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The Guess Who / Don Felder @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center, 7/14/2026

Written by Ian Losz on July 15, 2026

“Takin’ It Back”

Last night at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, some Rock and Roll Hall of Famers heated up the summer air.

The tour featuring the band from Winnipeg, the Guess Who, starred two original members: keyboardist Burton Cummings and guitarist Randy Bachman.

The two have known each other for 61 years and collaborated on several gold records. Those hits played last evening included “These Eyes,” “Star Baby,” No Sugar Tonight,” and “American Woman.”

While I enjoyed the golden oldies, I couldn’t help but feel the show was geared toward the geriatric audience. It was like those PBS oldies concerts trying to relive their memories.

For me personally, I wanted to see a Canadian guitar hero, Randy Bachman. His grizzled voice and wailing guitar were the driving force behind the 1970s heavy rock band, Bachman-Turner Overdrive. Bachman, although relegated to a stool throughout the show, rocked the crowd with energized versions of three of BTO’s hits: “Let It Ride,” “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet,” and “Takin’ Care of Business.”

The opening act really set the stage and, for my part, stole the night. Don Felder, former member of The Eagles, came out swinging with nine of the legendary band’s best songs. His current band, loaded with talent, included a list of artists’ connections too long to mention here.

Those hits ranged from rock blazers like “Life In The Fast Lane,” “Hotel California,” and “Victim of Love,” to the a cappella-infused “Seven Bridges Road.”

The back screen projected an early ’80s animated rock film, whose title track, “Heavy Metal,” mesmerized fans old and new.

In this ever-changing music business, both featured artists have battled over musicians’ rights, song royalties, and band name licensing. The aptly named “Takin’ It Back” Tour was referenced several times by Cummings. His fight for ownership of the Guess Who name was painfully obvious.

In the same vein, Felder had been fired by the Eagles and had years of legal entanglement before it was eventually settled.

In the current climate of adversity, this felt like a freedom tour for both these legendary rock entities. They celebrated their salvation in the best possible way – through music.