NYS Music 20​16

Author: Louis Quattrini

  • Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza

    With the penchant for stage theatrics, laser beams, pyrotechnics, huge LCD screens, risers and rock opera music and story telling, Trans-Siberian Orchestra mesmerized fans, young and old alike, in Wilkes-Barre, PA this past Black Friday during the first of two sold out shows at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. TSO put on an enchanting and powerful Christmas performance as I caught them at their first of the two “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” shows at 3 p.m. in the Mohegan Sun Arena.

    The famous rock opera is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary and continues to grow each year with its performance, stage show, and more importantly, its fans who continue to return year after year bringing new generations of followers along for the yearly magical experience. The audience cheered in anticipation as the intro began with storyteller Bryan Hicks orating his tale describing “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve.” 10-piece chorus accompanied his narration as images flashed across the five massive LCD screens showing clips from the 1999 television movie of the same name along with famous historical figures, the solar system and enchanting yet uplifting messages. The multi-colored light and laser show kicked off the intro in true rock opera Christmas fashion.

    The audience was treated to Christmas favorites such as “O Come All Ye Faithful/O Holy Night,” “This Christmas Day,” and “Christmas Canon Rock” as the spectacular production continued in sync with the music as the enormous five panel screens displayed the choreographed images. The laser spectacular, “digital” snowflakes, three platform risers along with a rising catwalk, and let’s not forget the explosive and stunning pyrotechnics that erupted from the entire arena from front to back all added to the excitment. Legendary conceptual composer, producer, lyricist and songwriter Paul O’Neill continues to make his grand vision of the TSO production a masterpiece for all that experience it from the intro to its dramatic conclusion. This ever-evolving group continues to weave, like tapestry, its lyrics, songwriting, music, storytelling and production into a timeless magical and enchanting journey filled with wonder and amazement.

    With super guitarists Chris Caffery and Joel Hoekstra flanking each side of the stage along with violinist Roddy Chong, bassist David Z, Mee Eun Kim on keys and drummer Jeff Plate on his throne, the audience not only experienced the amazing visuals of a TSO show, but an astonishing and stunning musical experience as well. At the beginning of the performance, Caffery, Chong and Hoekstra stood on separate risers that lifted them a good twenty feet above the crowd as they traded chops and riffed along in sync to the classic TSO hits keeping the rock show experience alive with their stage presence, dynamics and moves. TSO showcases different vocalists throughout the program lending to their unique rock/opera sound which included a special performance by Kayla Reeves and Paul O’Neill himself following the first set of traditional Christmas favorites.

    TSO opened with the intro, “Who Am I” then went right into “March of the Kings,” “The Lost Christmas Eve,” which featured Hoekstra on masterful acoustic guitar, followed by “O Come All Ye Faithful/ O Holy Night.” Also on the set for the show were “Good King Joy,” “Christmas Dreams,” and the mega popular hit which included the performers high above the audience on a catwalk playing “Christmas Eve (Sarejevo 12/24)” as fire and laser beams erupted from both the front and the back of the arena.

    TSO kicked it up a notch during their second, more rock and roll infused set, as they performed songs from their albums Night Castle, Beethoven’s Last Night, and Letters From The Labryinth going all the way back to the Savatage sounding days of yore. They did however slow things down a bit when the played “Music Box Blues,” “Find Our Way Home” and the cool number featuring O’Neill and Reeves, “Not The Same.” The super group/orchestra capped off the show as they crushed a rocking Beethoven’s “Requiem (The Fifth),” and a reprise of “Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24).” Fireworks and more pyrotechnics ended the show leaving a powerful impression as both Caffery and Chong made their way through the aisles of fans. Included, was the recent addition of the pyramid at the rear of the crowd which opened up and shot flames high into the arena at the end of the set.

    The TSO experience now in its 20th year has grown in leaps and bounds since 1996. Having started out as a small production with a few cargo vans and some rock stars from previous bands such as Savatage with Jon Olivia, Al Pitrelli and Paul O’Neill at the helm, now boasts over 10 million concert ticket sales and over 10 million album sales.They are well known for their extensive charity work. At the beginning of the first performance, it was announced that over $13,000 from ticket sales would go directly to Candy’s Place – A Center for Cancer Wellness in Forty Fort, PA.

    TSO has both an East and West coast group with dozens of performers and have grown from hauling the show in a few vans to literally over a dozen semi tractor trailer rigs and multiple tour buses. This was my first TSO experience and was literally blown away with the size of the production, the amazing talent of the performers and musicians, the theatrics and show. It was like no other I had seen. A TSO show is a very family friendly experience with a very gracious and generous attitude that always gives 110% in every aspect of their show as if it were their first.

