Live Review and Photos by Mark Schaff
Tesla was one of those bands that got caught up in the hair/glam rock era. But make no mistake, these guys are a rock band! Having formed in California back in 1981 with Brian Wheat (Bass) and Frank Hannon (Guitar) calling themselves City Kidd. New arrivals Jeff Keith (Vocals), Troy Luccketta (Drums), and former guitarist Tommy Skeoch 1984, took on the Tesla name and the rest is history. Eleven studio albums later, the core of Tesla (Hannon, Keith, Wheat, and Luccketta) are still rockin’, except for Troy taking some time off and Steve Brown taking over as the touring drummer. Dave Rude (guitar) has been with the band since 2006 and knows how to shred the frets. Currently out on the road supporting their most recent LP ‘Shock’, they’re dishing out the hits on the “Time To Rock” tour. This show was sold out, and the place was hopping before the guys took the stage. And when the lights dimmed, the crowd went wild with anticipation.
They hit the stage with ‘Lady Luck’ off the great album “The Great Radio Controversy” from 1989. Jeff Keith told the fans to be ready for music from all 37 years of their musical catalog and albums they have, and we couldn’t be happier about that. ‘Modern Day Cowboy’, ‘Hang Tough’ led into the single from their new one, and tour namesake, ‘Time To Rock’. Jeff Keith’s vocals were spot on with that grungy sound that makes Tesla unique. Then came ‘Heaven’s Trail (No Way Out), and we took that “slick trip” we all love when we’re ready to kick ass. There was no rain on this parade as everyone sang along with this one and had the “time of their life”. A shout-out to our boys overseas came with ‘Pvt Ledbetter’, followed by ‘Lazy Days, Crazy Nights’ and ‘Miles Away’.
They went to the debut album “Mechanical Resonance” for the next two songs ‘Changes’ and ‘Love Me’. Hannon and Rude exchanged solos throughout the night, and both sounded great. And while there was no shortage of classics, the next songs that finished the night, comprised what we late 80s and early 90s teens/adults remember as the soundtrack to our lives. ‘Call It What You Want’, ‘What You Give’ followed by Rude’s great intro to ‘Edison’s Medicine (Man Out Of Time)’ had the event center rocking. Then came the great acoustic duet intro into ‘Love Song’, which had Frank and Dave playing in perfect harmony, which the crowd let them know how much it was appreciated. They ended with their cover of the Ph.D. song ‘Little Suzi’ before going off the stage briefly. Coming back out, there was a short guitar jam before going into their cover of the Five Man Electrical Band’s ‘Signs’, and Jeff Keith removing his ball cap to drop his long hair. This former long-haired hippie can relate to that.
Having seen Tesla just one day removed from four years ago (April 14, 2019), they still sound great. This band, even though they are 37 years of music old, sounds like they’re in their prime. What a great show they put on. Every fan of Tesla would be happy, and everyone at Seneca Niagara sang along and rocked the house down. If Tesla is anywhere near you, it’s a must-see show. Don’t wait for your chance to have a “slick trip” with this band.
Setlist
Lady Luck
Hang Tough
Modern Day Cowboy
Time To Rock
Heaven’s Trail (No Way Out)
Pvt Ledbetter
Lazy Days, Crazy Nights
Miles Away
Changes
Love Me
Call It What You Want
What You Give
Edison’s Medicine (Man Out Of Time)
Love Song
Litte Suzi (Ph. D. Cover)
Signs (Five Man Electrical Band Cover)
https://teslatheband.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TeslaBand/
Tour Dates 2023
4.01 Snoqualmie, WA Snoqualmie Casino
4.14 Charles Town, WV Hollywood Casino
4.15 Niagara Falls, NY Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
4.18 Detroit, MI Sound Board at MotorCity Casino
4.19 Grand Rapids, MI GLC Live at 20 Monroe
4.21 New Buffalo, MI Four Winds Casino Resort
4.22 Manistee, MI Little River Casino Resort
4.25 Williamsport, PA Community Arts Center
4.26 Cincinnati, OH The Andrew J Brady Music Center
4.29 – 5.04 Pt Canaveral, FL Monsters of Rock 2023 Cruise
5.05 Orlando, FL House Of Blues
5.06 Orlando, FL House Of Blues
5.25 Morton, MN Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel
5.26 Omaha, NE The Admiral
6.09 Wendover, NV Peppermill Concert Hall
6.10 Lincoln, CA The Venue @ Thunder Valley Resort
6.16 Durant, OK Choctaw Casinos & Resort
6.17 Hot Springs, AR Timberwood Amphitheater
8.04 Northfield, OH MGM Northfield Park