In terms of musical taste, Bob Seger is on record -- literally -- with a stated preference for "that old time rock and roll."

Friday night at Scottrade Center, he was joined in that sentiment by more than 12,000 fans who came to hear the veteran rocker hit the highlights of a storied career that dates back to the late ‘60s. And with Seger touring in support of a new best-of collection titled "Ultimate Hits," he was more than ready to accommodate them.

At 66, Seger may have lost a step or two and his voice is not what it once was. But he is still a commanding presence onstage, and sang nearly two dozen songs with the grit and gravel that are the hallmarks of his soulful brand of rock.

He was backed by an expanded edition of the Silver Bullet Band, which included a four-piece horn section and a trio of vocalists. Among the group were bassist Craig Campbell and saxophonist Alto Reed -- Seger mainstays since 1971 -- as well as drummer Don Brewer, famed for his long run as a member of Grand Funk Railroad.

For the most part, Seger kept the energy level high, relying on rockers such as "Roll Me Away," "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man," "Old Time Rock and Roll" and "Katmandu." He occasionally pulled back the reins to sing the ballads "Mainstreet" and "We've Got Tonight," the latter of which, he revealed, was inspired by a Robert Redford line in the movie "The Sting."

Seger spoke of his love of rhythm & blues music, and as fine as his original songs are, he seemed especially fired up while performing set-list staples such as Otis Clay's "Tryin' to Live My Life Without You," Tina Turner's "Nutbush City Limits" and Willie Mitchell's "Come to Poppa." But he also pulled out a new one, a high-stepping take on Little Richard's "Hey Hey Hey Hey (Goin' Back to Birmingham)" that nearly blew the roof off.

Turning back to rock and to country, Seger also covered Tom Waits' "Downtown Train" and Vince Gill's ode to Merle Haggard's days as a troublemaker, "Real Mean Bottle."

The Silver Bullet Band was in fine form throughout. Reed provided hi signature wail on "Turn the Page"; occasionally, he brandished an impossibly large bass saxophone. Guitarist Eddie Greenberg was terrific as well, especially when he and the horn section took flight on the hard rocking instrumental section connecting "Travelin' Man" and "Beautiful Loser."

By the time "Rock and Roll Never Forgets" capped the evening, it was clear why the song's title is true. Seger has played many memorable shows in St. Louis over the years, but even among those, this one was pretty indelible.

Set list

Roll Me Away

Tryin' to Live My Life Without You

The Fire Down Below

Mainstreet

Old Time Rock and Roll

Downtown Train

Ramblin' Gamblin' Man

Hey Hey Hey Hey (Going Back to Birmingham)

Travelin' Man

Beautiful Loser

We've Got Tonight

Nutbush City Limits

Come to Poppa

Her Strut

Real Mean Bottle

Turn the Page

Sunspot Baby

Katmandu

 

Encore

Against the Wind

Hollywood Nights

 

Second encore

Night Moves

Rock and Roll Never Forgets