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Biography
Born in Lancaster, England, John Waite's first brush with rock stardom came while playing in the London based hard rock band The Babys. They came together in 1974, releasing their eponymous first album in 1977, and mere months after that album's release their single “Isn't It Time” was riding high on the Billboard charts, peaking at number 13. They managed to match that peak again with the single “Everytime I Think Of You”, but never managed to make any headway in their home country, or with all but one of their five studio albums, and the band came to an end in 1981.
Waite, who had sung lead vocals and played bass in the band, was the most recognisable member of the band by a long shot. Because of this he was snapped up by Chrysalis Records shortly after the band's break-up to release his debut solo album “Ignition” in 1982, and while the album and its lead single “Change” made huge waves on AOR radio it didn't exactly tear up the charts. That would come with Waite's second album “No Brakes”, which was a Gold certified top ten hit album powered by its number one hit lead single “Missing You”.
That wouldn't be the last time that Waite spent time at the top of the charts. In 1987, he rejoined two of his Babys band-mates to form the supergroup Bad English, and scored another number one single on the Billboard Hot 100 in the form of “When I See You Smile”. Waite resumed his solo career after the band came to an end in 1992 due to internal friction, and ever since then, Waite's enjoyed a great career doing exactly what he wants to do. He's worked with everyone from Alison Krauss to Ringo Starr and remains an unmissable live act to this very day. For all this, John Waite comes highly recommended.
Live reviews
I saw John Waite in concert on May 27th of this year, 2014. I saw him perform at The Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, California.
If you don’t know who The Babys or Bad English were, then you don’t know hard rock, or this awesome musician who has the vocals of a god.
At the concert, he and the band wore casual clothes that could pass as business casual, but everything was neat and orderly. The crowd wasn’t goo energetic apart from some loud cheering that the end of ballad groups. Regardless of the crowd being quiet most of the time, there was high energy within the crowd, but no one wanted to disturb the sound coming from Waite’s mouth.
The experience of hearing John sing was pretty cool, but it could have been better. The sound quality of the performance should have been checked. The sound was scratchy and all the equalizer settings seemed to be off. Highs became bassy and lows became tinny sounding. I don’t feel like I wasted money and it could have been an incorrect setting by the soundman.
Would I see John Waite in concert again? Yes, without a doubt in my mind. One issue in a single experience doesn’t mean they’ll all be the same.
John is perfection. There is no other way to say it. This is my 3rd year in a row seeing him at The Coachhouse and I was able to meet him this year. He is as warm, charming and kind as one would hope. His voice seems to get better and better each year. His energy and stage presence is phenomenal. His sense of humor is as strong as his song writing. I am so happy to live in Southern California so I am able to see him. I would see him daily if I could. If I could only listen to one solo artist for the rest of my life it would be John Waite. If it were a group, it would be The Killers. John's band is as fabulous as he is. I just can't say enough good about John.
mary-a-bukovskis
Venue: Eaton's Hill Hotel, Brisbane.
John Waite was fantastic. Another of my bucket-list items achieved. I was surprised that he didn't have a keyboard player, but the bassist, guitarist and drummer provided excellent backing for John's still-strong voice, and his occasional acoustic guitar. He played all the songs I hoped for, as well as a couple of surprise covers.
The venue had good sound and stage-lighting, but the seating was squashed together in a ridiculous way. Security should have dealt with a group of unruly idiots who did their best to spoil the show for everyone else.
philip-quinn-1
OH MY GOD!!!!! BEST CONCERT I EVER SEEN!!CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HIM AGAIN! He was just awesome,been wanting to see him since I was 20 something, and I am 50 now!!! He gave a great performance and I highly recommend seeing him...he sang many of the old songs and new also! GOING NEXT TIME HE IS IN AREA TO SEE HIM FOR SURE! Saw him at The coach House in San Juan Capistrano....got seating right up front at stage...couldn't believe it!
dimaggio
Simply Magnificent! The show was simple, 4 guys on stage, slight variation from radio play, humble, skilled, but what was the most absolutely amazing thing was his voice. Just perfection, better live then any recording. Clear, poignant, emotional, gorgeous...and he too looked gorgeous as well. Great show, so glad I went!
dawn-d-new-echlin
Wow, So happy to have seen him. The show was amazing.
John absolutely killed it. Then he did a Jimmy Hendrix Rendition of All along the watch tower... so good.
He finished with Led Zeppelin's Whole Lot of Love.
I can't say enough about his voice.... Cant wait to see him again..... YAY...
Thank You John Waite
tflagerman
FABULOUS as usual. I have seen John either solo or with the BABY'S 14 times. He and band always turn it out. Loved the catelog, he incorporated all the best and then some !
I hope he never stops !!
jos-a-bank-hudson
yes excellent... as good as he ever was!!! can't wait to see him again!!! brings back a lot of great memories!!!!! hope hes back in Central New york soon!!! Paula
pchuyck
