Tesla Seneca Events Center (Inside the Seneca Niagara Casino) Niagara Falls, NY October 31, 2009

Last Updated on Monday, 09 November 2009 17:01 Written by Tracey Lukasik Tuesday, 03 November 2009 00:24

    It was no trick, but definitely a tasty treat for all rock ‘n roll fans as Tesla brought down a packed house inside the Seneca Niagara Casino on All Hallow’s Eve. Offering a refreshing mix of tunes picked from the early catalog up through the last two records, “Into the Now” and “Forever More,” the band hit every note with passion and precision.
    Special attention was given to one song, in particular, that had only been played live once before (the night prior in Penn’s Peak, PA), “Last Action Hero.” This tune was included on the soundtrack to the 1993 movie of the same name, featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger. True Tesla devotees were reeling with delight as “2 Late for 4 Love” was another rare tracked plucked from the band’s 1986 debut “Mechanic Resonance.”
Jeff Keith’s vocals were in fine, spine-tingling form and the impeccable guitar work of Frank Hannon and Dave Rude was spot-on. Hannon alternated his Gibson arsenal with a black flying V, a white double neck and his signature maroon SG, while Rude dazzled the audience on his vintage Les Paul sunburst.
    Tesla is, unfortunately, one of those bands that started in the 80’s who continually gets lumped in with the “hair band” genre. They are often overlooked, go unappreciated and not given anywhere near the credit they deserve for their talents. However, their legion of fans and critics, like me, know better. They consistently put out quality records and continue to tour successfully. Each member of the band is an integral part of what makes this band so special and undoubtedly accounts for their longevity. They just keep “Gettin’ Better” and seeing Tesla live, even if it’s for the 100th time, is still sweeter than any candy I would’ve gotten had I gone trick or treating instead.        

SET LIST:

I Wanna Live (Before I Die)
Modern Day Cowboy
Into the Now
2 Late 4 Love
Steppin’ Over
Breakin’ Free
Hang Tough
Heaven’s Trail
Last Action Hero
Love Song
Signs
Edison’s Medicine
Comin’ Atcha Live

ENCORE:
Little Suzi

We would like to thank Janie Hoffman of all things possible for allowing us to cover the show. For more information on Tesla, you can go to: http://www.teslatheband.com/