    As I recently heard from Al Pitrelli on social media he states “I’ve been playing with some of these people for thirty years now, the chemistry is amazing when this band gets together we get to the first rehearsal well, its like playing the first show, but we’ll do it 30 or 40 times so when we do blow up the building for the first time, it seems like the hundredth show. Everybody in that audience, it’s their first show, whether its our 10th, 100th, 2000th, it doesn’t matter, everybody in that audience deserves the perfect first show.” TSO continue both their east and west coast tours through out the remainder of the year at times playing two shows a day.

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  • The Pretty Reckless Sells Out the House of Blues Cleveland

    Cleveland, home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, hosted The Pretty Reckless who performed for a sold out crowd at the legendary downtown Cleveland House of Blues on Saturday, November 12.

    The popular rock band The Pretty Reckless,  led by the gritty, soulful and mysterious female singer, Taylor Momsen is currently on their fall 2016 headlining tour in support of their latest album, Who You Selling For, just released less than a month ago on October 21. Supporting The Pretty Reckless on this tour are the bands, “Them Evils,” a three piece in your face straight up rock and roll band from Huntington Beach, California and “The Holy White Hounds”, another kick ass rock band hailing from Des Moines, Iowa.

    The Pretty Reckless proves rock is definitely alive and kicking with this, their 3rd studio release following their stunning success of their 2014 album Going to Hell. With her signature raspy, gritty yet soulful vocals, Momsen throws a different smoky-sultry twist on this new album with enchanting and mesmerizing vocals. Although evolving and experimenting on this new album, the bands growth is apparent through their eclectic songwriting, 70’s riffs and signature hooks. The band, formed in 2009 with Momsen on vocals, Ben Phillips on guitar, Mark Damon on bass and Jamie Perkins behind the kit, still put on a kick ass and entertaining rock show. Their sound remains reminiscent of 1970’s rock with a flair of Zep thrown in along with early Heart and maybe a Stones influence. However on Who You Selling For the band is breaking out to define their own unique sound. Their stage show was not at all flashy or showy, with only mood lighting for most of their 60 minute set. The band however is not about theatrics or wild stage shows, they are first and foremost, all about their music.

    Opening the night was the band Them Evils from Huntington Beach, California. This band was a very unexpected surprise. They played a 30 minute blistering set from 7:45 to 8:15 and could have played longer as the set seemed to fly by with mega energy and killer rock tones. Lead singer and guitarist  Jordan Griffin sported a black Gibson Explorer played through a vintage Orange amp and his guitar tone alone set the mood back to a vintage gritty 1970’s rock and roll vibe. His vocals were nothing short of, well, killer. Jordan has amazing stage energy and presence, as does the rest of the band including bassist Jake Massanari and drummer David Delaney. I heard classic Sabbath tones along with a mix of Led Zeppelin, Motorhead and AC/DC. Massanari and Delaney owned the bottom end rhythm section with a thumping, yet groovy beat and drive. Them Evils are definitely a rising band to be reckoned with with their blend of modern and classic rock. Included in their short but solid set were originals “Untold” and “Have One on Me” as well as an amazing cover of AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top (if you wanna rock n roll)” and Motorhead’s “Ace of Spades” to close the set. Keep an eye and both ears on Them Evils as the are making big waves in the modern rock in roll world despite having one foot in the 1970’s still in terms of their sound. Check out their website.

    Up next was the four piece rock band, The Holy White Hounds from Des Moines, Iowa. This band, in keeping with the feel and sound of the night, were again, not overly flashy or flamboyant on stage, but put on a kick ass energized show with a ballsy, gritty sound with some killer effects by simply using vintage effects pedals. The band has been climbing steadily since 2005 working their way up the ladder paying all the dues and sweating it out night after night showcasing their unique rock sound with influences of Nirvana, The Pixies, and Queens of the Stone Age all while defining their own sound with infectious hooks and riffs. The Holy White Hounds merge a blend of classic rock, grunge and punk for a totally unique sound. Touring in support of their current album Sparkle Sparkle, the Hounds consists of members Brenton Dean on lead vocals and guitar, Ambrose Lupercal on bass, Seth Luloff on drums, and James Manson on guitar. Their set included original songs “Switchblade,” “Blind,” and “Oh Mama.” Again, despite having been around for over a decade, this is another great rock band on the rise to keep an eye out for. Check out their website for more info.

