About this Event
The Behind the Hits Concert Series welcomes Music Industry royalty to the Savannah GA scene for a unique, one-night-only show!
"Bad Company", "Heart", "Free": Three bands that helped define the artistic and cultural expressions of the 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond. Through it all, their music has left an undeniable mark on society and in our every day lives, becoming a part of our routines in the past, present and undoubtedly… the future. On March 20th, Thomas Claxton’s “Behind the Hits” Concert Series takes a trip back in time, welcoming Special Guests: Simon Kirke and Howard Leese, two world-renowned performing artists that helped shape the music that we all know and love.
Introducing our Special Guests:
Simon Kirke
Founding Drummer of Bad Company and Free
Simon Kirke is a legendary British drummer, singer, and songwriter whose unmistakable groove and powerful yet understated playing have helped define the sound of classic rock for more than five decades. As a founding member of both Free and Bad Company, Kirke played an instrumental role in creating some of rock music’s most enduring recordings. He first rose to prominence with Free, whose iconic anthem “All Right Now” became an international hit and remains a staple of classic rock radio. In 1973, Kirke joined forces with vocalist Paul Rodgers, guitarist Mick Ralphs, and bassist Boz Burrell to form Bad Company, one of the most successful rock supergroups of the 1970s. With timeless hits including “Can't Get Enough,” “Feel Like Makin' Love,” “Shooting Star,” and “Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy,” the band achieved worldwide acclaim, selling millions of albums and establishing a musical legacy that continues to influence generations of artists.
Renowned for his impeccable timing, soulful feel, and ability to serve the song rather than overpower it, Kirke has earned widespread respect as one of rock's most distinctive drummers. Beyond his work with Free and Bad Company, he has pursued a successful solo career, showcasing his talents as a vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter while collaborating with an impressive array of musicians. His contributions to rock history extend far beyond the drum kit, reflecting a lifelong dedication to songwriting, musicianship, and live performance. Whether performing before sold-out arenas or sharing stories from his remarkable career, Simon Kirke represents an extraordinary connection to the golden age of British rock and the timeless music that helped shape it.
Howard Leese
Keyboardist and Guitarist of Heart | Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee
Howard Leese is a celebrated American guitarist, keyboardist, producer, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee best known for his remarkable 23-year tenure with the legendary rock band Heart. Joining the group in 1975, Leese became an essential architect of Heart's signature sound, contributing his exceptional musicianship, innovative arrangements, and versatility on both guitar and keyboards. His work helped shape some of the band's most beloved recordings, including classics such as “Magic Man,” “Crazy on You,” “Barracuda,” “These Dreams,” and “Alone.” Throughout his years with Heart, Leese played a pivotal role in the band's evolution from its hard-rock roots into one of the most commercially successful acts of the 1980s, contributing to numerous platinum-selling albums and unforgettable live performances. His extraordinary contributions were recognized in 2013 when he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside his fellow members of Heart.
Following his departure from Heart in 1998, Leese continued building an impressive musical legacy, becoming a longtime member of Paul Rodgers' touring band and performing alongside the legendary vocalist from Free and Bad Company. His career has also included collaborations with an extraordinary roster of artists, demonstrating his remarkable adaptability across multiple musical styles. Equally accomplished as a guitarist and keyboardist, Leese is admired for his technical precision, melodic instincts, and ability to create memorable musical textures that elevate every performance. With decades of experience performing on the world's biggest stages, Howard Leese remains a respected figure in rock music, whose contributions to Heart and his subsequent collaborations have secured his place among the most accomplished and versatile musicians of his generation.
Event venue & nearby stays
District Live at Plant Riverside District, 400 West River Street, Savannah, United States
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