Dave Mason, the co-founder of the influential rock band Traffic and a celebrated solo artist known for hits like “We Just Disagree” and “Feelin’ Alright,” performed at City Winery in Chicago on February 21, 2023, as part of his Endangered Species Tour 2023.
Performance at City Winery Chicago
On February 21, 2023, Dave Mason took the stage at City Winery in Chicago for a concert that was part of a pair of in-demand shows during his Endangered Species Tour. The performance was noted for Mason’s bluesy vocals and skilled guitar work, with reviewers highlighting his rendition of Traffic classics such as “Only You Know And I Know,” “Rock And Roll Stew,” “Forty Thousand Headmen,” “The Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys,” and “Dear Mr. Fantasy.”
Mason also paid tribute to former collaborators, including Steve Winwood and Ric Grech of Traffic, as well as Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker of Cream, with a cover of Blind Faith’s “Can’t Find My Way Home.” The set included acoustic-oriented performances, notably his song “We Just Disagree,” which prompted audience sing-alongs, and material from his re-recorded 1970 solo debut, refreshed as “Alone Together, Again,” featuring tracks like “World In Changes,” “Look At You Look At Me,” and “Shouldn’t Have Took More Than You Gave.”
About Dave Mason
Dave Mason is best known as a founding member of the rock band Traffic, formed in the late 1960s, which earned him induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Beyond his work with Traffic, Mason has enjoyed a long and prolific solo career. He has collaborated with numerous legendary artists, including Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney & Wings, and George Harrison. He also had a brief tenure with Fleetwood Mac.
Mason’s songwriting contributions include enduring rock anthems such as “Feelin’ Alright,” which has been widely covered by artists like Joe Cocker, and “We Just Disagree,” a major solo hit that remains a staple of classic rock radio.
Legacy and Recent Activity
As of the February 2023 Chicago performances, Mason continued to tour and perform live, engaging audiences with a blend of Traffic’s psychedelic and progressive rock roots, jazz, folk, and acoustic elements. His shows often feature deep cuts from his extensive catalog alongside well-known hits, delivered with the musicianship that has defined his five-decade-long career.
In 2024, reports confirmed that Dave Mason passed away at the age of 79. The Associated Press reported his death, noting his significance as a Traffic co-founder and his lasting influence on rock music through songs like “We Just Disagree” and “Feelin’ Alright.” The AP report included a photograph of Mason performing at City Winery in Chicago on February 21, 2023, credited to Rob Grabowski/Invision/AP.
Key Takeaways
- Dave Mason performed at City Winery in Chicago on February 21, 2023, as part of his Endangered Species Tour 2023.
- The concert featured Traffic classics, Blind Faith covers, and songs from his re-recorded solo album “Alone Together, Again.”
- Mason is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee known for co-founding Traffic and writing hits like “Feelin’ Alright” and “We Just Disagree.”
- He collaborated with music legends including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, and Paul McCartney.
- Dave Mason died in 2024 at age 79, with his 2023 Chicago performance cited as one of his final public appearances.