    Assuming most of the hundreds of fans that started lining up outside the House of Blues on a chilly Saturday night in Cleveland had never heard of the two opening bands, If they chose to enter the club when doors opened at 7 p.m. they definitely got a taste of good old straight up with a gritty kick ass rock and roll welcome.

    At 9:45 p.m. by the stage left clock, The Pretty Reckless took the stage and the sold out crowd went wild with a deafening roar as Momsen casually walked out on stage along with her band mates with her trademark wavy, dirty-blonde hair and a slightly different rock star look than the her norm, wearing black skinny pants, long black boots and a long black leather coat over a dark shirt. The dark tone and look set the mood for their set. Illuminated by only a few dim spots and blue back lighting, the tone was dark but the sound was huge. The Pretty Reckless, touring in support of their most recent studio album Who You Selling For, opened with “Follow Me Down,” their 3rd consecutive number one hit from the 2014 album Going To Hell. Next was an older classic, “Since You’re Gone” from their 2010 album Light Me Up. The band may have wanted the fans to focus solely on the music as their stage presence was ominous and dark with some vintage looking and only necessary mood lighting with the music speaking volumes about how this band has evolved. Momsen knew how to work the crowd in an intimately powerful and commanding fashion as they continued through their set with “Oh My God” and “Hangman” next. Philips was brilliant on guitar as he played his crafted riffs and longer solos from the new material on his beautiful Gibson ES-335. Damon and Perkins were equally as impressive, although again, not flashy, on bass and drums providing a solid, gut felt low and and driving back beat as they plowed through the set effortlessly with a gritty heavy under-toned rock and roll and hypnotic groove at times and a driving all out rock beat at others. The Pretty Reckless continued through their hour set playing other hits including “Prisoner” from Who You Selling For, “Sweet Things,” and “Heaven Knows” from Going to Hell which had the sold out crowd about blowing the roof off the place with their singing along. The Pretty Reckless closed the night with “Fucked up World” also from Going to Hell.

    The Pretty Reckless continue their 2016 headlining tour along with Them Evils and The Holy White Hounds as they are proving to be one of the best female fronted bands going as they are taking no prisoners, kicking ass and taking names wherever they go, just leaving a fun and dirty kick ass rock and roll sensation wherever they travel. They continue their U.S. tour into December before heading across the pond to take Europe by storm in January 2017. It is going to be an excellent new year for the Pretty Reckless and their world-wide fans!

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  • Foreigner Opens Their Much Anticipated Acoustic Tour at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre, PA

    The legendary multi-Grammy and American Music Award nominated band Foreigner, who has over 80 million worldwide album sales and remains one of the best selling and recognized bands of all time, made the much anticipated premier of their 2016 acoustic tour opening at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre, PA on Friday October 21, 2016.

    Foreigner announced earlier this year that they would be kicking off a month long acoustic tour running from October 21st through November 19th with a special and historical stop at the famed Carnegie Hall in New York City. However, Wilkes-Barre, PA would be the launching point for this long awaited, intimate, stripped down acoustic tour.

    There were no drum risers or drum kits, multi tiered keyboard stands, stacks of amps, electric guitars or the highly energetic full impact punch of a regular Foreigner show which typically includes lots of stage energy, running, and jumping along with guitar and drum solos. Instead, the atmosphere was very intimate and relaxed with six white stools lit with moody spots, several acoustic guitars on stands and a few tables with water bottles waiting for the band. The table next to Kelly Hansen, lead singer, had a few hand held percussion instruments he used throughout the set.

    Scheduled for an 8 p.m. start time, guests started arriving at the historical venue around 6 p.m. where the VIP guests were treated with a special meet and greet with the band before the start of the show. Most guests interviewed related a sense of being a part of a special night and feeling the venue and band members themselves made them feel like they were part of the show, relaxed and humbled being a part of the premier of the acoustic tour.

    At 8 p.m. Foreigners tour manager Phil Carson walked out on stage to the sold out crowd at the F.M. Kirby Center and announced the band. As the band members walked out waving and giving peace signs to the crowd, Mick Jones, one of Foreigners founding and only original member, walked out and greeted the audience with two hands waved overhead. The audience was going wild over the fact that Mick was in attendance for tonight’s performance. Mick, who has not toured regularly with the band much this summer, was definitely a nice surprise for all the Foreigner fans. All the band members seemed to sense the excitement and anticipation of the crowd and the historic significance their performance would have on the audience with a feeling of grace and gratitude shared between themselves and the crowd.

