Rob the Concert Guy

After John Corabi played (review of that part of the show here), Winger took the stage. I didn’t really catch what the opening song was as I was in the line to get some stuff signed by Corabi. But their 2nd tune was Seventeen. It’s a little odd hearing dudes in their 60s sing “She’s only 17” but it’s still a good tune. May I recommended changing it to “She’s only 23?” At least the rhyming still works and it’s less creepy. Anyway…

They played all the goodies including, Can’t Get Enough, Down Incognito, Miles Away, Headed for a Heartbreak, Easy Come Easy Go, and they ended with Madalaine.

I must say, Kip and the band were great. He still hits the notes, the lineup is original, and they just rock out much heavier than any of their recorded material. Great live band. I was disappointed that Kip Winger wasn’t wearing his little headset microphone, but then…it made its appearance and stayed on the rest of the night. Hilarious and awesome! I’d seen them in the past, but this set was much longer…and complete with guitar and drum solos. Total 80s. Good times!

Next was Tom Keifer to close out the show. “Tom who?” you may possibly be asking. He’s the lead singer of the 80s band Cinderella… and apparently the lead guitarist, likely the song writer, and a hell of a piano player too. This dude was incredible.

I saw them back in 98 or 99 and loved them. But 25 years later, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I know he had vocal issues over the years and I’d heard some stuff over the years where he was really good, but sang in a much lower register. But, as he stated this night, he really put in the work to get his voice back, and it showed. Holy balls the dude could sing and hit those high notes!

He has a rasp that I’d compare to Janice Joplin, with quite the range of pitch. Knowing he’s in his 60s made it all that more impressive. He really puts his heart and soul into the performance. He was completely DRENCHED in sweat and just seemed completely depleted by the end of the night. No one can accuse this dude of “going through the motions” like many aging rockers may do.

I was really impressed and loved his performance. When I saw him with Cinderella 25 years ago, I remember a ton of time behind the piano, but this time he just shredded on the guitar most of the night, only playing piano on Don’t Know What You’ve Got (Till It’sGone). One hell of a guitar player.

Their second to last song of the night was the Joe Cocker version of With A Little Help From My Friends. It was so good! And again, he put everything he had into it. I thought the show was over at the point and I wasn’t alone. When he announced they had one more song left, I heard a woman nearby say “How can he possibly top that? What’s even left?!” They answered by playing Gypsy Road as the closer. So good. Thoroughly impressed. If you have the chance, I recommend checking this tour out.

During the night they also played

• Hot And Bothered
• Heartbreak Station
• Coming Home
• Nobody’s Fool
• Shot of gasoline
• Somebody Save me (Video Below)
• The Last Mile
• Shake me
• Shelter me
• and a couple others