Night Ranger

February 27, 2009: Mescalero, New Mexico

I purchased the VIP tickets so we could go to the Sound Check Party/Meet & Greet. I went on Night Ranger's site and purchased the tickets and they were waiting at the door when we arrived. It was very easy and I didn't have any trouble.

When I got there I didn't know what to expect. I picked up my tickets and we started handing out buttons. The fans were all so nice and asked us all kinds of questions about the band. A lot of fans wanted to know more about Joel and Christian since they are the two new band members. Most all of the fans have been fans since Night Ranger began. I didn't know a lot about Christian except his work. At that time I had not met him. I did tell them when he joined the band and everything I had read about him.
 
Joel on the other hand I knew a great deal about. So I could give them a all the information on his CD's, his time with the band, everyone he works with..like ROA, all the musicals he has performed in, The Turtles, Scrap Metal..etc...one guy asked me if Joel was as good as Brad Gillis...I looked at him and said "he will be"...after the show was over that same guy came up to me and said "you were right"...

We were all taken into the hall where Night Ranger was already on stage and started the sound check. We all sat down and I saw Joel up on stage and he waved to let us know he saw us.

The sound check was great...they played pieces of songs and Jack Blades was talking to the people who he knew were coming while he was on the stage. Jack is an amazing guy. Then Brad Gillis came out on the floor to make sure the sound was right from there. He sat down in between people and was talking..he is funny and makes you feel like he has known you forever.
 
When they were finished with the sound check they all came down on the floor one at a time and started down the line greeting people and thanking them for coming and it was not like a job they had to do...they took their time and visited with everyone. And everyone waited for them no one rushed them. When Joel got to us he was so sweet and funny...we gave him a bag that had one of all the buttons we had made of him...we had a bags for each of the band members their own buttons...(daydreamer & I had made buttons of the band & of them separately).

I had a book made for Joel with pics of him from concerts, his guitars, and the graphics I have made for him. I had two books made of the same thing...I gave him one and I kept one for him to sign...he signed it "To LoneStar, thanks for being my #1 fan!" ...wooohoo..eat your heart out everyone...at that time Brad Gillis was standing there and Joel was showing him the book and Brad asked him who made the pics he had seen of him and Joel introduce me to Brad and he shook my hand and told me it was nice to meet me...I thought I was going to pass out right there...then Jack Blades walked up and we shake hands...my heart was just pounding but I was cool..LOL...I kept thinking OMG here stood these three guys in front of me and they were just so sweet and nice...
 
And we also had the ROA Special Addition Playbill book for Joel to sign...I gave him the book and they stood there looking at it and talking...he signed it...this was so amazing...

The guys had their pics made with us and they talked to us and I thought how could a meet & greet be any better...

Then Kelly came by and shook my hand and thanked us for coming and took pics with me...this man has the prettiest smile and was just as sweet as the other guys...

Then Christian came up and he is soooo sweet and soooo funny...he took a pic with me and he had his button on his hat at this time and he said wait "i want a pic with my button showing"...

I am telling you these guys are amazing...they all introduced themselves like I didn't know who they were...they are so down to earth...

They all left and went and ate before the concert started....I know I haven't even got to the concert...I told you this was long...
 
Daydreamer and I arrived early for the concert so we could pass the buttons out...everyone was asking for buttons..the fans and the employees of the resort...everyone was wearing them...
 
The concert was about to start and the hall was full...(it held 2000 people) then the band started coming out and OMG everyone was screaming and up on the their feet clapping...and this went on for a long time...and they hadn't even started playing yet...

There were at least two camera's recording and two big tv screens one on each side of the stage and all you could hear and feel was the audience...the vibration went through your body...it was great...everyone calmed down and then the music started and the audience jumped up and started again...
 
The show was so amazing...Jack talked to the audience and made sure we all joined in on some of the songs...each member of the band at one time was introduced and had their own solo...
 
