LIVE SHOW REVIEW: TOM KEIFER

Tupelo Music Hall of Derry, New Hampshire would play host to Cinderella frontman Tom Keifer. This new incarnation of Tupelo opened earlier this year and can host nearly 700 concert goers, much larger than the 200-capacity crowd that their previous Londonderry location maxed out at. With the new location comes much more parking options, a larger stage that sits higher making for easier viewing and a full bar, eliminating their BYOB policy. Although I enjoyed the vibe of their old location Tupelo’s new home still has an intimate feel with a nice upgrade in amenities. And the sound is outstanding. A great place to take in a show.

As has been the case for the last several years Tom Keifer would hit the stage with his solo band. In an interview with RockRevolt Magazine Keifer stated about Cinderella “that some issues going back decades have effectively sidelined the group for the past several years. We had taken some pretty extreme measures to right the ship and fix things, and a pact was made as a band in 2012 that we would not do anything as a band until the issues were resolved.” It’s obvious the issues remain unresolved. It looks like for the foreseeable future this will be the closest thing we will get to Cinderella.

Keifer and Co. would take the stage a little after 8pm. With the opening chords of “Still Climbing” off of Cinderella’s last studio album released in 1994 with the same name, the night was off and running. As Tom ripped into the opening lyrics there was no doubt that the challenges he encountered in the 90’s and once again in the mid 2000’s were in the rear-view mirror. With his signature raspy vocals or as Jon Bon Jovi put it when he convinced Mercury Records to sign then rising stars Cinderella in the mid 80’s, “growling vocals”, if you closed your eyes you would have thought you were in a time warp taking you back to 1988, in other words Keifer sounded great.

One thing about Cinderella and many bands coming out of the 80’s is they got lumped into the “hair-band” genre. For the Pennsylvania natives their music was built more on a blues based sound. They were an original amongst many clones, unfortunately this wouldn’t stop their inevitable demise as grunge came in to dominate the 90’s. With the dawn of a new century Keifer would get another opportunity to shine. After a few tours with his old bandmates under his belt he would finally get around to finishing his long awaited solo album The Way Life Goes in 2013. The album would see Tom working side by side with his wife Savannah giving it a much more personal feel as well as showcasing his bluesy side.

Moving on with the evening the second song on the setlist would be the first of many fan favorites. “Save Me” off of Cinderella’s triple-platinum album Night Songs. It was quite apparent this was what a majority of the crowd was here for as those still sitting would be brought to their feet and audience vocal participation was at a peak.

Not relying solely on his legacy Tom would deliver a nice balance of his Cinderella legacy including “Shake Me”, “Nobody’s Fool”, their monster ballad “Don’t Know What You Got Until It’s Gone” from their sophomore platinum record Long Cold Winter and closing out their show with their megahit “Gypsy Road” once again off of their second album. He would also weave in some of his solo work as well as a Rolling Stones and Beatles cover. A well-rounded selection that pleased those in attendance.

As the night came to a close I got the sense that the NH crowd were very satisfied with the 56-year-old’s performance and set list. Having battled through the challenges of the rise and fall of fame with Cinderella, to a resurgence to once again have it slip away. You get the feeling Tom Keifer is right where he wants to be in this stage of his life and career. Accompanied on stage by his wife and current bandmates he looks like a man that enjoys what he does and who he’s doing it with. The sound and many of the songs are the same just some of the faces have changed. Judging from the fans at Tupelo Music Hall I think they approve and I believe you will too. Check out Tom Keifer’s website for the latest tour dates and music.

Setlist