Catching up with Bob Seger

Detroit rocker Bob Seger, who drastically cut back his touring and recordings in the ‘90s to start a family, returns to the pop spotlight with Tuesday’s release of his “Greatest Hits, Vol. 2” album.

The veteran musician discusses the new album, life at 58 and the prospect of joining the growing legion of ‘70s rockers on the lucrative classic-rock concert trail.

Does it surprise you that the “Night Moves” album became a touchstone of ‘70s rock?

Oh, yes. That was during a time when career arcs at the max were about five years. You’d have three to five years where you were hot and then that was it.... I never thought you’d see Paul McCartney touring at 60, Bruce [Springsteen] at 54. It’s remarkable.

Will you be joining them?

I think we could do really well, we always have. But I have to leave that question open. At 58, I’m not sure if I’m physically able to do the job the way I’d want to do it. It’s very demanding.... But I never say “never.”

How good has Chevrolet been to Bob Seger with its long-running use of “Like a Rock” in its truck commercials?

I think it’s been better to them than it may have been to me. When they convinced me to do it, I thought it would help save jobs in my area and in the whole Midwest.

You’ve been out of the spotlight for quite awhile. Do you still believe that “Rock and Roll Never Forgets”?

It never forgot me, thank goodness. As I tell any young band that will listen, if you tour somewhere and they really like you, don’t wait. Get back there in six months to a year. Now a lot of bands figure that if they make a video that’s all they’ve got to do. But touring is important.... It sure has done us a world of good.

-- Randy Lewis