More Than “Missing You”: John Waite Celebrates Five Decades of Music at Batavia Downs

John Waite – Batavia, NY

***John Waite – Batavia Downs, Batavia, NY***

John Waite brought five decades of music to Batavia Downs for the Rockin’ the Summer Concert Series. From The Babys and Bad English classics to his solo hits, Waite reminded fans why these songs have remained part of the soundtrack for so many. A night filled with great songs, talented musicians, and a performance from an artist whose catalog deserves more recognition.

Some artists become closely associated with a single song. John Waite has spent the better part of five decades building something much broader. From his years fronting The Babys and Bad English to a solo career that produced one of the most recognizable songs of the 1980s, his catalog reaches far beyond a single hit. Friday night at Batavia Downs for the Rockin’ the Summer Concert Series, Waite reminded the audience just how deep that catalog truly is.

Striding onto the stage dressed in a long black jacket and black pants, Waite opened with “Midnight Rendezvous,” immediately showing that, at 74 years old, his voice remains expressive and remarkably well preserved.

Joining Waite was a seasoned group of musicians featuring longtime collaborator Shane Fontayne on guitar, filling in for Kyle Cook, Tim Hogan on bass, and Alan Childs on drums. Fontayne’s guitar work added texture throughout the evening, while Hogan and Childs formed a steady rhythm section that gave every song a solid foundation without ever overpowering it. The chemistry between the four musicians was evident from the opening notes.

The 70 minute set moved comfortably between every chapter of Waite’s career, despite a few brief technical hiccups that were quickly corrected. The Babys favorites “Every Time I Think of You,” “Head First,” and “Isn’t It Time” were met with enthusiastic applause, while the Bad English ballad “When I See You Smile” filled the venue with voices from every corner of the crowd. One of the evening’s pleasant surprises was Waite’s performance of “Tears,” the song he co wrote that became a hit for Peter Criss. It was a welcome addition to the set and one that longtime fans clearly appreciated. “Missing You” remained the emotional centerpiece of the evening, with nearly everyone singing along.

***Shane Fontayne – John Waite, Batavia Downs, Batavia, NY***

Between songs, Waite shared stories that reflected both his wit and his humility. Recalling a question about whether he would return to the 1970s, he laughed, “I’d go back and I wouldn’t come back in one piece.” He also shared the story behind “In Dreams,” admitting that filming the accompanying helicopter scenes remains an experience he would rather not repeat.

The evening closed with an energetic pairing of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” and Buddy Guy’s “Let Me Love You Baby,” bringing another memorable night at Batavia Downs to a fitting close.

John Waite’s career has never been defined by one band or one era. Friday night’s performance was another reminder that his body of work deserves far more recognition than it often receives. More than fifty years into his career, he continues to perform these songs with sincerity, backed by a band that shares the same appreciation for the music and the audience.