They sang "Sing Me away," "Rumours In The Air," "Sentimental Street"...all of their hits and they were all awesome..Jack even had one of our buttons on wearing it during the concert...at one time a girl tried to give Jack a bottle of water and he said "what do you have in there" and she said just water...and he said "did you put some date rap drug in there" "are you trying to drug me" and then he just fell to the stage floor...he had everyone laughing...the interaction with the audience was great...

When they sang "When You Close Your Eyes" I was already feeling it...I could not stay seated and I could not keep from dancing even in my seat...They know how to put on a show...the band was all over the stage...even though Kelly and Christian could not move about the stage the other band members made sure they were feeling the love...they showed so much respect for each other...Joel would go up where Christian was and they ROCKED together and then Jack would join in...and Joel, Jack & Brad would play in front of Christian so everyone could take pics...and believe me everyone was taking pics...Kelly would come down from the drums and sing and interact with the audience...Joel and Brad did their solos and of course they OWNED the stage...then Joel and Brad did a new acoustic song together that they just wrote the week before...Jack told the audience that while he, Christian and Kelly were doing their thing that Joel and Brad went to Brad's house and actually worked and and wrote that song...if he said the name of it I didn't caught it...but it rocked...they did three encore songs..."Sister Christian," "Don't Tell Me You Love Me," and "You Can Still Rock In America"....the audience was loving it....

My friend Allen told me that Night Ranger put on the best show he has ever seen and he was so right...
 
Well if you think the night was over and Night Ranger said good night to their fans after the concert...well you would be wrong...even after the show they STILL had time to hang out with their fans...not once did they act tired or let on they were...they just kept on giving and showing there love and appreciation...
 
Again thank you so much Night Ranger for giving me the time of my life...you guys are awesome and you can ROCK my world anytime...
 
~LoneStar~

November 8, 2008: Iowa State Fair

It was wonderful to see Night Ranger rock Iowa last night.  It was obvious that Iowa knows how to rock and was glad to see Night Ranger play all the major hits from their stellar career. 

From the opening notes, the crowd began to sing away the night as was obvious by just looking through the crowd. Night Ranger provided the spark for the Iowa crowd to prove that great rock and roll music is cherished in Iowa.  The band truly seemed to be glad to play hard for a crowd that appreciated their efforts. 

The day after conversations on the radio indicated that everyone thought Night Ranger brought their "A game" to the Iowa State Fair. 

Here’s hoping that they remember us and come back when tour dates make that possible.

Kevin D.

November 7, 2008: Orlando, FL

Loved you guys in the 80's and was thrilled to hear that you would be at EPCOT- one of the best shows I have been to see there. Your as good now as your were then- and it brought back plenty of memories!!!
 
Tamara

November 6, 2008: Orlando, FL

What can I say?  I have been a Night Ranger fan since Don't Tell Me You Love Me (Still my favorite song) hit MTV and have seen the guys play many times over the years. It has been about 10 years since I have seen them, BUT I must say, you guys ROCK AMERICA like never before.

I had the pleasure of seeing them for 6 sets at Epcot Center this weekend and you are GREAT!!!! The songs still rock, the new songs are great and it is like watching you 20 years ago.

The energy is fantastic and the entertainment value is top notch. And what can you say about Jack and Kelly. When many 80's bands are looking for the old sound, you guys still have it. I do not know another band who can play and sound like they did when they were new to the scene. I truly hope the band puts out more new music and visits Orlando again soon.

If I could get to Tampa in time tonight, I would be there. Thank you so much for the great show, the great memories and the ability to still rock.

If you are reading this, DO NOT MISS THE BAND if they come to your town, you will be sorry.
 
A True Blue Fan, Rockin' America
 
Eric

November 6, 2008: Orlando, FL

Just saw Night Ranger @ Epcot in Orlando!! Got to go up on stage and sing Sister Christian with Kelly. What a dream come true! My first concert ever was the Seven Wishes tour... when I was a sophomore in high school - WOW. Thank you Jack, Kelly, and Brad for making my dreams come true!

