It was a very big night in Central New York as the very first night of the new casino del Lago opened the doors to its new entertainment venue called The Vine. This beautiful brand new casino is located in Waterloo, NY, right off Interstate 90. The casino floors opened over a week ago, but this was the opening night for The Vine. A crowd of 2,400 saw rock and roll’s legendary Bad Company christen its stage.
Bad Company took the stage at 9pm, sharp, and even though the band isn’t on tour, obliged the casino with this one off show. The band is still without guitarist and founder Mick Ralphs as he is still recovering from a stroke he suffered late last year. The band decided to go as a four piece ensemble. Longtime guitarist (and Rock and Roll hall of Famer) Howard Leese handled all guitar duties for the evening’s festivities. Leese, who is not only a solid guitarist, has played with both Bad Company and in Paul Rodgers solo band and there is no one more familiar with the material.
Drummer Simon Kirke and longtime bassist Todd Ronning, without much practice or dates behind them, were locked in and played off each other without any issues. (Editors note: Kirke was also celebrating the release of his second solo effort “All Because of You” on this same day.)
Of course, the band is led by vocalist Paul Rodgers. Rodgers remains one of the best (if not the best) blues based rock singers on the planet. He has lost nothing and continues to remain a dynamic front man. He added harmonica during the “Feel Like Making Love” solo. Not only did he sing the set but also brought out Leese’s guitar tech Billy and led the crowd in singing Happy Birthday to him.
It was a treat to see the set mixed up a little with performances of “Too Bad” which Rodgers stated has never been played live by the band and “Let There be Love,” which was dedicated to Ralphs.
The band had a video screen that was used in various songs throughout the set. They also had CO2 tanks that went off at during the song “Bad Company.”
The band finished with two encores and what a classic way to open up a new room. One of the true arena rock bands in existence delivered as well as did the staff at The Vine. All staff members were super nice and were right there to answer questions and offer assistance. Put a show at The Vine on your destination list, you won’t be disappointed!
Setlist:
Live for the Music
She’s Gone
Feel Like Makin’ Love
Electric Land
Burning Sky
Run with the Pack
Ready for Love
Too Bad
Let There be Love
Moving On
Shooting Star
Can’t Get Enough
Rock and Roll Fantasy
Encore:
Bad Company
Encore 2:
Rock Steady
We would like to thank Bad Company’s Management for the credentials to review the show.