    After the warm greeting, the band made their way to their respective chairs on stage from left to right, Michael Bluestein on a Kurzweil electric piano, Bruce Watson on guitars, mandolin, Dobro, banjo and more, Mick Jones on guitar, Kelly Hansen on vocals, Jeff Pilson on bass and guitars and Thom Gimbel on guitars, flute, sax and bass.

    Kelly and Mick each said a few words thanking the crowd for being a part of this special intimate and emotional night, about the inception of the acoustic album largely giving credit to bassist Jeff Pilson before beginning their first song of their fifteen song set, “Double Vision.” The band performed flawlessly, as expected, giving the crowd a different flavor on this Foreigner classic hit. Mick got into a little singer-songwriter mode for the next song talking about when he first came to the “Big Apple” in the 1970’s after being in a few bands prior to forming Foreigner in 1976 with former lead singer Lou Gramm. He discussed the inspiration for the next song, “Long, Long Way From Home,” which featured Thom Gimbel on amazing saxophone. Next up was the popular song “Say You Will.” At times throughout the night, the band had emotional and intimate interactions with the crowd talking about the history, the members and inspiration for the songs. This being the 40th anniversary of Foreigner made it even more special as Mick talked about the ups and downs, trials and tribulations and various band members over the last 40 years.

    Throughout the night, the mood was fun and relaxed with some joking and a bit of roasting of some band members by each other. Again, there was nothing fancy in regards to stage theatrics, lighting, lasers, smoke machines or loud electric amps and guitars –  just the music and the stories. Really, in all respects, the only thing that came through was the music and the personalities of the band in a real and emotionally felt manner. The music was spot on and flawless with the acoustic guitars, electric piano, Bruce’s Appalachian flair on the guitar, mandolin, banjo and some amazing fret work on the dobro during the song “Girl On The Moon.”

    Above all, the harmonies were pure, smooth, silky perfection. Being stripped down without the loud distraction from the electric guitars, synthesizers or drums, the vocals were really the pinnacle of this acoustic set that blended well with the instruments.

    The band, in keeping with the traditional Foreigner stage show, again brought out a local choir to join them on stage for their 1984 number one hit, “I Want To Know What Love Is.” However this time was different for two reasons. First, again, it was an all acoustic unplugged set. Second, instead of a local high school, Foreigner this time chose a local adult choir to join them onstage for the acoustic rendition of this timeless classic. The Wyoming County Chorale from Tunkhannock, PA joined Foreigner onstage for the second to last song of the evening. I’m sure by this point most of the audience at the F.M. Kirby Center had goosebumps not only from this amazing vocal/acoustic rendition, but from the unforgettable experience of the entire night. Closing out their set, again in keeping with Foreigner tradition, was the #3 song on the 1978 Billboard Hot 100 chart and certified platinum hit, “Hot Blooded.”

    In the course of music history, many things stick out in the minds of the fans. Things like their first concert, meeting their favorite band or simply catching a guitar pick or drumstick thrown from stage. The premier of this Foreigner acoustic tour at the historic and intimate F.M. Kirby Center had to be one of those moments for many of the fans in attendance. The fans left sensing the different, real and graceful side of the band and their music heard in a way that will surely leave lasting memories.

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  • Rockin’ in Paradise: Styx at American Music Theatre

    It wasn’t at the famed Chicago Paradise Theatre that the legendary classic-rock band Styx performed. This time it was the stunning and fairly modern American Music Theatre in Lancaster, Pennsylvania on a warm summer night, August 15, 2016. The 1600 seat American Music Theatre first opened its doors in 1997 and has been the host of a multitude of Grammy winners, Grand Ole Opry legends, National Broadway Tours as well as numerous top musical acts and performers over its two decade span.American Music Theatre

    It may not have the history as the famed Chicago’s Paradise Theatre, however, but the classy modern AMT is surely a beautiful and relaxing place to catch a show with its wonderful mezzanine accessible by two grand staircases on each side of its spacious open lobby, a nice and unique gift shop, clean modern restrooms and two plentiful and delicious refreshment areas that are easily accessible from the main lobby directly outside the theatre doors. Seating is very comfortable and spacious with a good open view of the stage. There really isn’t a “bad seat” in the house. The AMT provides state of the art sound and lighting as well as top notch production, sound, lighting, crew, very friendly ushers and accommodating staff.American Music Theatre