Sarah

November 6, 2008: Orlando, FL

I was anticipating Thursday Nov. 6th for over a month when I heard that Night Ranger would be playing at the Wine and Food Festival at Disney.  And they did not disappoint me!  I never was able to see them in the 80’s (lived in Charleston, SC at the time; concerts were few and far in between).  Awesome job, guys!

Brought tears to my eyes when they broke into Sister Christian during the first set.  Would have gone the next day but already had tickets to see “Coldplay” in Orlando.  I hope you return next year or play again somewhere nearby.  Thanks for the show!  I was and will always be a big fan!  Thank you JESUS someone still plays music the way it was intended to be played!

Elvin S.

October 8, 2008: Pittsburgh, PA

We just saw night ranger last night 08/30/08 for the first time in Pittsburgh pa, what a show. I finally had the chance to see a band I grew up listening to and we absolutely loved it. This concert rocked. I hope to see them come back again soon.

Tom

October 8, 2008: Pittsburgh, PA

My wife and i went to the show on labor day weekend in Pittsburgh and i wasn't sure what to expect, and i was hoping not to see some broken down old guys from the 80s. Well we got there and Shari Richards was warming up the crowd about 7:30 and I was like "hey Shari's good" so we got about 5 rows back from center stage and sat down and enjoyed her, and then right at 9 Night Ranger came on and wow!! They didn't disappoint at all, these guys can still play and have a good time!! It didn't matter that they didn't play to a sold out arena, they played good and loud and it was great I couldn't hear till late the next day!! And when they got going everyone was on their feet for a hour and ahalf straight, they play old Night Ranger, new Night Ranger which was great.

I bought the new cd 2 days later and even got a tour t shirt that night, hell they even played AC/DC "Highway To Hell" and sounded good, I want to say thanks to the band for giving us a good time that night, I had a smile on my face for 2 days , if they are playing in your area or anywhere close go to see them its a good time!!!!!!!!          

Rich and Carol

October 1, 2008: Tulsa, OK

Night Ranger performed at the Tulsa State Fair this year and my family and I chose the date they were playing to make our annual trip.  It was great to see Jack, Brad and Kelly and note that they still looked (and sounded) like themselves.

They put on a really good show with hits like “When you close your eyes”, “Sing me away”, “Four in the morning”, “Sentimental Street”, “Eddie’s coming out tonight”.

This was my first experience to see them live and with some bands one worries how they will sound outside of the studio—no need to worry about that with these guys.  They were fantastic.  My boys of 11, 9, 7 and 4 had not heard much of Night Ranger’s hits, but they still enjoyed the opportunity to “Rock in America”.

We were disappointed when it appeared they were finished and Kelly had not sung either “Sister Christian” or “Goodbye”.  Fortunately, they agreed to an encore and remedied part of that disappointment and made “Sister Christian” part of the encore. 

Unfortunately, they did not do “Goodbye” which would have been a perfect send off.  This is one hit that my boys are familiar with and enjoy.  “Goodbye” has become increasingly poignant for me since the death of my brother-in-law (at just 31 years of age) just three weeks ago.  There’s a lot of meaning in that song for those of us who “are not much good at goodbye”.

Still, I thank you very much for your time and talents, Brad, Jack, Kelly and all of Night Ranger.

Chris B.

September 28, 2008: Jackpot, NV

After more than 25 years, Night Ranger is still rocking in America! 

My face still hurts from smiling; I had an all natural permagrin from having the privilege to see Night Ranger (my all time favorite band) live and up close for the fourth time this year!

This show was in Jackpot Nevada 09-28-08. I’m just making up for the 21 years that I missed them live since my first NR concert in 1987. 

Jack Blades electrifies the stage with his energy and stage presence. Brad Gillis is still the master of the whammy bar and smokes the strings on his guitar.

Kelly Keagy bangs out the hits on the drums and new comers to the group Joel Hoekstra with “eight fingers a flying” and Christian Cullen rocking the key boards, seamlessly fill in the gaps that even the most “old school fans” will enjoy their contribution to the band.

