By Paul Piazza

Bob Seger is like a big, lovable teddy bear to his legions of fans. The legendary singer and songwriter made a stop at Sleep Train Arena Monday night and thrilled the audience with a lengthy set that included most of his biggest hits. These songs, so embedded in ‘70s and ‘80s American culture, were sung along to by most every audience member.

Seger, who turns 70 in May, split much of his time between bouncing along the stage with youthful energy and sitting on a stool playing guitar and singing. However, the highlights of the show may have been when he sat at the piano for a couple of big ones: “We’ve Got Tonight” and “Like a Rock.”

The show had been rescheduled from a cancelled date a week earlier, which created a unique opportunity for local act the Nickel Slots. Original opener the Heartless Bastards had to drop off the tour after the schedule change, and the Sacramento band stepped in and got the attention of the audience with a great set of rootsy Americana and straight-up rocking.