FOREIGNER – LIVE AT THE “AMP” IN BRIDGEPORT
Foreigner’s Double Vision album was the first time I spent my paper route money to buy music. Despite this, a Tuesday night concert, the first week back at work for the school year seemed like something I should pass on at this time. Enter my buddy Todd, who just beat pancreatic cancer, calling to see if I wanted to go. With the higher power mojo he must have on his side I figured it was a sign I should attend. Foreigner did not disappoint.
The show was billed The Greatest Hits of Foreigner and the greatest hits it was. The band roared through 12 hits while also allowing for a timely return home. The band came out with “Double Vision” and the crowd came to life. “Head Games” and “Cold as Ice” followed before lead singer Kelly Hansen took some time to interact with the crowd. Hansen was in a playful mood as during “Cold as Ice” he grabbed a photographer’s camera and went around taking close ups of the band. He joked about the age of the crowd and how it may be more of a challenge to get everyone on their feet.
“Waiting for a Girl Like You” and “Blue Morning, Blue Day” were next before Hansen took time to point out the attractive ladies in the crowd. He mentioned how bad the fairer sex has it dealing with men and felt for their cause as the band played “Dirty White Boy”. “Feels Like the First Time” and “Urgent” were followed by a keyboard ( Michael Bluestein) and drum (Chris Frazier) solo that was really entertaining. I was into the music and didn’t even notice that I usually head to the men’s room at this point. The solo led into “Juke Box Hero”, which may be my favorite Foreigner song. I took this opportunity to live stream for my friends that stayed home for this one.
For the encore Foreigner started with “Long, Long Way From Home”, next was “I Want to Know What Love Is” and ending with “Hot Blooded”.
Hansen did get his wish and the whole crowd was up on its feet by now. Longtime bassist Jeff Pilson kept the beat, and played the rock star part, head banging with his long hair flowing all night long. Lead guitarist Bruce Watson was on his game with great leads for all the greatest hits. Newest Foreigner member Luis Maldonado on Rhythm Guitar sounded great, although judging by his appearance, I wonder if he was alive when I bought that album many years ago.
Mick Jones, who is the only original member still playing in this version of Foreigner took the night off in Bridgeport. Todd and I discussed if this made it a cover band that we watched. I guess technically you could say yes but does one remaining member make it the real Foreigner? Whatever side you take on this debate, if you enjoy the music of Foreigner, this was a show well worth the money.
A side note on the “AMP”. One porta-potti was added to the parking lot. This was an improvement from my first show when there were none. Maybe the venue doesn’t want too much pre-concert tailgating or maybe they are still working out the kinks. Hopefully a few more are added before my next visit.
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