Take a good look at the gear Ben Harper has in tow for his tour with his primary band, the Innocent Criminals, and you’ll want to go to the show. I mean, where else are you going to see a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter who runs everything from the new Taylor Gold Label Grand Pacific 517e to a variety of electric and acoustic lap steels as well as some cherry solidbodies through a gorgeous custom Two-Rock?
Harper’s musicality is practically boundless, and he mostly holds down his latest single on piano. It’s a ballad called “Before the Rain Dried” that features an eerie slide solo.
After revealing the details of his day-to-day gig routine and going in depth on his soundcheck strategy, Harper, who recently relocated from Southern California to France, offered insights on what we can expect to see and hear when he and the Innocent Criminals take the stage as GP Presents and Another Planet Entertainment team up to welcome them in Oakland on the third Saturday in August.
After more than three decades in the game, what’s the current focus on stage?
Everyone approaches the dynamic of new material verses old differently, and there’s absolutely no replacing the music that got you where you are. I'm aware that has a heightened level of importance, and I love playing all of it, so we’re leaning heavily on the catalog. There will be some new songs with the band, but most of the new material will come during a chunk in the middle when I do a solo set. That can be ten to 25 minutes long depending on where it takes me. It’s different every night. [The full Ben Harper & Innocent Criminals show from June 1, 2025 in Boston is shown below.]
Can you share a thought on your kids entering the family business?
My son Ellery opened the first leg of the U.S. tour and he’s been bitten by the gear bug, man, he’s absolutely obsessed. We went into Chicago Music Exchange and geeked out together. He’s got a great ear, and he knows what he likes about gear right down to the era of humbuckers he prefers. My daughter Harris has also become obsessed with gear, and she’s opening the second leg, the West Coast run.
I believe we featured her in a photograph with you and her brother C.J. opening for Harry Styles at the Forum when we did the Frets feature last year on your family’s long history running the Folk Music Center, correct?
Right, she has the ’50s-era mahogany Martin 00-18 that Harry requested I play on his track, “Boyfriends.” That led to opening for Harry at the Forum. C.J. backs her up and co-writes and produces her stuff. They just finished her album, and it’s staggeringly beautiful. I can’t explain how excited I am for all my kids.
It sounds like the Harper family touring show is under way and setting the stage for the future, eh?
Eventually, I’ve asked both of them to save me the opening slot.
Guitar Player is proud to partner with Another Planet Entertainment to present the fabulous Harper family and the Innocent Criminals this all-ages show happening at Fox Theater in Oakland, California on Saturday, August 23.
WIN TICKETS!
For a chance to win a pair of tickets to see Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals in Oakland, California, on Saturday, August 23, send an email and put “Ben Harper” in the subject of your email. Include a sentence about yourself and why you want to go. Phone contact greatly appreciated for confirmation.
The winner must provide their own transportation to the Fox Theater in Oakland, California, on Saturday, August 23, and have his or her own accommodations in the area.
Best of luck!
EVENT DETAILS
GP Presents Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals
Saturday, August 23
7 p.m. doors; 8 p.m. show; All Ages
Fox Theater
1807 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland CA 94612
We'll be handing out free packs of Martin Strings
