Review by Jim Shelley
Photos by Kristin Miller
What was billed as the Jingle Bell Rock show, a Ho-Ho-Ho of sorts, turned out to be a Ho-Ho-Hmmmmm. With the line-up of Mickey Thomas of Starship, Eddie Money and Lou Gramm, former lead vocalist for Foreigner, this was an evening anticipated by many. Who could deny that three of the greatest voices of rock and pop were going to grace our local stage? However, Mickey Thomas politely informed the crowd that, due to illness, Gramm would not be in attendance. To his credit, he did promise the crowd a strong set list, lots of Christmas songs, and a great time for all.
Now, we settled into our seats, waiting for the lights to dim and anticipating a solid set. With the opening riff to “Jane,” Mickey Thomas entered stage left, backed by Eddie Money’s band. The sound was tight and solid — “Jane” segued into “Sara,” then to “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.”
I’ve always been a fan of Mickey Thomas, going back to the Elvin Bishop days, and having seen him many times since. His voice has grown stronger, delivering the same edge without fail. He loves his work and it is evident in his every performance. Tonight would prove to be no different.
Thomas sang renditions of “Pretty Baby” and “Silent Night,” then he introduced Eddie Money and the band fired up “Baby Hold On To Me.” “I Wanna Go Back” seemed bittersweet because you could tell Money was tired. He’s another musician I’ve seen on multiple occasions (more than eight times) and I can tell that his voice and performance slowly (but surely) are fading. However, he isn’t referred to as “The Hardest Working Man In Show Business” for nothing because you can tell he gives his every last ounce of energy during every performance. This show was no different. For that, he has this writer’s respect.
“Think I’m In Love” was followed by “Everybody Loves Christmas,” a solid and recognizable holiday song. You can always count on Money to deliver some self-deprecating comments and the crowd received them well, rewarding him with their laughter. Maybe he could consider a comedy act because he certainly has a plethora of material from which he could draw.
Money then brought Thomas back to the stage where the two of them launched into a few more Christmas songs — “Winter Wonderland,” Jingle Bell Rock,” and “Jingle Bells.” It was quite festive with the crowd in great spirits (no pun intended).
Money exited the stage while Thomas belted out a couple of more hits — “Fooled Around And Fell In Love,” the song that launched his career, followed by “We Built This City.” Money returned and delivered “Take Me Home Tonight,” “Two Tickets To Paradise,” and a strong version of “Shakin’.” Thomas joined in and the two of them closed the show with “Happy Christmas.” The crowd was satisfied because their applause lasted for several minutes as both musicians gracefully received the adulation.