    Styx, one of the world’s best selling bands of all time, formed in Chicago in 1972 by twin brothers Chuck and John Panozzo and Dennis DeYoung along with Guitarist James Young. Tommy Shaw would join the band in 1975. Styx signed with A&M Records and released Equinox in 1975 as well which gained the band considerable recognition and airplay on FM radio in the relatively new Album Oriented Rock (AOR) format. The band’s 1976 album, Crystal Ball, would be the first to feature Shaw. The bands real breakthrough triple platinum smash album The Grand Illusion was released on July 7, 1977 and featured the mega-hits “Come Sail Away,” “The Grand Illusion” and “Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)”. Styx would go on making huge albums and selling out arenas and stadiums throughout the late 1970’s and 1980’s with albums Pieces of Eight, Cornerstone, Paradise Theatre and 1983’s Killroy Was Here.

    American Music Theatre

    At just a little after 7:30 p.m. in the sold out 1600+ seat AMT, the house lights went down and Styx drummer Todd Sucherman could be seen settling in behind his kit while waving to the crowd. As the intro music intensified, the other members of Styx walked out a stage door just to the right of the drum riser waving and moving into position. As the intro reached its crescendo the band, guitarist/singer Tommy Shaw, founding guitarist James Young, keyboardist/singer Lawrence Gowan, drummer Todd Sucherman and bassist Ricky Philips established their musical diversity and ageless sound right away opening with “The Grand Illusion” followed by the timeless 1981 hit “Too Much Time on My Hands” and another from the 1977 Grand Illusion album, “Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)” which featured original founding bassist Chuck Ponazzo joining the band on stage.American Music Theatre

    The band was musically superb. Without a doubt the performance was outstanding as the band was as tight as could be, delivering a loud but clean sound with the amazing vocal harmonies the band is known for, dazzling guitar tones blended well with the mix of electric and acoustic six and twelve stringers along with the synth and piano from Gowan, who replaced founding keyboardist/singer Dennis DeYoung in 1999. Shaw however soaks up the majority of the spotlight while sharing frontman duties with Gowan as he took lead on at least half of the 18 song set as well as explained a little history of the band including Styx being one of the founders of “Album Rock” and “Story Telling” through LP’s. He commented that the goal in the late seventies for bands was the idea of Album Oriented Rock and that “If you made it through side A of the album and flipped over to side B, the more experimental and personal songwriting and sounds tended to find its way to the B sides”. Shaw introduced the next song as the second song from side two of the Grand Illusion album, “Man in the Wilderness,” as he strummed his beautifully crafted Gibson acoustic guitar.

    American Music Theatre

    Styx continued throughout the night with Young engaging with the crowd as well as he took lead on several numbers and introduced the next song, “Light Up,” from the 1975 Equinox album. He talked about the days when President Ford was still in office, before the cell phone era, when the band would engage in “not so healthy choices,” and when the crowd forty years ago would hold up actual lighters and a “so called aroma would permeate the air.” He urged the modern concert goers to instead hold up and light their cell phones as the band broke into the song sung by Gowan. Young then took lead on the 1977 song, again from the Grand Illusion album, “Miss America” and later on the 1981 song “Snowblind” from the Paradise Theatre album making reference to how hot it has been recently and for the audience to relax and cool down a bit for this song.

    Shaw and Gowan performed a mesmerizing tribute to David Bowie with their rendition of “Space Oddity” featuring bewitching harmonies with only Shaw’s acoustic guitar and Gowin’s piano accompanying their vocals. A few other surprises were covers by The Beatles with “I am the Walrus,” Elton John’s “Rocket Man,” and Prince’s “1999,” as well as a rendition of Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” all performed solo by Gowan while the rest of the band stepped offstage for a bit. It seemed the hits kept coming one after another. With close to 45 years as a band and over 15 studio albums with four consecutive albums being certified as Multi-Platinum from 1977-1981, the set-list could continue for hours. Styx’s AMT set included thirteen of their well known hits as well as five covers. The band tends to avoid adding some Dennis DeYoung songs to their set-list including “Babe,” “Mr. Roboto,” and “The Best of Times.” Needless to say, the set, the songs, the musicianship, the showmanship, the enthusiasm and energy all made for an amazing show in the very classy and comfortable American Music Theatre.

