Tesla recently kicked off another string of dates on their highly anticipated “Keepin’ It Real” Tour, and we had the great pleasure to see them at the Hollywood Casino at The Meadows in Washington, PA last night.
While this is probably the closest concert venue to my home, I’ve only had a few opportunities to catch live shows under the “big top” tent at The Meadows. The one-time horse racing track expanded to offer an indoor casino when gambling licenses were up for grabs in our state and they have yet to add a permanent concert venue on property…So, a tent in the parking lot became the semi-permanent location for concerts on site, and honestly, once the show starts, the sound, the lights, and the fog take you somewhere else regardless.
Tesla continues to top my list when it comes to personal favorites. In fact, after announcing the news in my review of the band from their MGM Northfield show last March, it was my goal on ‘Record Store Day’ in April to score a copy of Reel to Reel Vol 1 on vinyl, as it is an album that truly showcases the organic, authentic roots of the band. Consequently, it was recorded by Tesla in their own style using analog tape and vintage equipment. And, thanks to Used Kids Records in Columbus, Ohio, I did score a copy as they house the largest selection of vinyl that I’ve ever seen in one place!
Those roots always make their way into the live show as well whether it is the inclusion of covers like “Little Suzi” and “Signs” that Tesla has made their own along with little teasers like frontman Jeff Keith singing a few lines of Thin Lizzy to remind us that “The Boys Are Back In Town.”
The currently line-up of Tesla, which features Jeff Keith on lead vocals, Frank Hannon and Dave Rude on guitar, Brian Wheat on bass, and Steve Brown on drums has been working on new music this past year and offered a preview of the single “All About Love” that has made its way into the live set along with classics like “Changes” and “Hang Tough.”
Honoring the eccentric inventor Nikola Tesla who pioneered all things electrical, there is no confusing the band that brought us multiple top 40 hits with the modern day car manufacturer. Everyone in attendance is much more focused on the “Modern Day Cowboy” and other cuts from 1989’s double-platinum The Great Radio Controversy like “Heaven’s Trail (No Way Out)” and of course “Love Song”. The only thing really missing was a heavy-hitting serving of “Edison’s Medicine” from the Psychotic Supper album.
Tesla‘s legacy is alive and well as they continue to record and sell-out venues all over the world as they’d done last night here in PA. Tesla is truly a celebration of the greatest spirits of rock and roll and you can celebrate with them! Additional tour dates are listed below, and we can’t wait to see them back on the Monsters of Rock Cruise in March!
Sep 28 – Foxwood’s Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT
Nov 8 – Yaamava Resort & Casino in Highland, CA
Nov 9 – Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, CA
Nov 13 – Hard Rock Live in Catoosa, OK
Nov 15 – Council Bluff Event Center in Newkirk, OK
Nov 16 – Choctaw Grand Theater in Durant, OK
Coverage by Editor and founder Kara Marie Uhrlen on 9/28/2024. All event photos © Kara Uhrlen and The Pure Rock Shop.
Check out more from Tesla at the Mountain Music Festival last month here!
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