40 Years Later ‘America’ Still Has It

It's their 40th anniversary tour, and in reality, America has been on the road for 43 years. But, who's counting. Based on their performance at the sold-out  Avalon Theatre in Grand Junction Thursday night, there's no need to count. They've still got it.There's probably not many bands that 43 years after their inception can so closely duplicate their original sound. It's tough just having two original members. But the years have been kind to the 60 year-old Gerry Beckley and 61 year-old Dewey Bunnell.

Bunnell's smooth vocals on hits like "A Horse With No Name", "Tin Man" and "Ventura Highway" are instantly recognizable to America fans. And, honestly, his voice doesn't sound much different now than it did when all those hits were reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Charts.

Gerry Beckley's distinctive voice is also recognizable on hits like "I Need You", "Daisy Jane", and "Sister Golden Hair." Before the show I talked to Gerry about  America winning the Grammy and what it meant to the band. He relayed the story of the band being on the road that night, and  unable to attend the ceremony. Watching the show on TV they saw Dusty Springfield, whom they had never met, accept the award on their behalf, beating out the other nominees Harry Chapin, Loggins & Messina, and, believe it or not, the Eagles.

If there were songs that didn't sound quite as America-like as others, it was songs like "Lonely People" and "Today's the Day" that originally featured the late Dan Peek's high vocals. It's a sound that is very difficult to duplicate.

Still, it was a great show. With a huge catalog of hits, you never had to wait long to hear one. The guys were personable, and their musical performance was often accompanied by a video background. The crowd was appreciative and responsive, and the real America fans could be easily spotted, singing along to songs that weren't the big radio hits.

Sandstone Concerts definitely chose another winner to bring to Grand Junction, in one of the final concerts of the year at the Avalon before a major remodeling project begins. Sam Bush and Del McCoury will be at the Avalon on March 23rd.