    American Music Theatre

    Styx had the audience highly entertained and engaged throughout the night in between their powerful guitar heavy rock songs such as “The Grand Illusion,” “Too Much time on my Hands,” and “Miss America,” and their more laid back hits such as “Man in the Wilderness,” “Crystal Ball,” and “Lights.” As the show progressed, Shaw urged the crowd to move up to the front of the stage and move around. And again, as expected, the crowd was enthralled in the moment, with much of the audience choosing to sit and watch the show from their relaxing theatre seats many of the other fans moved right up to the front of the stage waving and extending their arms in the air hoping to slap hands or catch a guitar pick from one of the band members.

    The hits kept coming all night including “Blue Collar Man” and the mega power rock ballad “Come Sail Away.” Styx came out and performed two encores including “Rockin’ the Paradise” complete with confetti blasters on both sides of the stage and finally, from the 1978 album Pieces of Eight, “Renegade.”

    Styx continues their summer 2016 tour throughout the months of August, September, October and November. Whether you’re an old fan or a newcomer to Styx, the band is timeless and the band features amazing musicians that perform all the Styx hits with flawless sound, energy and passion. Check out their upcoming tour dates, news and more at their website below.

    Styx, August 15, 2016 – American Music Theatre, Lancaster, PA

    Setlist: The Grand Illusion, Too Much Time on My Hands, Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man), Man in the Wilderness, Light Up, Miss America, Space Oddity, Crystal Ball, I Am the Walrus, Snowblind, Lights, Blue Collar Man, 1999, Rocket Man, Dock of the Bay, Come Sail Away

    Encore: Rockin’ the Paradise, Renegade

  • Foreigner Turns Heads at Turning Stone

    No Lou, no Mick … No Foreigner? NO WAY! Despite the fact that original Foreigner founding member and guitarist Mick Jones was not on stage last Tuesday, July 26, at the Turning Stone Event Center was not indicative of Foreigner’s inability to turn heads, wow the audience and put on a huge rock show at its sold out shows wherever it is on tour.

    The band performs all the classic and top Foreigner hits flawlessly, never missing a beat, a lick or even a second of doubt. The seasoned band, most who have been with this current version of Foreigner for the greater part of the last decade play the music as it was most likely heard in 1983. Close your eyes and you would swear this is the original Foreigner. For all intents and purposes, it really is Foreigner with Jones still performing when he is able. Jones, who has been hit or miss as of late due to speculated health issues was surely missed at the Turning Stone show, however the band which he cherry picked to become the new generation of Foreigner, picks up in his absence in superb form. Especially Bruce Watson, who is handling Jones amazing and timeless guitar work on all the Foreigner classics from “Hot Blooded” to “Feel’s Like the First Time,” “Dirty White Boy” and more.

    Foreigner, one of the world’s best selling bands of all time with worldwide sales exceeding 80 million records, formed in New York City in 1976 by veteran English musician Mick Jones and American vocalist Lou Gramm. The band’s debut album, Foreigner was released in 1977 and featured the mega-hits “Cold as Ice,” “Feel’s Like the First Time” and “Long, Long Way From Home.” This year marks the 40th anniversary of Foreigner and the band has currently been promoting the iconic success of the band with Foreigner40 merchandise from t-shirts to guitar picks and highlighting the milestone at every show. Jones has recently discussed, in a 2016 interview, a possible 40th anniversary reunion tour, featuring the Head Games era lineup. If a 40th Anniversary reunion tour becomes a reality and, “… hopefully feasible and possible to pull it off next year,” as Jones relates, It may include a line-up of original members including Lou Gramm, Ian McDonald, Al Greenwood, Dennis Elliot and Rick Wills.

    At just a little after 8:00 p.m. with the Turning Stone Casino Event Center totally blacked out, the pre-show recorded music stopped and gave way to Foreigner’s dramatic opening score as drummer Chris Frazier entered stage left and greeted the exuberant crowd with a wave of his sticks before sitting on his drum throne. At the same time, entering from stage right was Foreigner’s multi-talented keyboardist Michael Bluestein who also gave the crowd a well received greeting gesture before settling down behind his rig. As the opening score continued to build, the other members of Foreigner walked on stage including Jeff Pilson, Bruce Watson and Thom Gimbel. Then in an instant the house lights went up illuminating the band as lead singer Kelly Hansen ran out on stage and the band immediately broke into their first number, “Double Vision”. The large crowd at Turning Stone was now on their feet screaming and singing along and did not have time to catch their breath before Foreigner went right into their second song, “Head Games”. At 55 years of age, Hansen shows know signs of getting too old to rock as he has the stage energy and moves that keeps the fans engaged and entertained at the same time. Hansen performs and sings all the classic Foreigner songs effortlessly, all while running, jumping, leg kicks and mike stand twirling like a twenty something year old warped tour rocker. He shows know signs of letting up and seems to perform each show like it was his first.

