Hall of Fame Rocker Bob Seger Joins Environmentalists’ Cause

One of America’s iconic rock and roll singers, Bob Seger, has, in the waning years of his hit-filled 50-year career, turned his attention to the environment. On October 9, Seger and his Silver Bullet Band released the group’s latest album titled “Ride Out.”

Bob Seger relaxes at his home in Clarkston, Michigan

Two decades ago, Seger and his wife bought a home on 60 acres in Clarkston, Michigan, about 40 miles outside of Detroit so that he could enjoy the open spaces and play his guitar as loudly as he wanted to. Seger has always been a personal favorite because of how generously he treats his band and his refusal to cave into money-grubbing promoters who want to capitalize on his popularity by issuing box sets and selling his songs as iTunes downloads. Even though he’s reached a point in his 70-year-old life where touring is a drain on him physically and emotionally, Seger is reluctant to retire because, as he put it, “I have to think about the musical family that depends on me.”

Seger’s new album has three tracks with environmental messages, including “It’s Your World,” which warns of polluted rivers and dying species. Acknowledging that the nontraditional lyrics might hurt sales, Seger nevertheless defended his song selections. Said Seger, “I want my kids and their kids to live in a good world.”

What will we leave for our children and future generations – what sort of shape will we leave our planet in – was part of the impetus for the CAPS Then & Now project. It chronicles California’s shift from Golden State status to today’s overpopulated mess. What are your ideas for creating a better world? Send them to CAPS.