The double bill at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor on Saturday, Nov. 22, is a real doozy. There’s headliner Bob Seger and his Silver Bullet Band, then there’s the J. Geils Band, the legendary live band that last appeared in Bangor on the Waterfront in 2011. The lead singer for the band, consummate showman Peter Wolf, took a moment to talk to the Bangor Daily News about being a road warrior, his solo career and what it takes to bring that much energy to his live shows, year in and year out.
You guys have such a long history of playing in New England and in Maine in particular. Any favorite memories of shows in Maine?
With the J. Geils Band, we always played those Christmas shows in Portland for many years. We’ve played Bangor a lot, too. I remember we used to finish those shows in Bangor and hang out in front of the Paul Bunyan statue. That was always the hanging place. Even in the coldest of winters, we’d say we were going up to see Paul. With my solo band, I love Portland as a town, but there’s also a place out west called the Stone Mountain Arts Center in Brownfield that I love. Carol [Noonan] who runs that place really knows how to treat musicians.
Tell me about the new record you’re working on. What can fans expect?
Well, it’s sort of a continuation of “Sleepless” and “Midnight Souvenirs,” where I did duets with people like Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and Shelby Lynne and Neko Case. I’m not sure what special guests we’ll have on this one, but it’s rootsy and a little country sounding and in that same vein. It’s a collection of songs that are basically related to what’s going on in my life. That’s what makes my solo stuff so meaningful for me.
What’s the primary difference between playing with the J. Geils band and playing solo?
With the J. Geils band, I can revisit the old material and the songs we did through the years that people love. But with my solo stuff and at places like SMAC, I can play those new songs. It’s really ideal. I feel really grateful that I’m able to not only have a great solo band but also be a part of the J. Geils band, which, to me, when we get together, we know how to blaze. We can create a real house party.
Have you toured with Seger before?
Well, the thing that brought this tour together was when we played the Boston Strong show, which was quite an event. It brought all these Boston bands together, and it was just such a good thing to be a part of. And of course that made us think of all the bands we’ve played with over the years, and Bob has been a big part of that. I remember playing a bill in Boston with Seger, the MC5 and the Stooges — all on one bill. We’ve known him for a long time.
You’re such a road warrior. Do you have any rituals or things that keep you in touring shape?
I put on James Brown’s “Live at the Apollo, Vol. 1,” then I try to fill the dressing room up with the most beautiful ladies I can find. That inspires me to boogaloo.
