One of the most underrated bands from the late 80’s and early 90’s is the hard rocking Tesla. Tesla often gets lumped into the “hair” band era of that time but that couldn’t be further from the truth. They are truly a blues based hard rock band with top notch songs and an outstanding live show. The Modern Day Cowboys made a stop in Charlotte this week celebrating their 30 years of rock and roll treating fans to an incredible live performance.
The near capacity crowd was on their feet as the stage lit up with the Tesla logo and 30 YEARS. The lights dimmed as the band took the stage blasting into “MP3” to kick off an evening that fans would not soon forget. Lead guitarist Frank Hannon
was on fire and looking super cool with his mirrored shades leading the band through “Into The Now” and “Hang Tough.” Frontman Jeff Keith played to the crowd making faces and gestures to the fans in the front and truly sounds better than ever. The interplay between band members is fun and you could tell from watching their set that they are not only bandmates but also close friends. After a rousing version of “Heaven’s Trail (No Way Out),” the band switched over to an acoustic set with Hannon and guitarist Dave Rude on acoustic guitars and drummer Troy Lucketta exchanging his massive kit for a much smaller drumset in the front of the stage. The large LED screens at the rear of the stage were constantly changing and lit up with a single candle as the stage darkened for “Paradise” providing a poignant moment as the audience held their lighted cellphones up in unison. The LED screens changed to a collage of traffic signs as Tesla began the opening strains of “Signs” by the Five Man Electrical Band and what followed was an audience sing along that had Keith letting the fans take over the chorus. Switching back from acoustic, the latter part of the set was loaded with Tesla classics including a hard driving “Edison’s Medicine (Man Out of Time),” and the Ph.D. cover “Little Suzi.” Hannon showed off his many talents including bringing out the double necked guitar. Of course a Tesla show wouldn’t be complete without “Modern Day Cowboy” and the crowd roared, danced, and sang along all the way through not wanting the night to end.
Hands down this was the most fun I had at a show all season. It was great to see Tesla still kicking ass after 30 years. Don’t miss the opportunity to see this band live if they make a tour stop near you.
Set List:
MP3
Into The Now
Hang Tough
Heaven’s Trail (No Way Out)
Acoustic Set:
Comin’ Atcha Live/Truckin'(Grateful Dead cover)
Paradise
Signs (Five Man Electrical Band cover)
Last Set:
What You Give
Edison’s Medicine (Man Out of Time)
Love Song
Little Suzi (Ph.D. cover)
Modern Day Cowboy
We would like to thank Ashley LaChant from Donovan Public Relations for the credentials to review the show.
