“Decades of Rock” delighted the Iron Works crowd

By Laura Eisener

Decades of Rock performed at the Saugus Iron Works on Saturday afternoon at the conclusion of the Founders Day Festivities. Those who had enjoyed a festive day of events at Founders Day just had to walk a few more steps past the end of the Central Street roadblock to relax on the lawn and enjoy some great music – or even join in the performance themselves! The band provided tambourines to anyone in the audience who wanted to play along, and a few people took them up on this opportunity.

“Trails and Sails” announced two free concerts: one last Saturday and one tomorrow (Saturday, Sept. 21). Tomorrow’s concert will be the Fo’c’sle Four performing historic sea chanties from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on the upper lawn of the Iron Works. “Trails and Sails” continues into next week with free events in all the Essex County cities and towns. Printed booklets listing these offerings are available at the Iron Works Visitor Center and can also be found online at TrailsandSails.org.

“Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival and “Born to Be Wild” written by Mars Bonfire, a member of Steppenwolf, and familiar as the theme song of the 1969 movie “Easy Rider,” set an energetic mood. The six band members performing Saturday were three guitarists, the vocalist, a keyboard player and a drummer. At one point, the vocalist got a brief break as the group played the iconic instrumental “Wipe Out” composed by Ron Wilson, Bob Berryhill, Pat Connolly and Jim Fuller. The song was first recorded by The Surfaris in 1963. An audience member requested “My Way,” which was a change of pace, and the vocalist dedicated his own requested song, “Pretty Woman,” to his wife, who was in attendance at the performance.

A perfectly blue sky and a pleasant breeze made the setting very enjoyable after the hot day. A few audience members jumped in with the tambourines under the pine tree at the edge of the lawn for “Burning Love” written by Dennis Linde and first made famous by Elvis Presley. There were a few Cream songs, including “Sunshine of Your Love.” The next to last song was the Rolling Stones’ hit “The Last Time” written by Keith Richards and Mick Jagger but with a chorus influenced by a very old gospel song, and the band left the crowd with “Love Train” written by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff and performed by The O’Jays back in 1972.