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'Flashback' tour channels rock icons

What would happen if Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd rocked the stage together? The Mystic Orchestra intends to answer that question as it tours the US with its production of "Flashback -- the Classic Rock Experience."

The ensemble features 14 rock musicians and singers, including Three Dog Night's Chuck Negron, as well as an 11-piece string and horn section performing material by rock greats including Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and the Doors.

"The intention is to present the music like it's never been presented before," veteran promoter and "Flashback" founder Rick Bowen said of the event. "I wanted to do it even better than done originally. We have the world's greatest players, who studied every move the classic bands ever made."

The arena tour is scheduled to launch Aug. 27 in Mobile, AL, and make its way through nearly 50 cities--from the East Coast to the South--into November. The itinerary is listed below.

Mystic Orchestra's performances will span nearly three hours and delve into rock classics by artists including Deep Purple, Steppenwolf, Rod Stewart, Three Dog Night and Derek and the Dominoes, according to a press release. The second half of show will offer concert-goers a make-believe rock and roll fantasy--Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd playing together.

To pull off such an undertaking, "Flashback" musical director Frank Gilcken recruited a host of industry pros, including lead vocalists Negron, Shaun Williamson, Jose Manzano, Katrina Chester and Elizabeth Eagan, and musicians Phil Hilborne, Jamie Humphries, Brian Chatton, David Boruff and Adam Troughear. Further information about the players is available at the tour's website.

The production includes six truckloads of intelligent LED lighting, lasers, pyrotechnics, an overhead helium-filled zeppelin with two screens, five additional hi-def video screens and a powerful surround-sound system, according to a press release.

In the spirit of turning back the hands of time, the tickets for "Flashback" are expected to average less than $40, Bowen said, adding, "If we do our job right, this re-creation will be a night to remember, a concert event and experience for multiple generations, as we tour the nation."