Detroit, a city where rock ‘n’ roll history runs deep, celebrated an extraordinary occasion—Bob Seger Day. This year’s event was unlike any other, as I had the honor of witnessing a truly historic moment at the Detroit Historical Museum. For the first time ever, an exhibition was auctioned off in partnership with the museum. The energy in the room was electric as music fans and photography enthusiasts gathered to celebrate Seger’s enduring legacy.
I was thrilled to be part of this one-of-a-kind event, made possible by the Greene Group, led by Alex Greene and Andrea Houle. They manage Travelin’ Man LLC, the incredible archive of legendary rock photographer Tom Weschler. Andrea, the driving force behind the auction, had a vision—to create a night that honored Bob Seger’s music, Weschler’s photography, and the magic of Detroit’s rock ‘n’ roll history. And she pulled it off beautifully.
A Star-Studded Gathering of Rock Legends and Fans
More than 100 devoted Bob Seger fans filled the museum, but what made the night even more special was the presence of some incredible guests. One of the biggest highlights for me was shaking hands with Drew Abbott, the former guitarist of the original Silver Bullet Band. His searing guitar work defined so much of Seger’s classic sound, and it was surreal to meet him in person.
The night also featured jazz singer Anissa Lea, who brought an extra touch of soul to the celebration. I was honored to be in the presence of legendary photographer and activist Leni Sinclair, whose work has captured some of the most defining moments in music history.
Among the other notable attendees were Darren McLeay, the lead vocalist of the Canadian tribute band Classic Seger, Melissa Shevela, CEO of Helicopter Productions, and Howard Hertz, an entertainment attorney who has worked with some of the biggest names in music, and music promoter Jack Ashton. Also in the crowd was Tony Sahl, Bob Seger’s personal assistant, and WCSX DJs Jennifer DeMattei and Doni Flynn, who added to the rock ‘n’ roll atmosphere.
Everywhere I turned, there was someone with a deep connection to Seger’s music and the Detroit rock scene. It was amazing to witness firsthand how much his music continues to unite people.
An Unprecedented Auction of Rock ‘n’ Roll History
As the exhibition came to a close, I watched as guests were given a rare opportunity to own a piece of Detroit’s music history. The 16″ x 20″ framed prints that had lined the museum walls for a year were now up for grabs. Each one was hand-signed by Tom Weschler and came with a certificate of authenticity.
I could see the excitement in the eyes of fans as they placed their bids, hoping to take home a snapshot of rock history. By the end of the night, every single print had been sold. It was a testament to the deep connection people have with Seger’s music and Weschler’s photography.
A Stageside Chat with Industry Insiders
One of my favorite moments of the evening was the panel discussion featuring some of the biggest names in the industry. Tom Weschler himself took the stage, joined by Fred Nahhat of Detroit Public Television, radio veterans Steve Kostan and Mark Pasman, and music journalist Gary Graff, who co-authored Travelin’ Man: On the Road and Behind the Scenes with Bob Seger.
Listening to them share stories, insights, and personal experiences was incredible. I felt like I was getting a backstage pass to Seger’s rise to stardom, straight from the people who were there to witness it. It was fascinating to hear about the Detroit music scene from those who helped shape it.
Andrea Houle Announces a Travelin’ Man Documentary
During the event, Andrea Houle made an exciting announcement that had everyone buzzing—Travelin’ Man is being turned into a feature documentary! Based on Tom Weschler’s book, the film will bring his iconic photography to life, offering an intimate look at Bob Seger’s journey through rock history.
As someone who has seen firsthand the impact of Weschler’s work, I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate his contributions. The documentary promises to be an immersive experience for Seger fans, and I can’t wait to see it come to life.
A Celebration of Music, Art, and Legacy
Of course, no rock ‘n’ roll celebration would be complete without great food, drinks, and plenty of good company. The energy in the room was infectious as people swapped stories, toasted to Seger’s legacy, and reveled in the nostalgia of Detroit’s rock scene.
I could see just how much this event meant to everyone there. It wasn’t just about the auction—it was about preserving history, celebrating music, and honoring the people who helped shape it all.
Tom Weschler: The Man Behind the Lens
One of the true highlights of the night was meeting Tom Weschler himself. His work has been a cornerstone of rock photography, and his access as Seger’s former road manager allowed him to capture moments that no one else could.
His portfolio goes far beyond Seger—he’s photographed The Stooges, The Romantics, Glenn Frey, Grand Funk Railroad, Ted Nugent, Alice Cooper, Kid Rock, Cream, Deep
Purple, Ten Years After, Jeff Beck, Mitch Ryder, the MC5, and many more rock, blues, folk, and jazz artists. Hearing him talk about his experiences made me appreciate even more the power of photography in preserving music history.
His book, Travelin’ Man, co-authored with Gary Graff, remains an essential piece of music history. And now, with the upcoming documentary, his work will be introduced to an entirely new generation of fans.
A Historic Evening to Remember
The Bob Seger Day auction at the Detroit Historical Museum was truly unforgettable. I walked away feeling inspired, knowing I had just witnessed history in the making. Seeing fans take home a piece of Seger’s legacy, hearing firsthand stories from industry insiders, and being surrounded by people who share a deep love for music made the night one I’ll never forget.
Tracy Erwin, Chief Exhibitions and Enrichment Officer of the Detroit Historical Museum, summed it up perfectly:
“The Detroit Historical Society makes a point of partnering with community organizations. When Fred Nahhat of Detroit Public Television with Alex Greene of Travelin’ Man LLC approached us about putting together an exhibit featuring early photographs of Bob Seger by Tom Weschler, we not only agreed to partner, we suggested a six-month exhibit in our Motor City Music gallery. These nostalgic photographs of Bob Seger early in his career at memorable metro Detroit locations and often with celebrity guests were immediately popular with museum-goers. Of course, we extended the exhibition another six months, which brought it one full year from the opening date – Bob Seger Day, March 15, 2024, to March 15, 2025.”
As the final photographs were signed and the last bids were placed, it was clear that this night was more than just an event—it was a celebration of the stories, music, and images that have shaped rock ‘n’ roll.
I left feeling grateful to have been part of something so special. In the heart of Detroit, surrounded by legends and fans alike, I witnessed history come alive once again.
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