By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night Tampa
Live Event: Foreigner’s Farewell Tour w/Loverboy – Mid-Florida Credit Union Amphitheatre-Sunday, July 9, 2023
Many of the classic rock bands have been doing farewell tours and then ‘never say never’ tours–but Foreigner’s Farewell Tour is for real. The last original performer Mick Jones, age 78, has had health issues to the band decided to do one last tour before calling it quits. Unfortunately on July 9th in Tampa, Florida, Jones was not onstage. Foreigner consists of Kelly Hansen on vocals, Michael Bluestein on keyboards, Bruce Watson on guitar, Chris Frazier on Drums, Luis Maldonado on drums, and Jeff Pilson on bass and keys. Pilson remained seated during the show due to a recent back injury.
Typically photographers shoot the first three songs but from what I saw, it was a top notch send-off. Hansen is a fiery singer with a superb voice and oodles of charisma. All of the musicians romped and vogued in true ‘rockstar’ fashion. And, of course the music, is true classic rock. Who could not love “Cold As Ice”?
Starting the evening was Canadian 80s band Loverboy, who dominated MTV during that decade. Loverboy consists of Mike Reno on vocals, Ken “Spider” Sinnaeve on bass, Matt Frenette on drums, Paul Dean on guitar, and Doug Johnson on keys and harmonica. Reno’s voice was magnificent and sounded the same as in the mid-80s when I saw the band in Fort Myers.
PHOTO GALLERY
I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
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