Tesla, one of America’s most beloved rock bands, brought their signature brand of hard rock to The Stage at Coco Outdoors, in Coconut Creek, Florida last January 14th. The enthusiastic crowd that gathered on the venue grounds was treated to a 90-minute set of selections from their classic hits, undeniably proving that Tesla is still a force to be reckoned with, even after 38 years of rocking stages across the world.
From the opening chords of “Lady Luck” to the closing notes of “Sings,” Tesla was firing on all cylinders. Jeff Keith‘s vocals were powerful and soulful, and yes, some will argue that his register is not the same as it was in his youth but is anyone the same in any aspect as we were in our 20s? The band’s tight musicianship was on full display, with guitarists Frank Hannon and Dave Rude trading licks with effortless precision, while bassist Brian Wheat and drummer Steve Brown laid down a solid groove that served as the backbone of those timeless songs.
The set list was a seamless blend of the songs that put the band on the map, with staples like “Modern Day Cowboy,” “Miles Away,” and “Changes”, combined with cuts from posterior albums like “Breakin’ Free” – a personal favorite from the “Forever More” album – sharing the stage with the recently released single “Time to Rock,” which is included in their latest live album “Full Throttle Live”. Such a new song was a welcome addition, proving to the crowd that Tesla is still writing music that is both classic and contemporary, and I wished they would have also included “Cold Steel”, the other most recent single in their repertoire.
Nevertheless, the audience sang along to every word of “Love Song,” “Lazy Days, Crazy Nights,” and “Heaven’s Trail,” and the energy was electric, defying the overly windy weather. Tesla‘s music has an enduring quality that resonates with fans of all ages, and it was clear that the crowd was having a blast, plus the band’s camaraderie and love for their music were evident throughout the night, becoming truly infectious.
As it certainly happens every single time, a Tesla show feels more than just a concert; it turns into a celebration of rock and roll. Tesla is a band that is truly in their element on stage, and their passion for their craft is undeniable. If you get a chance to catch them live, don’t miss it. You will be in for a treat.
Tesla Photo Gallery (Photos by Joel Barrios):