Besides sounding incredible live, what impressed me and always has about NR is the energy on stage! You can tell the guys are having genuine fun and their energy flows into the crowd of fans like an electric current. Not only are the guys polished musicians, they are professional athletes to put out that much energy for over an hour would wear out guys half their age! 

Jack Blades, sings his heart out and rocks his ass off just like 20 plus years ago! New fans and old would be impressed! If you have not seen them live, you need to!  The new album is great! I just want to thank the guys for touring; it’s a real treat for the fans like me…….Keep Rockin!

Sincerely,

Mark P.

August 31, 2008: Sparks, NV

I am a long time fan of Night Ranger and was one of the early fan club members from Sacramento. The show at the Nugget Rib Festival in Sparks, NV., proved that you can still Rock in America at any age.

The energy that Jack puts forth at his shows is incredible. The talk around town after the show was positive.

Thank you for Rocking Sparks!

Rhonda

August 31, 2008: Sparks, NV

I would like to thank you for giving one of the best and most electrifying rock shows I have ever seen in my entire life. The performance at Sparks, Nevada, Aug 31, 2008, was so great that it will be talked about for months to come.

I want you to know that you-the rock Band Night Ranger are welcome to appear in Reno or Sparks, NV, anytime you want.
 
Thank you for the best entertainment this city has seen in a long time.
 
Freddie E.

August 22, 2008: Manistee, MI

Just wanted to let the guys know I was at the show on Friday night August 22, at the Little River Casino in Manistee, MI. What a great show!

The guys still got it. Both Jack and Kelly are still in fine voice and I am amazed that Jack can still jump and run around like he does.

I am 43 now and this show was the 15th time I've seen the band live. What made this one even better was the fact that I was able to bring along my 2 sons ages 9 and 13. They love the band and were so thrilled to see the guys live. When they came out to do their first song the boys eyes just lit up and they started rockin'! 

As I said I've been following the guys for 25 years and see them whenever they come anywhere near. I drove 250 miles from my home is southeast Michigan to see them this time. Wow was it worth the drive! The icing on the cake was during the encore when I took my 9 year old "rock wizard" up to stand in the front for "Sister Christian" and "Rock in America". We were both rocking and singing along when Brad came over and gave the little guy a fist bump and one of his picks! Then when the last note crashed in on "Rock in America" Kelly came over and gave him a drumstick! You already had two young Nightranger fans but now those items have cemented them for a lifetime.

Thanks guys for an awesome experience and lasting lifetime memories. I am certain I will have NO problem convincing my wife and boys that an even further drive isn't too far to come and see the guys again. I do hope you get around the Detroit are again though because there are still a lot of Nightranger fans left here.

Thanks again. ROCK ON GUYS!
 
Randy B.

August 13, 2008: Soboba Casino

Well, I just got home from one of the best concerts I have ever seen and I have seen more than I can count!  This was a small venue at AC's Lounge and I was about five people back from the stage.  I was there with my boss Kathy who graduated with Jack at Indio High School.  In fact, they were both voted most spirited in their class. 

The show was awesome and I still can't get over the energy level.  The songs sounded great and the band looked like they were having a blast! I hope to catch the band the next time around. 

Thanks for a great night!  Is there any chance of Night Ranger playing at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, Ca. or at the Indio Date Festival (fair)?  We are from Palm Desert and we want Night Ranger and Jack to come back to his home town!
 
Thanks!

Michelle

July 4, 2008: Great Lakes Naval Base

OMG this show was AWESOME!!!!!!! Night Ranger ROCKS!!!! This show wastruly one of best shows I have seen this year. I spent 4 days at Milwaukee's Summerfest before seeing Night Ranger and NOTHING or NO ONE could compare to Night Rangers performance at Great Lakes. I am glad to see you guys are back touring and making music. I look forward to seeing you again when your in my area.

Thank You!!!!!

Shelley M.

July 3, 2008: Arlington Heights, IL

Just rolled in from Frontier Days in Arlington Heights, IL... a festival that featured a full day of on and off rain, plenty to eat and drink, and the site of my 3rd Night Ranger concert experience.

