Playing is the joy and satisfaction of touring, but it comes with the hard part -- travel, the endless miles on a bus. There’s no dodging the wear and tear, and Little Feat has been playing for quite a while. With tongue stuck somewhat in cheek, Little Feat announces “The Last Farewell Tour,” which will begin in April 2026.
It’s definitely not an absolute, never-gonna-play again statement. This wind-down will take several years to accomplish, and while it does, Feat will continue to perform and record as long as they are able. It’s a retirement from the travel of touring.
Little Feat began in 1969 when Frank Zappa told Lowell George he should start his own band. As Lowell happened to have a pretty small shoe size, the name became obvious. He found a partner/keyboard player in Bill Payne and a drummer in Richie Hayward.
After a few transitions, they added Kenny Gradney (bass), Sam Clayton (percussion), Paul Barrere (guitar) and eventually Fred Tackett (guitar), and began a now 56-year journey that has produced dozens of songs – “Dixie Chicken,” “Oh, Atlanta,” “Willin’,” “Fat Man in the Bathtub” – and a thousand memories. One result was one of the best live albums in the history of rock ‘n’ roll, Waiting for Columbus.
The road (see above!) is hard, and it cost them first Lowell George in 1979, Richie Hayward in 2010, and Paul Barrere in 2019. The everlasting Little Feat groove demanded playing, and they added Scott Sharrard (guitar) and Tony Leone (drums), and may well be playing at the very height of their powers, recently releasing a well received album of original material, Strike Up the Band. Their inimitable blend of rock, New Orleans swamp boogie, jazz, and blues is not only unique but an ongoing source of delight.
Feat has an incredible legacy of music and the celebration that comes with it, and the near future will see them honoring their own past with more playing.
But it’s time to give the trusty tour bus, however comfy, a rest.
Little Feat: The Last Farewell Tour
Little Feat: The Last Farewell Tour
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You have a few convenient options for parking in downtown Meridian:
- Street Parking: Free parking is available directly surrounding the MSU Riley Center. While there is no time limit on nights and weekends, please note that most spots are limited to two hours during weekday business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
- Arts District Parking Garage: For a stress-free experience, the Arts District Parking Garage is located just a short stroll away at 712 24th Avenue. It is free, open 24/7, and is the most reliable option for guests attending all-day conferences or evening performances.
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