Reviews

Foreigner – Casino Rama, Orillia – February 27, 2015

Published

9 years ago

03/02/2015

Vickie Young

Article Views: 622

Review by Vickie Young
Photos by Greg Young

www.foreigneronline.com
www.casinorama.com

Foreigner is a staple when it comes to classic rock, and proved their continued relevance this past Friday night at Casino Rama. An excellent setlist of throwback tunes threw longtime fans into a full hot-blooded state as they relieved some of the greatest classics of all time.

A nostalgic show can often create critique and comparison, but there was no such need for this performance. The sound was spot on, the lyrics smooth and fresh, and best of all the band was genuinely having a really good time.

Foreigner

The party began with the band storming through “Double Vision,” “Head Games,” and a commentary of our current Canadian weather in the form of “Cold as Ice.” With a warmed up crowd, front man Kelly Hansen put his showboating skills to use by making his way through the masses and high fiving the crowd, a move that more than delighted a few of the female fans.

Kelly Hansen

An excellent balance of give and take was apparent during the entire set list. “Dirty White Boy” was deliciously raw and jacked up, displaying the band’s undeniable chemistry. A quiet re-set followed with an acoustical version of “Say You Will” with all band members taking centre stage. This constant ease of flow is the mark of true performers.

Foreigner

Hansen kept the crowd amused with some light-hearted sarcasm and continually probed show goers to rise to their feet – even if they were ‘old’. He finally found the magic motivation by stating if they could stand for four minutes, it equaled 30 seconds of sex. The entire venue rose to their feet for an ironic delivery “Feels like the First Time.

A well-earned encore featured a spectacular group of ladies from The Orillia Choir assisting with “I Want to know What Love Is.” As lighters and phones illuminated the room, the outpouring of love and energy was palpable.

Foreigner

Having been on the music scene for as long as they have, Foreigner is certainly no stranger to performance, success, or adoration for that matter. But on this night they were masters at making us all feel like it was the first time.