NIGHT RANGER – (You Can Still) Rock In New Jersey!

On their recent run of U.S. tour dates, Night Ranger made two stops in New Jersey first night at the State Theater in New Brunswick took place April 4 at the Bergen PAC in Englewood.

Celebrating a 43rd anniversary since the debut, and 40 years for the album 7 Wishes by playing five songs, original members singer/bass Jack Blades, guitarist Brad Gillis, and drummer/singer Kelly Keagy, are still joined by now long time second guitarist Keri Kelli and keyboardist Eric Levy for 10+ plus years.

Two different setlists by a couple songs, “This Boy Needs To Rock” a great opener, with “Seven Wishes” making an appearance, and the real treat Blades and Kelli on acoustic guitar playing the first verse to the Damn Yankees’  “Come Again” before the hit ballad “High Enough”.

I’ve seen Night Ranger several times within the past 10+ years and neither the vocals nor the players have lost any of their delivery or energy. Solid melodic hard rock and Gillis plays all those solos just like the albums –  divebombs and all. And Kelli is faithful to Watson’s parts and gels well with Brad. Namesake song off the classic debut Dawn Patrol includes an extended jam with the band (and masked wolf) all on the drums for some fun.

“When You Close Your Eyes”, “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me”, “Four In The Morning”, “Sister Christian”, “Sentimental Street”, “Sing Me Away” you know all the hits, sing ‘em!

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