October 22, 2019

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Tom Keifer, the former lead singer of Cinderella brought a little bit of the 80s and a lot of rock and roll to the beautiful Goodyear Theater on Saturday night.

 

Before the band hit the stage, the audience was left sitting in the dark for 20 minutes.  It was the longest hold that I have ever experienced. Usually when the house lights go out, the artist appears a few minutes later.  This was not the case, and I am not sure what the problem was, but it was a bit uncomfortable.

 

When Keifer and company finally came out, they did not disappoint.

 

Keifer and his tight six-piece backing band are out supporting his newly released album titled Rise and they opened the show with “Touching The Divine” from that lp. 

 

Long-time Cinderella fans were on their feet once the opening strands of “Night Songs” were played and the band kept them standing for the entire show.  Kiefer had a nice mix of songs from his new album, his first solo album, The Way Life Goes and all of the classic Cinderella songs dispersed throughout the fifteen song set. 

 

A piano was brought out for Keifer to play the title track from his new album.  After a couple of Cinderella songs, “Nobody’s Fool” and “The Last Mile,” the piano returned.  This time Keifer asked the audience to break out their cell phones to light up the theater for “Don’t Know What You Got (Til It’s Gone) as he took his place behind the keys and he brought out his wife and backup singer, Savannah Snow and turned it into a beautiful duet.

 

Heck, I even saw a few Bic lighters in the crowd.  I told you it was like the ‘80s.

 

Things got more uptempo with Cinderella’s first hit “Shake Me.”  However, after the first verse, Tom misstep and tumbled to the floor.  With some assistance, he got back to his feat and finished the song without missing a beat. 

 

He is a true professional.

 

“Shelter Me” from Heartbreak Station closed the set.

 

Keifer and his crew returned to play the bluesy “Long Cold Winter,” and the autobiographical “The Death Of Me” before closing the show with “Gypsy Road.”

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After several vocal cord surgeries, Tom Keifer proved that he is back, and all of those in attendance would agree. 

 

Enuff Z’ Nuff, featuring Chip Z’Nuff opened the show with a nice 40 minute set.  Although Chip seemed to be living in the past with his outfit and references to all drugs and women he did back in the day, the crowd really enjoyed their time on stage.  

 

It was great hearing “Fly High Michelle” and “New Thing” in a live setting.

 

The Billy Morris Band, although good musicians, kinda over-played their opening slot.  Playing 50 minutes of material that most people didn’t know was just too long for a triple bill.  It would have been much better if it would have been cut down to 30 minutes.

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Review and photos by Greg Drugan