every song landed with the right weight, and Seger proved, once again, why his music has stood the test of time. Rock and roll never forgets, and after a night like this, neither did the fans.
Grade: A–
Setlist:
Simplicity
Still the Same
The Fire Down Below
Mainstreet
Old Time Rock and Roll
Shame on the Moon
Roll Me Away
Come to Poppa
Her Strut
Like a Rock
You’ll Accomp’ny Me
We’ve Got Tonite
Travelin’ Man
Beautiful Loser
Turn the Page
Forever Young
Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man
Encore 1:
You Take Me In
Against the Wind
Hollywood Nights
Encore 2:
Night Moves
Rock and Roll Never Forgets