Welcome to the OnMilwaukee.com Sunday Sound-off,
featuring a question, two different perspectives -- then opening up the
topic to our readers' responses. Please use the Talkback feature below
to contribute your thoughts on the issue.
Next summer, Harley-Davidson, Inc. celebrates 105 years in business and will once again throw a huge bash in Milwaukee, complete with a couple of big concerts. Hopefully, this time officials will pick musical acts that appeal to Harley lovers more than Elton John, who headlined the 100th anniversary party in 2003 in front of a less-than-enthused audience.
In his recent OnMilwaukee.com blog, Steve Jagler suggested the following musicians and groups as possible choices: Bob Seger, Steppenwolf, Ted Nugent, George Thorogood, Golden Earring, the Charlie Daniels Band, Little Feat, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Allman Brothers, the Marshall Tucker Band, the Outlaws, Bad Company, the Doobie Brothers, Humble Pie, the Byrds, REO Speedwagon, Nazareth, Foreigner, Great White and Sammy Hagar. Oh, and let's not forget ZZ Top.
But who do you think should gig at the Harley-Davidson 105th anniversary party? Does anyone on this list appeal to you, or do you think they should bag the classic rockers and hire more contemporary acts?
Harley riders want classic rock entertainment, so give 'em classic rock entertainment. The average age of Harley riders has gotten older in the last 10 years, with many riders in their late 40s and 50s. This age group grew up on bands that are now "classic rock" acts and would enjoy these bands more than something hipper and newer.
Bring on something fresher! These moldy oldie bands are fine for a Summerfest side stage or smaller venue, but the 105th anniversary party is a prestigious, high profile gig that deserves a great band that has passed the test of time and continues to make new music while still appealing to the Harley crowd.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.