Review: HAPPY TOGETHER TOUR Celebrates the Oldies

HAPPY TOGETHER TOUR 2016 came to the Cobb Energy Centre on June 13 to reminisce the days of flower power and Dippity-Do. Though initiated in 1984, the tour now in its seventh consecutive year is scheduled with shows all across the U.S. this summer. Featured performances that night included songs by The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie; Chuck Negron formerly of Three Dog Night; Mark Lindsay formerly of Paul Revere & the Raiders; Gary Puckett & The Union Gap; and The Cowsills.

As heads bobbed and hands clapped along, Audience members cheered for songs of their youth. The tour band remained on stage while the various performers took their place in front of the crowd. Gary Puckett had on the original jacket he had worn in an album cover photo. Mark Lindsay singing the hit "Kicks" rendered a standing ovation, as did classics by a few others. The "Jeremiah was a bullfrog" opening to "Joy to the World" sung by Chuck Negron was a crowd-pleaser. And Mark Volman, better known as "Flo" of The Turtles, briefly shared his remarkable journey with cancer and thanked fans for their stream of support, happy with the announcement too that he is free of the disease.

The juxtaposition of the early music videos of the groups playing on the screen in the background while the singers and band performed in front brought the show to life, characterizing the history and charm of the pop and rock generation.

One of the performers left the stage remarking, "Rock and roll keeps you young," a reminder that regardless of age music always brings unity and good vibes.

Photo Credit: Maggie Harney