Tesla – Artpark Mainstage Theater, Lewiston, NY – 08/28/2024

BY THOMAS S. ORWAT, JR.

Lewiston, NY – Tesla’s “Keepin’ It Real” 2024 tour made an electrifying stop at the Artpark Mainstage Theater last Wednesday evening. Despite the venue’s 2,500-seat capacity being only a little more than half filled, the band’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. The lower attendance could be attributed to the end-of-summer rush, with many artists touring simultaneously, and Tesla’s recent performance in the area on April 15, 2023, at the Events Center, Seneca Niagara Casino in Niagara Falls, NY. Nonetheless, the dedicated fans who attended were treated to an unforgettable night of rock and roll.

Tesla, who released their first record, “Mechanical Resonance,” in 1985 from Sacramento, California, and have sold over 14 million records in North America, currently consists of classic line-up members Jeff Keith (vocals), Frank Hannon (guitar), and Brian Wheat (bass), along with Dave Rude (guitar, joined in 2006) and touring drummer Steve Brown (replaced Troy Luccketta in 2019). They delivered a hit-filled 90-minute set that started right on time at 9 PM. The band came out rocking with the opener “Rock Me to the Top,” and everyone in attendance rose to their feet.

Tesla has been actively touring since the post-COVID era, bringing their high-energy performances to fans across the country. Despite not releasing a new studio album since March 8, 2019, when they dropped “Shock” produced by Phil Collen of Def Leppard, the band continues to draw crowds with their classic hits. Interestingly, they chose not to perform any songs from “Shock” during this show, focusing instead on their well-loved tracks and a couple of new tracks from their upcoming album.

One of the new tracks performed, “All About Love,” was a very catchy mid-tempo song that had all the classic elements of Tesla’s greatest hits, including some great guitar work by Hannon. The song’s infectious hook and heartfelt lyrics really connected with the audience and could quickly becoming a fan favorite. It’s also clear that Tesla still has the ability to craft memorable songs.

The other new track performed, “From the Heart” was a beautiful instrumental piece featuring the guitar duo of Hannon and Rude. This piece perfectly segued into their classic track “Love Song,” which was certainly a highlight of the evening and a favorite of many in attendance.

Tesla wrapped up the night with two cover songs that became even more popular than the originals: “Little Suzi” (originally by Ph.D.) and, for the encore, “Signs” (originally by Five Man Electrical Band). The audience responded with enthusiastic cheers and sing-alongs, highlighting the band’s talent for making these songs uniquely their own.

Overall, Tesla proved once again why they are an amazing live band and one of the most important American bands in rock music today. Their energy, musicianship, and connection with the audience make every performance a memorable experience. This concert is highly recommended for any rock music fan looking for a night of classic hits and new favorites.

For more on Tesla please visit https://teslatheband.com/home

There were two openers for this show.

Kurt Deimer, who played direct support, is also known for his roles in several horror movies including “Halloween” and “Scared to Death.” Deimer was very engaging with the audience, and his set was well-received. He performed his original and powerful track “Hero,” which went down really well with the crowd. Additionally, his intense cover of the Pink Floyd classic “Have a Cigar” added a unique twist to the evening, showcasing his versatility as an artist. https://kurtdeimer.com/

STRETCH was the other opening artist, known for being an artist, musician, entrepreneur, and visionary. He played a bizarre set featuring songs from his 2023 album, “Carnivore of Chaos.” His performance was certainly unique and added an eclectic vibe to the evening. While he was an interesting choice for this bill, his style might have been better suited for a GWAR or Rob Zombie show. https://www.facebook.com/STRETCHartist/

Tesla – setlist 08/28/2024

Rock Me to the Top
Modern Day Cowboy
Hang Tough
All About Love
Walk Away (James Gang cover)
Forever More
Heaven’s Trail (No Way Out)
Miles Away
Changes
Love Me
Call It What You Want
What You Give
From the Heart
Love Song
Little Suzi (Ph.D. cover)
encore:
Signs (Five Man Electrical Band cover)