My Night Ranger story began nearly 25 years ago... 

I was just a little boy.  Grew up in the bible belt south (Alabama), son of a hard working dad and a very devout Christian mom.  I was raised to say yes ma'am and no ma'am and still do so to this day.  Even though I had begun to play guitar at age 6... my folks made sure that none of that crazy "hard rock" was going to be a negative influence on me.  Then it happened...

I remember it like yesterday.  I turned on American Bandstand...just in time to see Mr. Clark introduce a brand new band from the west coast.  I sat in awe and watched Night Ranger perform "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" right there in my living room.  I was hooked.  In a time where the industry seemed to be getting much less serious and much more silly, I seemed to have found a band who still believed that the music mattered.

I begged my mother to let me buy the album!  Told her I'd never seen such a great band.  Basically drove her nuts for about a week until she finally gave in, brought me to the local record store and let me buy a brand new 33 1/3 vinyl copy of "Dawn Patrol"!  I couldn't wait to listen to it when I got home!

But first...she was bound and determined to screen it.

After a little while she came out and, with a smile handed me the album. 

"Not bad"...she said.

That began my fascination with, who I think is arguably one of the greatest American bands of my generation. 

Tonight, Night Ranger brought me back to that day of being a kid once again.  I had seen them on the "Big Life" tour back in the day when I was finally old enough to go to a concert.  Saw them again about 5 years ago in Chicago... then again tonight.

The band I saw at Frontier Days was the most refreshing and energetic show I've experienced in quite a long time... and as a touring musician, believe me I've seen plenty.  The core trio of Blades, Keagy and Gillis exuded a youthful energy that many bands today could take a lesson from... and a "togetherness" that only a group of musicians who share a lifelong love of their craft can bring.

Even though I make my living as a country singer, Jack Blades has been an influence on my stage show since that day on Bandstand.  His jangly shoulder movements and loose, fun presence is one that I sometimes still feel myself emulate... and it comes so natural to him.  I have seen Jack in just about every incarnation of his career... From Night Ranger to Damn Yankees to Shaw/Blades and he has never disappointed. 

Vocally and musically, the band has stayed strong and true to form.  And I would be remiss if I didn't mention the two new members:  guitarist, Joel Hoekstra and keyboard player, Christian Cullen... both Chicago natives.  They both filled the shoes of their predecessors quite impressively on such fan favorites as "Sister Christian" and "Four in the Morning" as well as cult favs like "Rumors in the Air" and "This Boy Needs to Rock". 

But for me, as it always seems to be... all I had to hear were six words to get me hyped to a near frenzy... "Don't - Tell - Me - You - Love -Me"!  Suddenly, I was transformed into that giddy little boy one more time. 

If I had to give a grade to the band's performance tonight, it would be a resounding "A+"!  Night Ranger is still very much alive and, God willing... here for a long time.  They certainly proved it once again...

You can STILL rock in America!

June 23, 2008: Oshkosh, WI

I loved this band back when they first came out. Then to my surprise, they were going to appear in Oshkosh Wisconsin, which is where I live.

Words cannot describe how great the concert was. THEY ARE STILL AWESOME AND WE ALL HOPE THEY COME BACK.

My 21 year old son who had never heard of them before, but now will not forget them. KEEP ROCKING !!

Bert H.

June 21, 2008: Brookville, IN

Hey there!
 
We seen Night Ranger in concert at Brookville Indiana tonight.  They were awesome!  We were so excited to see that they were full of energy and still vocally the same.  They put on one hell of a show and the crowd really appreciated!  We sang along and cheered them on.  It was a rockin' summer night!  Now, we just can't wait till the new album comes out!
 
Thanks,

The Coffmans

August 17, 2008: Saint Joseph, MO

To the nicest guys in the Rock World today -
 
Thank you for a super show which closed out the Trails West Festival here in Saint Joseph, Missouri on August 17, 2008.

The high energy, magnetism and execptional musical talent the entire group displayed was not only a pleasant surprise, but a highlight to the entire festival. What a great finish to our weekend!
 
