Influential 1960s-era rock band to play intimate show at The Norwegian in Rockford

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — One of the most influential bands of the 1960s is coming to the city for an intimate show at The Norwegian on Rockford’s North End.

Love featuring Johnny Echols will perform at 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 27 at the locally owned restaurant, 1402 N. Main St. The group, which formed in Los Angeles in 1964, has been praised and covered by Rock & Roll Hall of Famers such as The Rolling Stones and The Doors.

It has also been an influential group for Emily Hurd, the musician and songwriter who owns The Norwegian.

“As a touring musician, I used to make road trip playlists to listen to in the car, and ‘Everybody’s Gotta Live’ was on most of them,” Hurd told the Rock River Current. “Their music is a big influence on my own. To have them play live in our little corner of the world — to get to meet the artists who soundtracked a lot of my life — is an absolute honor.”

Love’s sound incorporates an eclectic range of styles including folk rock, psychedelia and garage. Its third album “Forever Changes” is regarded by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the best albums of all time. Its hits include “Everybody’s Gotta Live,” “Alone Again Or,” and “Always See Your Face.”

Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The restaurant will have an open bar and a small list of food items available from the kitchen. The show is all ages.

If you go | Love at The Norwegian