Fire Lake - Bob Seger - 1980 (7/5/23)

Today, we're heading back to the '70s for a Great Song of the '80s! Let me explain.

In 1971, Bob Seger started writing "Fire Lake," but it took a while to complete. Literally.

He intended to record it for his 1975 album, "Beautiful Loser," but didn't.

Finally, in 1979, he finished it for his 1980 album with the Silver Bullet Band, "Against the Wind."

That adds up to a 9-year gap from creation to release, and Bob was rightfully proud of it."

"Fire Lake" was different than almost everything else in his songbook: The overall theme was about taking risks in your life, and jumping in with both feet...with sort of a "country/soul" vibe.

Bob strongly suggested to his record company (Capitol) that "Fire Lake" should be the first single from the album, and after some minor quibbling, he got his wish.

Radio stations jumped all over it, and so did Bob's fans.

"Fire Lake" reached #3 on Canada's Top 40, and #6 in the US on Billboard's Hot 100.

Some fans--especially from his native Michigan--were especially interested in whether there was a "real" Fire Lake somewhere. Actually, there IS a Fire Lake in the U.P., but after a while, Bob confessed it was based on Silver Lake, near Ann Arbor.

(Personal Note: I had relatives who had a permanent trailer home on Silver Lake, and spent a smidgeon of time there growing up. It's quite possible that some of my old schoolmates from back in the day spent some time there as well.)

"Fire Lake" by Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band: A Great Song of the '70s--from 1980! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wisED81Wbog

Tomorrow: Juice lays her cards on the turntable.