BY THOMAS S. ORWAT, JR.
Batavia, NY- 80s hard-rockers Great White “saved the day” by stepping in at the last minute to fly in and perform yesterday evening at Batavia Downs racetrack. Originally, Skid Row, another 80s band, was set to play this event, but withdrew a few days prior to the show date. While many ticket holders might have initially been saddened by the news, Great White quickly won them over with a terrific hit-filled 90-minute performance on an idyllic summer evening.
This was the 4th show of the 2023 Batavia Downs Friday night Concert Series, which also includes upcoming shows from Don Felder, Herman Hermits and the Marshall Tucker Band. Tickets can be purchased to upcoming shows at https://www.bataviadownsgaming.com/events/concerts/
Formed in Los Angeles in 1977, Great White was one of the most popular bands of the 80’s with multi-platinum selling records, popular MTV videos and arena headlining tours. But over the last decade plus, the band has struggled to find a suitable lead singer to replace fan-favorite and original singer Jack Russell, who was unceremoniously dismissed from the band in December 2011 after an illness that prevented him from touring.
Over the years, Great White has had several singers front the band including Jani Lane (Warrant), Terry Illous (XYZ), Mitch Malloy, and Andrew Freeman (Last In Line). The band consists of classic line-up members, Mark Kendall – guitar, Audie Desbrow- drums, Michael Lardie – guitar & keyboards, along with Scott Snyder-bass (who joined in 2008). They recruited 25-year-old vocalist from Alabama-Brett Carlisle in 2022. Since then, the band has had quite a resurgence. Carlise’s youthful enthusiasm has been a welcome addition to the band’s live show.
On this evening, Carlisle was the star. His voice is the perfect fit for the band. He is also very engaging with the audience and likable. He mixes well with the seasoned and legendary musicians in the band.
Highlights of the show included Carlisle’s passionate and soulful vocals on “House of Broken Love” and “Save Your Love, ” which he dedicated to the audience. Guitar hero Mark Kendall’s flawless blues-influenced guitar playing throughout the evening was jaw-dropping. The rhythm section of Lardie, Desbrow and Snyder was like a well-oiled machine firing on all cylinders and is one of the best in music today.
The evening ended with the biggest song of their career, the Ian Hunter penned “Once Bitten, Twice Shy.” Midway through the song, Carlisle divided the audience in half and had them compete on who could sing the chorus louder. Although a bit cliche, it’s still fun for the audience and band.
This turned out to be a great evening of classic rock. Batavia Downs does an outstanding job hosting these shows and an incredible job finding a replacement band to perform on this evening with such short notice. Great White turned out to be the perfect choice.
Although many fans of Great White would love to see vocalist Jack Russell be allowed back in the band, it’s unlikely that it’s ever going to happen. This line-up of Great White is the best that it could possibly be in 2023.
For more on Great White, visit https://www.officialgreatwhite.net/
Setlist 07-14-2023
Desert Moon
Lady Red Light
Stick It
Rollin’ Stone
House Of Broken Love
Big Time
The Angel Song
Mista Bone
Big Goodbye
Save Your Love
Rock Me
Once Bitten, Twice Shy
Thomas S. Orwat Jr.
RockMusicStar.com 
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