New classic rock tour launches this fall 

Flashback – The Classic Rock Experience, featuring the Mystic Orchestra, is a new tour that re-envisions rock concert legends’ greatest music to create the classic rock experience. The event is coming to arenas this fall beginning August 27 in Mobile, AL and continuing through November 9 in Birmingham, AL.

The brainchild of veteran concert promoter/producer Rick Bowen, who has promoted James Taylor, Led Zeppelin, “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Chicago, The Doors, Pink Floyd and “Godspell,” among others.

Led by music director Frank Gilcken, one of the most respected hard rock guitarists in the business, the Mystic Orchestra features 14 exceptional rock musicians and singers as well as an 11-piece string-and-horn section, elevating classic rock to new heights. The average ticket price is expected to be under $40.

The nearly three-hour show reworks unforgettable songs of the most highly regarded era in rock: the Doors’ “Light My Fire” and “Riders on the Storm;” Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart” and “Mercedes Benz;” Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze” and “Foxy Lady;” Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water;” Steppenwolf’s “Born to be Wild;” Derek and the Dominoes’ “Layla;” Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May;” and Three Dog Night’s “One” and “Joy to the World.”

The show’s second half features songs by Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, including “Whole Lotta Love,” “Stairway to Heaven,” “Money” and “Another Brick in the Wall Part 2.”

“The intention is to present the music like it’s never been presented before,” Bowen, also the show’s creative director, said in a statement. “As great as the bands were in the ‘60’s and early ‘70’s, they were handicapped by primitive light and sound. I wanted to do it even better than done originally. We have the world’s greatest players, who studied every move the classic bands ever made.”

Flashback – The Classic Rock Experience tour dates: