Let’s go back to the year 1985 in Philadelphia, PA. Tom Keifer and John Corabi, two of the best rockers to come out of Philadelphia were playing the club scene looking to get signed to a record label both artists taking different paths to getting signed. June 30th Tom Keifer, Winger, and John Corabi came home to Keswick Theatre in Glenside, PA to perform to a crowd that was happy and excited to see them perform. I don’t think anyone seeing these two rockers in 1985 imagine that in 2023 they will still be rocking and rolling still performing at the top of their game. I’m pretty sure hometown shows are a special chance to come back to the place where it all began, see old friends who were there before they had gone on to play shows around the world.
There is no one on earth more entertaining on an acoustic guitar on stage than John Corabi. Back in the ’90s John Corabi would have given MTV unplugged a major kick in the ass. Yes, it may seem boring to see a performer with an acoustic guitar on stage, but John did not disappoint at all. He played songs that cover his career from the scream, Dead Daisies, and Motley Crue. If you plan to see Tom Keifer, Winger and John Corabi get your ass to the venue on time you don’t want to miss John Corabi. This is one of tour where if you miss the opening act shame on you. Leave early do what you have to do to beat traffic to get there on time for John Corabi.
The most amazing thing about John Corabi is that after the show he stayed and signed every autograph and took every picture. You have to admire a rock star that goes on early but stays to greet fans and sign autographs. The best part was it was free, he did not charge for meet and greets. I’m not judging any of the bands that charge for meet and greets that’s their business but how cool it is for John Corabi to sign every autograph and take every picture. That needs to be said it’s another reason to love John Corabi.
Next up was Winger who are touring to support their new album 7. It’s a great record definitely worth a listen. I was definitely looking forward to hearing Proud Desperado. The misconception with bands from the classic rock genre releasing new music is that when they play a new song it’s really a chance for people to go get a beer or head to the restroom that didn’t happen when Winger played the two new songs from the album. The band still sounds great after 35 years of playing together.
It’s good to see Paul Taylor back with winger. The band didn’t disappoint with their performance. They sound heavier live; the band since 2009’s Karma album has made heavier records and it is showing in their live performances.
After Winger came time for Tom Kiefer band to hit the stage and kick ass and kick ass they did. Tom Kiefer on stage he does the show like if it’s his last and he doesn’t leave nothing on stage he pours every ounce of energy into his performances. As fans it’s easy to say I wish they had done this song. I wish they had done that song. Why didn’t they do this song instead of this song. Hearing the songs from Cinderella just brings back childhood memories you listen to coming home you listen to nobody’s fool and shake me; shelter me they’ll bring back fun memories. There is a magic that happens when Tom Kiefer gets behind the piano and sits across from his wife Savannah Keifer and sings Don’t know what you got (till it’s gone). To know what I mean you have to see him live seeing it on YouTube is not the same feeling or emotion as seeing it live and in person.
Let’s not take for granted that in 2023 John Corabi, Winger, and Tom Kiefer or all out on the road performing because 35 years ago who would have thought that we would still be seeing these three great artists performing. They are out on the road touring it’s good to come out support live music buy a shirt or CD and enjoy these artists for as long as they want to be touring.
photos by: Jo-Anne Entrikin
