Review & Photos by Joe Schaeffer
At 9:15, the lights went dim and the speakers bellowed out “Can’t You Hear Me Knockin” by the Rolling Stones. Tom Keifer, best known as the lead singer for Cinderella, and his band slowly worked their way to stage while the song wound down.
Keifer has gone through more than any other vocalist has had to endure to during his career. Quite simply he always puts on a fantastic show. His stage presence is powerful, all his music is exceptional, and he really leaves it all on stage.
Tom Keifer and his band, which has been dubbed as #Keiferband, recently finished recording a new album, Rise, which will be released on September 13 via Cleopatra Records. Rounding out Keifer’s band are Tony Higbee on guitar and vocals, Billy Mercer on bass and vocals, Jarred Pope on drums, and Kory Myers on keyboards and vocals. Savannah Keifer and Kendra Chantelle Campbell handle the background vocals. Together, the seven-piece outfit is a well-oiled machine.
Starting the show with ‘Touching the Divine’ from “Rise,” the set also contained songs from Keifer’s first solo record, 2013’s The Way Life Goes. “It’s Not Enough” and “Solid Ground” stand up with many of stellar Cinderella compositions, of which there was no shortage of. For what most of the crowd undoubtably came to hear, “Somebody Save Me,” “Coming Home,” and “Nobody’s Fool” were definite standouts.
Unfortunately on this evening, Keifer’s wife Savannah was not at the show due to a sports injury suffered by their son that required surgery. While they rolled out the piano they share to sing a duet of “Don’t Know What You Got ‘til it’s Gone,” the singer made a phone call to his wife to share the audio of the song as he sang with the crowd. Following that up with crowd favorites, “Shake Me” and “Shelter Me,” the main set came to rousing conclusion.
The band came back on stage with a three-song encore. “Long Cold Winter” was followed by the latest single, “The Death of Me.” The grand finale was a high energy version of Cinderella’s “Gypsy Road.”
Keifer knowingly appreciates his fans and was truly moved by the audience’s love for him and his music. He personally thanked everyone for their 30-plus years of dedication.
Summing it up, the #keiferband experience is a trip down memory lane. It’s always great to hear all of Cinderella’s big hits performed live once again. The new songs from Keifer’s two solo endeavors fit right in and show a definite love for blues rock music.
