BOB SEGER: We finally got the low down on Bob Seger’s possible
connection to the Southern Tier of New York State.[neWLine]

One of our readers – noting that Seger’s new CD, “”Face the
Promise,”” contains lyrics which make reference to Olean, N.Y., and
Allegany, N.Y. – had asked if we knew the connection between this
musician and our region.[neWLine]

As it turns out, the Olean Times Herald carried a full story on
this connection just last year.[neWLine]

The story by Rick Miller points out that the title track
actually dates back more than 30 years – apparently, back before
Seger hit the big time.[neWLine]

He writes, “”The Detroit rocker played at least two gigs at St.
Bonaventure University between 1971 and 1973 – playing first as The
Bob Seger System and later as Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet
band.””[neWLine]

The story quoted Dr. Michael Chiarello, a professor of political
science and philosophy at St. Bonaventure University, “”They had a
hit protest song. I think it was about the draft, but they were not
a big name and I missed the concert myself. I came to St.
Bonaventure University in 1970.””[neWLine]

John Stevens, a university alumna from Olean, told the newspaper
he was certain he had gone to see Seger at St. Bonaventure. “”It
was the early 1970s – ’71-’73. Right before he played at St.
Bonaventure he formed the Silver Bullet Band.””[neWLine]

He said he recalled the song “”Night Moves.””[neWLine]

Another e-mail from Olean native Jon R. Orcutt said, “”I believe
Seger had biked through the area on his Harley. He has mentioned in
interviews his love for taking bike trips, and one thing this
region is known for is the love bikers have for it.””[neWLine]

And Patrick Ryan of Bradford wrote the newspaper, “”Back in the
early ’70s, Seger was somewhat well-known in this area because of
his song from the late 1960s, ‘Ramblin’ Gamblin’
Man.'””[neWLine]

Ryan added, “”He played a social at St. Bonaventure when I was a
student there. It was at Butler Hall, and it was not a concert but
a dance. I would say it was in 1971 or 1972. The band was called
the Bob Seger System. Seger was a great live performer and no
surprise that he would become well-known nationally.””