Bob Seger Closes Out The Palace of Auburn Hills With a Heartfelt Farewell
For nearly three decades, The Palace of Auburn Hills stood as metro Detroit’s premier concert venue—a place where memories were made, legends performed, and music came alive. On Saturday, September 23, 2017, that chapter came to a close. Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band took the stage one last time to give the Palace the send-off it deserved.
It wasn’t just a concert. It was a moment in time—steeped in emotion, packed with nostalgia, and powered by the unmistakable energy of a hometown hero saying goodbye.
“One Last Time, Let’s Roll”
Seger kicked off the night with “Roll Me Away,” and from the first note, the crowd was all in. For two hours, the Silver Bullet Band and the Motor City Horns backed Seger through a career-spanning setlist that celebrated not just the man himself, but the venue that helped define Detroit’s musical legacy.
Fans sang every word, staff members reflected on decades of memories, and The Palace felt more alive than ever—right before its final bow.
The show wrapped at 11:10 p.m. with the perfect closer: “Rock and Roll Never Forgets.” As Rob McNelley’s guitar rang out one final time, the lights dimmed and the Palace officially became part of history.
A Love Letter to the Venue
“This has been a great building for 27 years!” Seger shouted mid-show, beaming with gratitude. He recalled seeing legends like Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Michael Jackson grace the same stage. Then, with a heartfelt nod, he added, “Thanks for everything, Palace. We love ya!”
Whether it was 27 or 45 years, no one in the crowd was counting. What mattered was Seger’s passion—and how fully he gave himself to the performance.
At 72, he showed no signs of slowing down. Drenched in sweat, tearing through hit after hit, Seger’s voice was as powerful as ever. The Palace may have been saying goodbye, but he made sure it went out with a roar.
More Than a Concert—A Celebration
The entire night felt symbolic. During “We’ve Got Tonight,” Seger’s delivery of “why don’t you stay?” hit like a personal plea to the building itself. The Pistons’ banners were already gone, replaced by one honoring Seger’s 17 sold-out shows. Even the bars were running low—liquor shortages during Nancy Wilson’s opening set only underscored the sense that the end was near.
Still, Seger delivered a performance only he could: grounded in Detroit pride, brimming with heart. Clad in an Olde English D shirt and cap, he connected with fans not just as a rock star, but as one of their own.
A Greatest Hits Goodbye
Seger didn’t hold back. From “Main Street” and “Old Time Rock and Roll” to his powerful cover of Lou Reed’s “Busload of Faith,” the setlist was a celebration of every era. Even newer tracks like “Face the Promise” earned their place, woven into a nostalgic tapestry that only deepened the emotion of the night.
This wasn’t a show for deep cuts—it was a full-on greatest hits parade, and that’s exactly what the fans came for.
“The Fire Inside” Still Burns Bright
By the time “The Fire Inside” lit up the arena, Seger was in full command. Moving across the stage, pointing to bandmates, pumping his fists—it was clear he was soaking in every moment. His humble energy, combined with that powerhouse voice, reminded everyone why he’s remained such an enduring figure.
A double encore closed the night: “Against the Wind,” “Hollywood Nights,” “Night Moves,” and finally, the perfect farewell—“Rock and Roll Never Forgets.”
It was more than just the end of a venue—it was the end of an era. But if Seger’s performance proved anything, it’s that the fire inside doesn’t fade. It just finds a new stage.