by photojournalist Allison Davis
The perfectly placed BayCare Sound makes for a stunning backdrop, and I am always excited to shoot shows at this venue. What made this night even better was the fact that both bands on the bill occupy permanent spots on my personal playlists. Really, what more could you ask for?
NIGHT RANGER kicked things off, and crazy as it sounds don’t judge after all these years, this was my very first time seeing them live! These guys sailed into Clearwater straight from rocking the floating stage on the Monsters of Rock Cruise, where they held a headlining spot.
Music cruises have become such a phenomenon, and I’m increasingly intrigued; I might be developing an itch to finally book one! This time, however, I watched from afar as friends posted updates of the band performing while they relaxed at seas well as performed. It brought back memories of my mother attending the legendary Monsters of Rock in 1988 at the old Candlestick Park in San Francisco. I was just a kid then, but I wanted to go so badly! That lineup was killer Van Halen, Scorpions, Metallica, Dokken, and Kingdom Come.
The cruise boasted an incredible lineup as well, including co-headliners Black Label Society and Stryper (a band I have shot many times and even had the opportunity to do a limited edition honey for, because I am a beekeeper by day). Despite coming off a week-long voyage that was surely a wild time, Night Ranger took the stage with a level of energy that proved they can still bring the house down. They blasted through classics like “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me” and, of course, “Sister Christian.”
At one point, a conversation with a volunteer reminded me that not everyone is a “basket full of potpourri” like me when it comes to the music world. While I’m often shocked when people aren’t familiar with bands that have been around this long, I’m also excited to see new fans jumping on board. It means the music lives on!
FOREIGNER
What can you say about 50 years of music? A lot, though it might exceed the word count for a single review! Recently inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in October 2024, the band is currently riding a massive wave of momentum. Current lead singer Luis Maldonado told the story as he set the tone for the song “Feels Like the First Time.”
A true highlight of the evening was seeing the “OG” lead singer, Lou Gramm, grace the stage. Not only did he introduce the band, but he jumped in on “Luanne,” “Girl on the Moon,” and a scorching version of “Urgent.” Earlier in the day, Gramm even made an appearance at Daddy Kool Records for a meet-and-greet and signing for his new solo album.
Foreigner has undoubtedly stood the test of time. For me, “Waiting for a Girl Like You” is a permanent sensory anchor; it instantly transports me back to my childhood years living in Southern California no matter how many times I have heard it. Same memories every time!
As a photographer, they were a dream to shoot. I loved the lighting, and I am always grateful for bands that display genuine energy and playfulness with the camera it is a total game-changer when you’re in the pit. I know I have mentioned this before, but you have no idea how much I appreciate this.
At venues like The Sound, I usually have a ticketed seat so I can watch and take notes, but I’m a roamer by nature and like to travel around while I take it all in. During one of my laps, I returned to my section only to find Tampa Bay legend “The Medicine Man” occupying my spot! I playfully told him it was my seat but offered him a trade: he could keep it if he let me take his picture.
The night reached a crescendo with an encore of “I Want to Know What Love Is”—featuring the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts Choir, an experience those girls won’t soon forget and a dynamic finish with “Hot Blooded.”
While I am grateful for every show I have the privilege of covering, this was truly one for my personal book. What a journey this path as a concert photographer has been, and being part of the Tampa Bay Music News team is the ultimate bonus. I’m looking forward to whatever lies ahead!
