Things Just Got More Interesting for a Possible Desert Trip 2
One of the most successful and profitable music events of 2016 was Desert Trip (aka “Oldchella”), the two-weekend festival featuring Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, Neil Young, Paul McCartney, The Who and Roger Waters. Total gross was somewhere around $160 million. With that kind of dosh in play, you just know that organizers are thinking about a second edition for this year. But who would play such an event? What mega legacy artists are left to pursue? Let’s speculate wildly about who Goldenvoice might be calling.
The Eagles
After Glenn Frey died, the expectation that the Eagles were done. But maybe not. There’s a story that both the Eagles and Fleetwood Mac are considering two festivals this year, one on the east coast and the other on the west. Might that west coast gig be Desert Trip?
Fleetwood Mac
See above. Imagine seeing them and the Eagles on the same night.
Tom Petty
His legacy might not be as strong some of the other acts on this list, but he has a very strong following and a catalog a mile deep.
Eric Clapton
He’s making noises about retiring from live performances, but if someone were to make him an offer he couldn’t refuse…
Elton John
He’s still touring and bringing in big crowds. I’d pair him on the Sunday night with …
Billy Joel
They’re friends and they’ve toured together before. And Joel has that stupidly impressive string of sellouts at Madison Square Garden.
Stevie Wonder
Gotta get someone of colour in there. Who better than Stevie?
Genesis
A solid idea, one that would be even more solid if Peter Gabriel would agree to be part of this.
Pink Floyd
We had Waters last year. And besides, the chasm between Waters and David Gilmour seems just too big. But then again, there’s a story about Floyd playing Glastonbury.
Led Zeppelin
The Holy Grail. Given Robert Plant’s attitude towards anything Zeppelin, I just can’t see it happening.
The Kinks
Not a bad idea, but Ray and Dave Davies hate each other more than Roger Waters and David Gilmour.
Crosby, Stills & Nash (& Young?)
Pretty cool. Not out of the question.
Rod Stewart
Maybe, but I’d want to see a Faces reunion as part of this.
Bruce Springsteen
He’s been part of festivals and package tours in the past, so it’s not beyond the realm of possibility.
The Police
Even they could keep their hostilities at bay for two sets.
Simon and Garfunkel
An intriguing idea, no?
Beach Boys
Maybe, but only if Brian Wilson is part of it.
U2
No. Maybe in a few years. They’ve still go their own thing happening.
Aerosmith
Another band that might be convinced out of their (alleged) impending retirement.
What about some women?
I’d love to see some women on the bill, but who? Carole King, perhaps. Joni Mitchell would be fantastic, but her health is shakey. Aretha Franklin? Possibly. Tina Turner? She’s 77, but might be lured out of retirement.
Any other suggestions?
SANTANA. – would love to see them at Desert trip2
Another good choice!
I’m 62, so getting up there and there’s not one act in the list I’d even go to the local arena to see. Billy Joel- Yuch! I guess some of us still stay young. Besides we have our own OLD FARTS to smell!
How about Buffalo Springfield?
2 suggestions Alan – 1) Black Sabbath – Tony Iommi has stated in the press that their touring days are over, however a “one-off” concert here or there may be a possibility 2) The Allman Brothers Band (with Dickey Betts) – there have been recent press stories of Gregg being open to playing with Dickie again. They would, of course, have to replace Butch on one of the drum kits. If Gregg’s health holds up wouldn’t this be magical?
I like Zep, Eric, Bruce, Stevie, paul simon, tina turner?, Fleetwood. Trip 1 was epic. Great list.
Bonnie Raitt!
Gilmour, with or without Floyd.
Paul & Ringo backed by Neil & Promise (I know it’s a tad nuts).
Dead & Company