LIVE! : John Waite
by Deb Rao
Staff Writer
June 11, 2011 at Boulder Station in Las Vegas, NV.
’80s rocker John Waite made a special appearance in Las Vegas at Boulder Station on June 11. Performing to a sold out audience, John Waite still has the golden voice that has spawned many of his popular ballads such as “Missing You.” It has been a long time since I have since John Waite perform and it was exhilarating to hear new songs off of his latest album Rough And Tumble being performed live.
John Waite’s set list was very well paced. It featured songs from The Baby’s days, a Jimi Hendrix cover, and included all of his hits. Long red hair flowing, donning a tailored black suit and acoustic guitar, with a backing band in which the members hail from the East Coast, John was ready to rock. The evening centered on his stellar songwriting. Decades after their release, John remains true to his craft with his strongest forte’ remaining in his love ballads. Opening with “Change” then launching into “When I See You Smile”, John Waite held the audience captive with his storytelling and heartfelt lyrics.
It is always great to see an ’80s artist unleash new music that is as good if not better than his older hits. John performed his latest single “Evil” in a true rockin’ blues tradition. It was great to hear him perform a Jimi Hendrix tune “All Along The Watch Tower.” Highlight of the evening was the performance and his announcement that “If You Ever Get Lonely” would be his next single hitting the radio airwaves in the next two weeks. This song has radio hit written all over it with John Waite’s signature love gone wrong ballad tugging at your heartstrings. If you ever have loved and lost, well this song says it. Without a doubt, it’s the best song on his new album Rough And Tumble.
The momentum of the evening built from there on with “Missing You”, until the encore of “Headfirst.” Be sure to check out my editor’s interview with John Waite right here at Hardrock Haven (click here for interview) and be sure to catch John Waite in concert this Summer!
John Waite Set List:
Change
Back On My Feet Again
When I See You Smile
Evil
Mr. Wonderful
Better Off Gone
All Along The Watch Tower
In Dreams
Ever Time I Think Of You
Best Of What I Got
Whenever You Come Around
Suicide Life
If You Ever Get Lonely
Love’s Going Out Of Style
Drum Solo
Missing You
Rough And Tumble
Sweet Rhode Island Red
Headfirst