The James Gang

So this is what the concert industry's come to: a large-scale reunion tour for a relatively minor band that's been all but forgotten for decades. Granted, the James Gang's most notable lineup produced one future star, Joe Walsh, and a couple of good tunes, "Walk Away" and "Funk #49." But Walsh left the group in 1971, for Christ's sake, and subsequent configurations (one featuring ex-Denverite Tommy Bolin) didn't leave many distinguishing marks before the whole shebang collapsed circa 1976. Ex-members, including Walsh, have performed a handful of times in recent years, but there hasn't exactly been overwhelming demand for another get-together. So why is this happening? Because the music biz has forgotten how to build long-term careers, and as a result, precious few younger acts are capable of filling venues the size of Red Rocks. Hence the return of the Gang, who'll share the stage with JD & the Straight Shot -- and if the project goes well, one can only guess what cadaver will be exhumed next. The Ides of March? The Beau Brummels? Wet Willie? Be still, my beating heart.