Night Ranger

Night Ranger Proves They ‘Still Rock in America’ at the Riviera Theatre

Night Ranger rolled into town and lit up the West Herr Riviera Theatre with the kind of electricity only decades of chemistry and musicianship can produce. Playing to a near capacity crowd, the veteran rockers opened the night with a bang, launching straight into their fist pumping anthem “(You Can Still) Rock in America.” It was the perfect opener, igniting the audience and setting the tone for a high octane, nostalgia soaked evening.

***Brad Gillis, Night Ranger- Riviera Theatre, North Tonawanda, NY***

From the jump it was clear this wasn’t a legacy act simply going through the motions. Night Ranger came to remind everyone why they’ve endured. Frontman Jack Blades was a whirlwind of energy, darting across the stage, cracking wise about turning 60 (“but still outlasting half the bands we opened for in the ’80s”) and engaging the crowd like a rock and roll ringmaster. His enthusiasm was contagious and his voice remains as powerful as ever.

Guitarist Brad Gillis delivered a performance nothing short of jaw dropping. His mid set solo was a masterclass in shredding, reminding fans why his name still carries weight in rock circles. Drummer and co vocalist Kelly Keagy was a dual force, both the heartbeat and soul of the show, effortlessly switching from thunderous drum fills to heartfelt vocal leads, especially during “Sister Christian.”

Perfect pairing to original members Blades, Gillis & Keagy, longtime members guitarist Keri Kelli and keyboardist Eric “E” Levy, make the lineup feel tight, well oiled and full of fire. One of the night’s most memorable moments came during the band’s namesake song “Night Ranger” when the usual drum solo transformed into an impromptu drum circle. Blades Gillis Kelli and Levy each grabbed sticks and joined Keagy in a pounding rhythmic display of camaraderie and sheer fun.

The setlist was a satisfying blend of greatest hits and deep cuts with a few surprises thrown in. A partial tease of Damn Yankees’ “Come Again” led smoothly into full performances of “High Enough” and “Coming of Age,” tracks that still hit hard after all these years. The crowd, clearly in on the history, responded with wild cheers.

There was also a nod to Gillis’s time with Ozzy Osbourne as the unmistakable riff of “Crazy Train” rang out, sending the room into a frenzy. It was a fitting tribute to both Gillis’s legacy and a golden era of rock.

As the 90 minute set barreled toward its finale, Night Ranger closed strong with a trio of fan favorites: the hard driving “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me,” the nostalgic sway of “When You Close Your Eyes,” and finally the beloved ballad “Sister Christian” which had the entire theater singing in unison.

By the time the final note rang out, fans were on their feet, grinning, cheering and maybe even misty eyed. Night Ranger didn’t just play a show, they threw a full throttle celebration of rock history. It was a night that reminded us of the power of great songwriting, the magic of live performance and the timelessness of well worn denim and guitar solos.