John Waite – Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel, Batavia, NY – 07/24/2026 – Concert Review

THOMAS S. ORWAT, JR.

Batavia, NY – It was another beautiful summer evening last Friday as singer/songwriter John Waite headlined the fourth show of this season’s Batavia Downs “Rockin’ the Summer Concert Series.” The crowd wasn’t the biggest of the summer, but it was right in line with the Quiet Riot turnout from two weeks prior, giving the night that familiar, easygoing, Batavia Downs fun vibe.

Waite’s 6-decade long career stretches back to his days fronting The Babys from 1975–1981, before launching a successful solo career filled with chart‑topping singles and heavy MTV rotation. He later joined the supergroup Bad English in 1987, alongside Journey’s Neil Schon and Jonathan Cain, who, like Waite, also spent time in The Babys. Bad English disbanded in 1991.

Waite took the stage at 8:30 p.m. and delivered a tight, engaging 70‑minute set that blended highlights from The Babys, Bad English, and his solo catalog.

Waite’s all-star band for the evening featured longtime collaborator Shane Fontayne on guitar, stepping in for guitarist Kyle Cooke, who has long balanced his role in Waite’s band with his position in Matchbox Twenty, and was required in Nashville for Matchbox Twenty obligations this weekend. Rounding out his band was Tim Hogan on bass and Alan Childs on drums.

Waite was particularly engaging with the crowd throughout the night. At one point, he joked about being asked whether he would go back to the ’70s if he had the chance. He laughed and replied, “I’d go back and I wouldn’t come back… in one piece.”

He also joked about being asked to write a song for a movie., He said no at first, but then agreed and recorded the song “In Dreams.” He then had to participate in a video for the track that included him being filmed in a helicopter, a scary memory that still haunts him today.

Even at 74 years old, Waite continues to deliver. Overall, the evening was a clear reminder of the brilliance of his often-overlooked career. When you line up the great songs he has recorded over the decades and watch him perform them with the passion he still brings to the stage, you can’t help but wonder why he isn’t far more popular and far more revered than he is.

Highlights of the show included the Bad English hit “When I See You Smile”, The Babys classic “Isn’t It Time”, and his signature solo smash “Missing You”, which had the crowd up on their feet. The show ended with a hard rocking version of the Led Zeppelin classic “Whole Lotta Love.” It truly was a great summer evening filled with amazing songs and a DYNAMIC performance by Waite and band.

The story of John Waite’s career isn’t over yet and he’s certainly not slowing down. This was another great concert at the Batavia Downs and hopefully John Waite can return to the WNY area and headline again soon!

For more on John Waite visit John Waite – Official Worldwide Web Site – Official web site of John Waite

For upcoming show at Batavia Downs, visit Concerts – Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel

John Waite -setlist 07-24-2026
Midnight Rendezvous
Change
Tears (Peter Criss cover)
When I See You Smile (Bad English song)
Best of What I Got (Bad English song)
Every Time I Think of You
If You Ever Get Lonely
Isn’t It Time
Act of Love
In Dreams
Bluebird Cafe
Head First
Missing You
Back on My Feet Again
Whole Lotta Love