    Foreigner continued throughout the night with Hansen engaging in the crowd to interact and engaged with the band and each other. Next on the set the multi-talented Thom Gimbel, who plays guitar, sax, flute, and backing vocals, moved in place behind a diamond plated piano case as Hanson reminded the crowd of this next song being heard “Maybe in their late twenties” and chuckled as he introduced one of the top hits of the 1977 album, “Cold As Ice.” As expected, as soon as Gimbel hit those unmistakable first notes of the hit song, the crowd at Turning Stone went absolutely wild. There was no letting up from the hit parade as Hansen talked briefly to the crowd telling them to grab their partner, lover or just find someone in the crowd to hold on to as he announced Foreigner’s 1981 mega-hit power ballad “Waiting for a Girl Like You” featuring the talented Bluestein on keys. Despite this being the digital cell phone era, there were actually a few old school lighters in the air for this one.

    Foreigner had the audience highly engaged and up on their feet for the entire set. Kelly Hansen urged the crowd to move up to the front of the stage where there was no barricade. It was elbow to elbow in front of the stage and Hansen, the energetic crowd pleaser made the fans feel a part of the show by high fiving them, running out into the crowd during “Head Games” interacting with fans as he circled the floor before jumping back up on stage. In fact, all band members were certainly into the performance and not lacking for energy. One highlight of the show was an acoustic version of “Say You Will”. Hansen shared this was the idea of bassist Jeff Pilson who arranged the song acoustically which ultimately led to their successful unplugged album Acoustique: The Classics Unplugged. Again, with much reverence for the Foreigner classics, Hansen announced the next song in their set, the mega 1977 hit that launched Foreigner into the big-time “Feels Like the First Time”. And again, as expected the crowd was enthralled in the moment, with most of them bodies deep in front of the stage waving and extending their hands in the air hoping to grab a high five or catch a guitar pick from one of the band members.

    The hits kept coming all night including “Urgent” from the 1981 number one album Foreigner 4, Then Bluestein and Frazier got the already pumped crowd even more riled up with an amazing keyboard/synth solo followed by a killer Chris Frazier drum solo. At times Frazier would take a drink from his bottled water then dump the rest on his floor tom and thrash it while the water lit by an underneath spot illuminated the splashing liquid. “Juke Box Hero” and “Long, Long Way from Home” followed.

    The kids backstage could probably barely contain their excitement and anticipation to join Foreigner onstage next to perform their number one and biggest hit to date, “I Want to Know What Love Is” from 1984’s Agent Provocateur album. One by one the students from the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Central School Choir made its way to the riser between keyboardist, Bluestein and drummer, Frazier as the intro to the number one song began. Foreigner has been inviting local high school and singing groups onstage to accompany them with this song for the last several years and it never gets old. This gesture continues to remain a very noble and gracious act on the band’s part. It is humbling to witness and very entertaining.

    Foreigner completed its summer 2016 tour at the end of July. The band then departs for a European tour the first two weeks of August before returning to the states to finish up its regular show. A much anticipated acoustic tour begins in the fall of 2016 beginning in October running through the end of November 2016. Whether you’re an old fan or a newcomer to Foreigner, the band is timeless and the current line-up features hand picked top notch musicians that perform all the Foreigner hits with flawless sound, energy, and passion check out the upcoming tour dates, news and more at their website.

    Foreigner’s Current Line-up:
    Mick Jones – Founding Member, Guitarist
    Kelly Hansen – Lead Vocals
    Bruce Watson – Guitar
    Thom Gimbel – Guitar, Sax, Flute, Keys
    Jeff Pilson – Bass Guitar
    Michael Bluestein – Keys
    Chris Frazier – Drums

    Set List:
    1. Double Vision
    2. Head Games
    3. Cold As Ice
    4. Waiting for a Girl Like You
    5. Dirty White Boy
    6. Say You Will
    7. Feels Like The First Time
    8. Urgent
    9. Keyboard Solo
    10. Drum Solo
    11. Juke Box Hero
    12. Long Long Way From Home
    13. I Want to Know What Love Is (w/VVS School Choir)
    14. Hot Blooded

