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Biography
Night Ranger formed in the early ‘80s and consisted of drummer/vocalist Kelly Keagy, bassist/vocalist Jack Blades, guitarists Brad Gillis and Jeff Watson, and keyboardist Alan Fitzgerald. The band was initially performing under the name, The Rangers, but changed their name to Night Ranger in 1982 due to a country band already having claimed the name The Rangers. By the end of 1982 the band had already signed a record deal with Boardwalk Records and released their debut album “Dawn Patrol”. The album was commercially successful, reaching the No. 38 position on the US Billboard 200. The album also contained the singles “Sing Me Away” and “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me”, which were also turned into music videos and received much airplay on MTV.
In 1983 the band switched over to MCA Records and released their second studio album “Midnight Madness”. The album reached the No. 15 position on the US Billboard 200 chart and gained Night Ranger a larger fan base. Instead of playing concerts as the opening act, Night Ranger was now playing headlining shows. The album contained three hit singles: “(You Can Still) Rock in America”, “Sister Christian”, and “When You Close Your Eyes”. The power ballad “Sister Christian” is one of the most popular songs that Night Ranger wrote, and it was ranked No. 32 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs of the 1980s. The song reached the No. 5 position on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and has been featured in several films such as “Boogie Nights” and “Friday the 13th”.
In 1985 the band released the album “7 Wishes”, which contained the singles “Sentimental Street” and “This Boy Needs to Rock”. The album was a commercial success and was later certified platinum. The band was able to achieve commercial success over the radio because they were very similar to other popular hard rock bands, but they were also slightly cleaner than other bands like Motley Crue and Ratt. Night Ranger’s guitarists, Gillis and Watson, were also praised for their dueling guitar techniques and were constantly featured in guitar magazines.
During the years between 1984 and 1987 Night Ranger contributed songs to many film soundtracks. Their songs were featured in such movies as “Teachers”, Explorers”, “Sixteen Candles”, and “Out of Bounds”. They also provided the title theme for the film “The Secret of My Success”. The remaining years in the 80s showed Night Ranger releasing two more albums. “Big Life” was released in 1987 and “Man in Motion” was released in 1988. After “Man in Motion” was released the band briefly disbanded. During the time Night Ranger was broken up Jack Blades formed the band Damn Yankees with Ted Nugent and Tommy Shaw, and Jeff Watson pursued a solo career.
In 1996 the five original members reunited Night Ranger and later released the 1997 album “Neverland” and the 1998 album “Seven”. Although these albums weren’t significantly successful in the US, they were however very popular in Japan and garnered Night Ranger a large fan base in Asia. Later in their career, Alan Fitzgerald and Jeff Watson would leave Night Ranger once again and would be replaced by Eric Levy on keyboards and Keri Kelli on guitars. In 2007 Night Ranger released “Hole in the Sun”, which was their follow up to their 1998 album “Seven”. In 2014 they released the album “High Road”, which contained the single “Knock Knock Never Stop”.
Night Ranger has been pleasing fans with their headlining shows ever since they released “Midnight Madness”. They have toured all over the world and played gigs with many notable artists such as ZZ Top, Ozzy Osbourne, and Kansas.
Live reviews
1 June 2018 ~ Austin Texas
The billing was Night Ranger and Dennis De Young, the venue was the Austin City Limits Arena (Moody Performance Centre). Night Ranger came on stage a little past 8:00 P.M.starting with music from the 2017 album, Don’t Let Up, beginning with Some How, Some Way...Running Out of Time...Truth, and moving into a selection music from back in the day( Sister Christian, Rock in America, Sentimental Street, and Night Ranger); sprinkling in some songs from Damn Yankees. Jack Blades was so personable, almost like an old friend sitting in the living room just talking and jamming. I exspecially like how he talked about wondering about 6th Street, making note about the bar scene filled with live music in each one of them. It was refreshing his down to earthness and that of 5e rest of the band. This was the third time I have seen them in 35 years. They were as good as ever. Kelly Keagy was awesome and it was great to see him after his heart surgery. His vocals were spot on and just as I remembered them from years ago. At the end of the concert he threw his gloves into the crowd and my daughter caught one; it was a very special moment for our family. My wife was given a guitar pick from Brad Gillis, who spent a lot of time playing in front of us. They were fantastic and we will see them again. This was the most enjoyable night we’ve spent in ages; it was just like spending time with old friends that we haven’t seen in years. Thank you for a great evening and a special, memory for my family. It is bands like Night Ranger that bring generations together and gives us older folks a bit of our youthfulness back....thanks guys again for a great time!
james-farquhar-1
Night Ranger, wow, well done! After 30 years of performance muddled in with various different band members coming and going and a lengthy hiatus, Night Ranger rocked the house last night and were better than ever. The first five albums sold over ten million copies world wide, but after their success plateaued, they disbanded. I was a little apprehensive that their reforming would leave them weaker, but the have compensated with this through their dedication to the music.
It was a massive throwback, and their energy and dedication to every note they were playing was infectious. The audience were singing and dancing along with such energy everyone was exhausted by the end of the set – but in the best way! If you didn’t know, you wouldn’t be able to tell that they weren’t the original band members, they worked together so closely and in perfect flawless harmony.
They closed with Rock in America, the track that everyone seemed to know all the words to and it was an epic climax to the evening. Although I had to shoot off almost straight away, the band members came out and it was great to see them chatting to the audience and taking photos – really friendly guys. I’ll definitely be going back if they tour again!
yazhow
Whenever hearing night ranger you will be taken on a trip back to your happy place, the 80's. Night Ranger gives 100% each and every time they hit the stage and seeing them last night was no different. This was the first time since dawn patrol that I have sceen them in an actual indoor venue and it was absolutely amazing. The sound was incredible and flawless. The crowd was awesome singing along with all the songs. I love that they changed the set list and no more covers. My only complaint is about the high road album, please play another song in addition too high road. Love knock knock and coming home... #uberfan #nightranger tami
tami-schmit-allen
Another awesome show from Night Ranger. First show i ever attended was the 7 wishes tour at the Minnesota State Fair. This time in South Dakota at Badlands Pawn and Gold met great new people at this venue. Isaac and Jessica and Lindsey some of the greatest people i have met there amazing people to be with. Looking forward to more great times out in Sioux Falls and in Minnesota. GREAT CONCERT!!!!
bigdog1968
Recently saw Night Ranger in Minneapolis at the Pantages Theater. They sounded just great and have alot of energy on stage. It was fun to hear all of the hits we remember from our youth. The guys seem to really enjoy playing together, plus it is nice see Keri Kelli rocking on stage!! Will definitely see them again.
kkulla44
As always Night Ranger put on an engertic show. Kelly's voice wasn't at full strength. The band showed it's versatility and did mainly songs Jack sings including several Damn Yankees songs. I have seen them multiple times. So for me it was refreshing hearing Jack do a majority of the leads.
Bosoxkc
This is one of the best live bands of my generation...always put on a crowd-pleasing show. They seem personable on stage, and engage the participants with every song they perform. Show was fantastic and would pay to see them again and again!
beth-oconnor-1
Go see these guys! They still rock...and are very down to earth, humble and extremely talented. Night Ranger still rocks in America, ya'll! The original band members sound great and the newer band members are great talents, as well.
kmac0766
ALWAYS an entertaining show. Night Ranger is a band of great musicians. They still sound great! My only complaint? Play your own songs and drop the covers. You have enough great songs to fill a two hour show on your own.
justojake
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