By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night Tampa
Live Review: Foreigner with Lou Gramm and Night Ranger – The Baycare Sound, Clearwater, Florida – April 18, 2026
On April 18, 2026, The BayCare Sound at Coachman Park buzzed with the unmistakable energy of a sold-out crowd ready to time-travel back to the golden era of classic rock. Foreigner, deep into their 50th anniversary celebrations, brought their Foreigner 4 with Lou Gramm tour to Florida’s Gulf Coast, joined by special guests Night Ranger. For Gen X fans (and anyone who grew up on FM radio anthems), it was a rare chance to relive the soundtrack of their youth—complete with high notes, big riffs, and a touch of rock ’n’ roll history.
The evening kicked off promptly at 7:30 p.m. with Night Ranger, who wasted no time proving that 44 years since their debut hasn’t dulled their fire. Launching into the celebratory “(You Can Still) Rock in America,” the band—led by the irrepressibly energetic Jack Blades (now 71)—moved with frenetic enthusiasm. Members constantly shifted across the stage, climbing stairs to a raised platform, delivering a performance that felt as urgent and youthful as their ’80s heyday.
Blades engaged the audience warmly between songs, rattling off film credits for their tracks (“Sixteen Candles,” “Boogie Nights,” “Tommy Boy,” even “Friday the 13th”) and paying heartfelt tribute to Michael J. Fox’s resilience before diving into “The Secret of My Success.” A nostalgic nod to 1982 followed, as Blades asked who in the crowd had been around when the band started, then launched into the self-titled “Night Ranger.”
The set’s wildest moment came during what began as a drum solo from Kelly Keagy. One by one, the five-piece band joined in, turning the stage into a percussive playground of toms, snares, kicks, and cowbells. Adding to the spectacle, guitarist Keri Kelli donned a wolf mask for the extended, five-minute jam—pure theatrical fun that had the audience grinning.
Blades shouted out his Damn Yankees days with “good friends” Ted Nugent and Tommy Shaw, leading into a roaring rendition of “High Enough” that showcased tight harmonies with Keagy. A genuine highlight arrived with “When You Close Your Eyes,” where split-screen videos juxtaposed the band’s fresh-faced 1980s MTV era against their current selves. The comparison was striking: these veterans still look remarkably vital and deliver with undiminished passion.
Night Ranger closed their high-energy set with the epic crowd-pleaser “Sister Christian,” written by Keagy about his sister Christy. Phones lit up the venue like modern-day lighters as the audience stood, danced, and sang along. Keagy stepped from behind the drums to deliver the final lines a cappella, holding the long notes with impressive vocal power that proved his chops remain razor-sharp.
After a short intermission, the main event shifted to Foreigner. Multi-instrumentalist Luis Maldonado, who stepped into the lead vocalist role in 2025 following Kelly Hansen’s departure, immediately impressed with his soaring high tenor. Effortlessly climbing registers and hitting every iconic note without strain, Maldonado brought fresh vitality to the band’s catalog while honoring its legacy.
The set unfolded as a greatest-hits parade that had the crowd on its feet from the start: “Cold As Ice,” “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” and “I’m Gonna Win” kept the energy surging. Then came the moment many had waited for—Lou Gramm himself walked onstage. A roar of applause mixed with a few scattered boos (perhaps echoes of past Rock Hall controversies or old band tensions) greeted the original voice of Foreigner. Gramm, who left the group in 1990 after creative differences with founder Mick Jones, appeared to read brief remarks from a teleprompter, acknowledging the current lineup in what felt like a deliberate gesture of reconciliation.
The chemistry ignited on “Urgent,” a clear highlight where Gramm’s unmistakable delivery blended seamlessly with the band’s tight musicianship. “Feels Like the First Time” transported many back to high school days—its memorable riff and melody a reminder of why Foreigner stood apart in the ’70s and ’80s: every track offered something distinct rather than formulaic repetition.
After “Juke Box Hero,” the band briefly exited, prompting some early departures—until they returned with Gramm and a special guest chorus of middle-school students from the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts. Together they delivered a stirring “I Want to Know What Love Is,” turning the waterfront venue into a massive sing-along. The night capped with the fiery “Hot Blooded,” leaving no doubt that the hits still burn bright.
There was an undeniably complex vibe in the air—lingering history between Gramm and the band, the teleprompter moment, subtle audience undercurrents—but none of it overshadowed the music. The current Foreigner lineup sounded flawless, with skilled musicians who clearly respect the catalog. Night Ranger, meanwhile, delivered a non-stop banger of a set that reminded everyone why they’re still a force on the road.
For Gen Xers craving a hit-filled escape to their teens and twenties, this was must-see rock theater. Lou Gramm’s special appearance added an extra layer of magic and closure. Ultimately, the evening celebrated enduring talent, timeless songs, and the simple joy of live music done right. If you get the chance to catch this tour, don’t miss it—legends are still very much in action, and they’re rocking harder than ever.
PHOTO GALLERY
Stay tuned for photos of Night Ranger
I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
