Forgive me for those old enough to know this already, but there is a whole generation of jam fans that don’t realize the significance and impact that Blues Traveler played in not only helping to break the genre nationally, but also in spreading its gospel. Formed in Princeton back in 1987, John Popper & Co. are currently in the midst of celebrating not only their 25th anniversary, but also the 20th anniversary of the inaugural edition of H.O.R.D.E tour, which featured a who’s who of the jam world – Phish, Widespread Panic, Spin Doctors, Bela Fleck & The Flecktones and Aquarium Rescue Unit. Relix’s recent cover story on how the tour came to be, and Blues Traveler’s role in it is a must read.
In the spirit of the H.O.R.D.E. tour, Blues Traveler will head out on the road with a couple of the fest’s alumni, Barenaked Ladies and Big Head Todd & The Monsters, as well as Cracker. for the Last Summer On Earth Tour. The 31-date, cross-country amphitheater tour, kicks off on July 6 at the Zoo in Toledo, Ohio. Prior to all that, Blues Traveler will release their tenth studio album Suzie Cracks the Whip, tomorrow, and recently released this somewhat cheesy music video for the record’s radio-friendly lead single You Don’t Have To Love Me. Let’s check it out…