Born on May 6: Bob Seger, the icon of American rock celebrates his 80th birthday...

He was born in Detroit (Michigan) and, alongside Bruce Springsteen, remains a major figure in American rock.

From the 60s onwards, he led the destinies of groups such as The Last Heard and The System, to which he attached his name to clearly signify that he too is the Boss. Already in 1969, he achieved his first national success with "Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man", the title track of the album bearing the same name. Bob Seger often liked to change the names of the bands that supported him.

But in 1973, an important chapter of his career began when the Silver Bullet Band came to life. Bob Seger remains, of course, the principal composer, singer and leader. Within an impressive discography, the albums "Stranger In Town" (1978) and "Against The Wind" (1980) still shine today as two jewels of classic American rock alternating between ballads, raucous rock and even social, if not political, commentary. Bob Seger thus reaped the rewards of many years spent on the road and a scenic reputation immortalized on the live album "Live Bullet" (1976).

With choruses like "Old Time Rock & Roll" (adopted in France by Johnny Hallyday), "Still The Same", "Night Moves", "Hollywood Nights" and especially "Against The Wind", they belong today to the collective American imagination. To the point where these choruses were selected to appear in the credits of films such as "Risky Business" and various TV series such as "The Nanny" and even by "Alf", the funny long-nosed extraterrestrial who loves cats!

Now enjoying a well-deserved retirement, Bob Seger leaves his legacy in the hands of tribute bands like Hollywood Nights who pride themselves on offering the public "a real Bob Seger experience"...

(MH with Stéphane Soupart - Photo: © Etienne Tordoir)

Photo: Bob Seger with the Silver Bullet Band on stage at Forest-National in Brussels (Belgium) on December 2, 1980