  • Hinder Brings its Stripped-Down Acoustic Show to Binghamton

    Hinder, best known for their hits “Get Stoned,” “Lips of an Angel,” “Better than Me,” “How Long,” “I Don’t Wanna Know,” and many others brought their acoustic set to Magic City Music Hall in Binghamton, NY, on June 7 in support of their new six-song acoustic EP titled Stripped. Stripped was released on May 13 via the End Records and includes the songs “Not An Addict,” “Intoxicated,” “Wasted Life,” Hit The Ground,” “If Only For Tonight” and “Get Stoned.” This is the band’s first strictly acoustic project to be released and is their second EP; the first being their 2003 debut Far From Close.

    hinder Binghamton

    In March, the band announced the album would be titled Stripped and would be released on May 13. At the time the band also announced that they would be touring June through July with the New Zealand-based rock band Like a Storm in support of the new EP.

    hinder Binghamton

    hinder Binghamton

    After a stellar didgeridoo-infused, 45-minute acoustic performance by Like a Storm, who played several numbers including “Becoming The Enemy,” “Amazing Grace/Southern Skies,” “Love the Way You Hate Me” and a cool rendition of Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise,” Hinder took the stage and began their set with “Intoxicated,” “I Don’t Wanna Know” and “What Ya Gonna Do” that had lead singer Marshal Dutton and the band joking with the crowd about mixing up the brands when your usual whiskey “ain’t workin’ no more.”

    Despite a smaller than expected crowd, longtime band members Mark King, Joe “Blower” Garvey, Mike Rodden, Cody Hansen and lead vocalist and guitarist Marshal Dutton put on a fun-filled, entertaining and interactive show with an intimate audience and performed each song exceptionally well with great vocals and musicianship that they are known for. At times throughout the evening, various members swapped instruments with each other, showcasing how musically talented they are as individuals as well as a band. Hinder played a 12-song set with fun interactive breaks at times between songs and swapping instruments.

    hinder Binghamton

    Hinder and Like a Storm continue their acoustic tour throughout the summer. If you’re out there and looking for a great show this summer, be sure to check out Hinder and Like a Storm.

    Hinder Set List 6/7/16:
    Intoxicated, I Don’t Wanna Know, What ya Gonna Do, Shoulda Known Better, Hit the Ground, Last Kiss Goodbye, Not an Addict, Red Tail Lights, Better Than Me, Get Stoned, Pussy Control, No Excuses

  • Killswitch Engage Brings Metal to Binghamton

    Hardcore metal fans were out in force this past week in upstate New York. On April 15, 2016 Killswitch Engage rolled into the Magic City Music Hall in Binghamton, along with guests Toothgrinder, Memphis May Fire and 36 Crazy Fists.

    Fists were pumping, bodies were slamming, moshing and surfing and all horns were thrown in full fledged tribute to heavy metal with a packed house of well over 1000 fans in attendance. Toothgrinder from Asbury Park, NJ started the night off at 7:30 followed by Anchorage, Alaska based metal legends 36 Crazy Fists and finally Memphis May Fire, hailing from Dallas, Texas who performed an inspiring 40 minute set with a few of their hits including “Beneath The Skin”, “Stay The Course” and “Vices.”

    All three opening acts set the stage for “Killswitch Engage,” who took the stage at 10:10 p.m. and brought an hour and fifteen minute non-stop assault to the revved up crowd in Binghamton. Frontman Jesse Leech led the metal onslaught along with the shredding guitar duo of Adam Dutkiewicz and Joel Stroetzel and the thunderous earth shaking bass of Mike D’Antonio and drummer Justin Foley.
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    Killswitch, from Westfield, MA performed a whopping seventeen song set list that included tracks from five studio albums such as Alive and Breathing, The End of Heartache, As Daylight Dies, Disarm the Descent and their newest studio album just released in March, Incarnate. 

    Killswitch came out hitting hard with the number four track “Strength of Mind” off their new chart topping album Incarnate.  From there they went on to perform “A Bid Farewell”, “Numbered Days” and “Alone I Stand”, the first track off the new album.

    Metal fans were not disappointed as all four bands from different corners of the U.S. brought the house down with a massive sound, tons of high packed energy and crowd involvement. Killswitch continues its year-long tour in support of Incarnate throughout 2016, eventually heading to Europe on June 3, then back to the North America on July 17 before heading back to Europe for November and December dates.

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    Setlist: Strength of Mind, A Bid Farwell, Numbererd Days, Alone I Stand, Beyond The Flames, The Arms of Sorrow, The New Awakening, Hate by Design, Take This Oath, Always, This Fire Burns, Rose of Sharyn, Embrace the Journey, My Last Serenade, The End of Heartache, My Curse, and In Due Time