I wish you all the best of luck as you continue on your tour, and, I hope you'll always remember Saint Joseph, Missouri. Some of your biggest fans (and newest fans) are right here in the Heartland. It was an honor to meet you and host your stay.
 
All the Best,

Allison S.

March 1, 2008: Wendover, NV

I caught Night Ranger last night in Wendover...Absolutely great show!! 

Jack, Brad and Kelly have still got it going on.  Jack's stage presence is unbelievably big and enthusiastic. His bass lines are genius...as are the screaming guitars...Oh my hell Brad...Incredibly musical and kicked up into the atmosphere. 

Kelly is still banging it out like there is no tomorrow...and the new boys...Christian and Joel...fitting right in!!! 

What a great job you all have...It was pure joy watching you all interact!!  I've not seen anybody enjoy their calling more than these guys. 

Thank you!!  Come back to Utah soon!! 
 
Sincerely,
 
Mary G.

February 8, 2008: Henderson, NV

This was the first show I have been to in 22 years and I have to say…WOW! They looked great and sounded as good as ever. I was amazed how they haven’t lost a step in their performance. They did not disappoint with their set and I really enjoyed them stepping out of the box with some AC/DC (loved it). However, I was hoping for a little more material from their latest CD, “Hole in the Sun”…it is a great CD.

The new guitarist (Joel) did a great job and seemed to gel well with the group. The keyboardist (sorry…don’t remember his name) added a little extra humor to Jack’s improvising stand-up routine (which was very entertaining). Jack and Brad still have great energy and chemistry on stage and Kelly still knock’s it out of the park vocally…the 3 of them are like a fine wine…better with age. I will keep buying tickets if they keep putting out new music. It would just be easier if they booked some shows in Northern California (Bay Area) so I didn’t have to incur so much traveling to see them.

I am currently in Wendover, NV writing this email preparing to see my second show (this year) tomorrow night. Since I raved about the Henderson show to some of my friends, they set me up to see the Wendover concert. In spite of traveling to the middle of nowhere…oops, I mean Wendover…I am excited to see how their next show stacks up to the Henderson show.

Lisa

Bay Area Night Ranger Fan

January 21, 2008: GITMO

Last night I saw Night Ranger in my little town of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba!!  What a show!
 
I remember Night Ranger from my high school years, but never got to see them in concert in the 80s.  But now in 2008, 40 years old and in a communist country I got to see these guys ROCK and they do!!

I was so impressed.  Even my 16 year old, that I had to BEG to go with me, was impressed.
 
He enjoyed the band so much that when we got home, he immediately began downloading the Night Ranger songs into his iPod.

I couldn't believe the energy these guys had?!  And it's not exactly nice and cool in GITMO.  With those lights on them they sweated it through and had everyone yelling.  I know all the Marines were enjoying the show.  They couldn't sit down, I too had to jump out of my seat and go up by the stage.  Their music is just as good as I remember.

They even did a heck of cover of AC/DC's "Highway to Hell".  And Jack, I gotta hand it to you, I had to look twice to make sure I wasn't watching a different group, because you had a dead-on sound of Bon Scott....Incredible.
 
This was a GREAT show!!  I hope the guys will come back and visit us again in Fidel's backyard.
 
Best regards!

Michelle H.

January 20, 2008: Clearwater, FL

I just came from the Clearwater show tonight! We bought our tickets for Dennis DeYoung before Night Ranger agreed to join them. I am a 46 yr old guy and attended the concert with my wife of 26 yrs and our 13 yr old son. We were all incredibly impressed with the performance.

The energy that was put into the show was great.

Jack, Brad and Kelly were fantastic. Christian and the other guitarist were very good also. We have most of the CD's so we are very familiar with the music but LIVE IS AWESOME. What a show. If they came back tomorrow, we would go again. They sang all of our favorites except "Rock in America".

They get a PEFECT 10!!!! Go see them if you get the chance!!!!!

Thanks guys!!!

Brian M.

June 30, 2007: St. Ignace, MI