Watch Bob Seger Play His Final Song in The Palace of Auburn Hills
via Bob Seger / Facebook (Photo By Joe Lemke)
The Palace of Auburn Hills held countless memories for fans, performers, and staff over its 29-year reign as Detroit’s premier concert venue. On Saturday, September 23, 2017, the curtain fell for the last time, with a final show that struck a chord of nostalgia. Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band had the honor of closing this iconic chapter in music history.
For two hours, Seger delivered a heartfelt performance that celebrated both his storied career and the venue’s legacy. Fans sang along, staff reminisced, and the energy in the arena was electric. It wasn’t just a concert—it was a farewell steeped in emotion, marking the end of an era for metro Detroit.
The night concluded at 11:10 p.m. with Seger’s “Rock and Roll Never Forgets,” a fitting anthem for the occasion. As Rob McNelley’s guitar wailed its final notes, the Palace transformed into a memory—a place now etched forever in the hearts of those who witnessed its last bow.
A Farewell to a Legendary Venue
“What a great building this has been for 27 years!” Seger exclaimed during his two-hour farewell concert. He took a moment to share memories of attending shows at the Palace, recalling legendary performances by Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Michael Jackson. With a heartfelt tribute, Seger thanked the venue, saying, “Thanks for everything, Palace. We love ya!”
For Seger fans, the exact number of years didn’t matter. The energy of the evening was so uplifting and the music so powerful that it could have been a celebration of 45 years. What truly counted was the passion Seger brought to the stage, honoring the Palace with everything he had.
At 72 years old, Seger proved that time hasn’t dulled his ability to captivate an audience. His performance wasn’t just a goodbye to a building—it was a celebration of music, memories, and the legacy of one of Detroit’s most cherished venues.
A Goodbye in Full Force
Bob Seger gave everything he had on stage, powering through the night with an energy that defied his age. Sweating through two T-shirts and headbands, he never missed a beat or showed signs of fatigue. Backed by the mighty Silver Bullet Band and the Motor City Horns, the performance was a testament to his enduring strength and passion.
The Palace of Auburn Hills shone just as brightly, standing tall and proud after 29 years. Meticulously maintained and beloved by fans, it seemed almost unthinkable to say goodbye to such an iconic venue. Yet, despite its pristine condition, the decision to close its doors had already been made.
As Seger performed “We’ve Got Tonight” and sang the line “why don’t you stay?” it felt like a poignant plea for the Palace itself. Fans took in the moment, the building, and the memories it held, knowing this was the final bow for a venue that had given so much.
A Night Only Seger Could Deliver
Seger poured everything into his performance, powering through the night with unwavering energy. Sweating through two T-shirts and headbands, he showed no signs of slowing down. His voice was as strong as ever, backed by the roaring Silver Bullet Band and the Motor City Horns, creating a sound as vibrant as the memories the Palace held.
Yet, the Palace wasn’t quite the same. The Detroit Pistons’ banners and jerseys were gone, replaced by a solitary banner celebrating Seger’s 17 sold-out shows. Even the concession stands hinted at the building’s end, with reports of beer and liquor shortages during Nancy Wilson’s opening act. The signs were clear—this was the Palace’s final encore.
Seger owned the night, reminding fans of his Detroit roots and lifelong connection to Oakland County. When he re-emerged in an Olde English D shirt and cap, the crowd erupted, knowing this moment was as genuine as it gets. Seger wasn’t just performing; he was representing the city, the venue, and a lifetime of memories. No one else could have closed the Palace in such a heartfelt and unforgettable way.
A Greatest Hits Farewell
Seger gave everything he had on stage, sweating through two T-shirts and headbands but never losing steam. His voice carried the strength of years past, while the Silver Bullets and Motor City Horns delivered a performance that roared with energy and precision. Together, they made the night unforgettable.
The setlist was a treasure trove of hits, kicking off with “Roll Me Away” and Seger’s rallying call: “Alright Palace, one last time, let’s roll!” From timeless classics like “Old Time Rock and Roll” and “Main Street” to his fresh Lou Reed cover “Busload of Faith,” Seger delivered each song with passion. Even “Face the Promise” blended seamlessly into the nostalgic mix, proving its worth alongside decades-old anthems.
Seger made no apologies for sticking to the crowd-pleasers, introducing tracks as if they began life on his iconic Greatest Hits album. For fans, this was exactly what they came for—hit after hit, each more memorable than the last. It wasn’t a night for deep cuts; it was a celebration of the music that defined him and a venue that shaped countless memories.
The Fire Inside Seger
The iconic left it all on the stage, powering through a high-energy performance with unwavering spirit. Sweating through two T-shirts and headbands, he never faltered, his voice as strong as ever. Backed by the Silver Bullets and the Motor City Horns, the band roared with life, delivering a performance that resonated with every fan in the house.
By the time “The Fire Inside” blazed through the arena, Seger was in his element. Moving across the stage, pointing at bandmates, and pumping his fists, he radiated joy and connection. His everyman charm grounded the spectacle, while his talent elevated it.
The double encore was a masterclass in closing out a venue. “Against the Wind,” “Hollywood Nights,” and “Night Moves” led to the inevitable closer, “Rock and Roll Never Forgets.” From Pistons triumphs to Seger’s own history with the venue, the tribute encapsulated the spirit of the night: a heartfelt goodbye to a legendary space.
