Electric Gypsies playing some Night Songs at The Hall in Little Rock? Somebody Save Me! Ok Ok… Enough with the song title intro to this review, I know you guys are Nobody’s Fool… Stop! Just Stop! Lol
Teaming up L.A. Guns with Tom Keifer’s Cinderella had to be one of the greatest one-two punches in rock and roll that I’ve witnessed at The Hall. To get everyone ‘warmed-up’ for the evening The Rocker Chic Danette and I along with all the other concert attendees had to first battle the 90+ degree humid heat outside the venue while we waited for sound checks to finally get done. Doors were supposed to open at 6:30 for a 7:30 start, but it was past 7:30 before the doors finally opened and that was just to start prescreening!
Upon feeling the cool air conditioning inside The Hall the next important decision had to be made- bolt to the stage or bolt to the bathroom! Ha! Luckily we divided and conquered as I headed for a great spot near center stage while Danette hit the bathroom and then she held the real estate while I hit the men’s room! So, Survive heat stroke- Check; Get close to stage- Check; and Empty bladders to withstand another long stand at the stage—Check mate!!! We’re READY TO ROCK!
TRACII & BON?
ON FIRE!!!
It's been a few years since we saw Tracii Guns perform at a “Raiding The Rock Vault” show in Las Vegas. But I remember being blown away by his incredible guitar skills playing some of the greatest rock songs known to mankind during that awesome performance! The Rocker Chic and I also met him “briefly” in the hotel elevator. Tracii and a lady companion got into our elevator that we were riding at the hotel. I didn’t pay any attention as to who they were, but Danette started talking to them on the ride up. The door opened for them to get out and she said “Nice Show Last Night!” Then Tracii said “Thanks” and they left. Meanwhile, I’m going “Who was that?” Ha Ha… Story of my life…
Anyway, back to this story… I am now almost as close as an elevator ride again as guitarist Tracii Guns and lead vocalist Phil Lewis, along with Ace Von Johnson on rhythm guitar and backing vocals, Adam Hamilton on drums, and Johnny Martin on bass charged out onto The Hall stage and delivered a relentless 11-song set of LA Guns classics.
While most of my attention was spent being pummeled by Tracii Guns’ guitar virtuosity, I was also blown away by the incredible vocals of Phil Lewis!
He actually sounds better to me in a live setting than what I’ve heard on record. Call me crazy, but It was almost like the spirit of Bon Scott of AC/DC was being channeled by the way Phil sang and by his charisma with the audience on stage that night.
Whatever was going on the crowd was having the time of their life during LA Guns, and as the song says, It’s Never Enough! By the time Rip And Tear ended we had totally forgotten about our pre-show worries and were ready for Tom Keifer, #keiferband, to hit the stage next!
PACK THE STAGE WITH HITS
I couldn’t believe all the musical equipment that was placed on stage for Tom’s performance, including a huge wall of amps, tons of guitars- both electric and acoustic, not to mention a piano also, along with room for two backup singers as well! Maybe figuring out how to fit this huge rig out had something to do with the show delay earlier, but after hearing the results it was definitely worth the wait!
The instruments, amps, drums, and piano all made sense once Tom hit the stage to an excited crowd at The Hall!
Like a football team or a church choir the band all huddled for a pre-show pow-wow before kicking off the show with a new song that has become the theme of the tour- Life Was Here. The band consists of Tom Keifer, Savannah Keifer, Tony Higbee, Billy Mercer, Jarred Pope, Kory Myers, and Tanya Davis.
Tom’s iconic raspy voice was in top form, and it was clear that he still has the rock ‘n roll spirit that made him a legend in the ‘80s! The band, which included talented musicians who matched Keifer’s energy, created a dynamic sound that resonated throughout The Hall.
The highlight of the evening was “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)”, which had the crowd and The Rocker Chic and I singing along and swaying in unison. Keifer’s heartfelt delivery and the nostalgic lyrics struck a chord with fans of all ages. He also showcased tracks from his solo albums, introducing the audience to his evolving sound while maintaining the essence of what made him famous.
The setlist was a perfect blend of classic hits and newer material which kept the energy high and the crowd engaged. Songs like “Shake Me” and “Nobody’s Fool” brought back memories, while newer tracks like “The Death Of Me” demonstrated Keifer’s growth as an artist.
Throughout the show Keifer’s charisma and connection with the audience were evident. He frequently interacted with fans, sharing stories and expressing gratitude for their support over the years especially during his days playing at Barton Coliseum . The Hall atmosphere felt like a celebration of rock music and a community gathering.
Overall, Tom Keifer’s performance at The Hall was a reminder of the timeless power of rock and roll. His ability to captivate an audience, combined with his impressive vocals and engaging stage presence, made for an unforgettable evening in Little Rock.
The legacy of both L.A. Guns and Tom Keifer/Cinderella as rock icons are far from over, and fans of both eagerly await their next visit. Just provide "fans" for fans on your next visit next summer! Ha!