John Corabi and Tom Keifer Band Deliver a Killer Night of Classic Hard Rock at Sharkey’s Event Center

Photos and Review by Chris Besaw

 

This past Saturday evening, Sharkey’s Event Center nestled in the heart of Liverpool, NY delivered everything a rock fan could ask for — a high-energy night of pure classic hard rock featuring two powerhouse acts: John Corabi and the Tom Keifer Band.

Although rain had fallen earlier in the day, the skies cleared just in time, and the sunshine seemed to bring out the dedicated fans in full force. The crowd was decked out in pure 1980s glory — teased-up hair, leopard print pants, leather jackets, bandanas, and plenty of denim. Walking into that atmosphere instantly transported everyone back in time. The energy was contagious, and I could tell right away it was going to be one of those special nights filled with loud music, big smiles, and lasting memories.

John Corabi opened the show and immediately proved why he remains one of the most respected voices in American hard rock. Known for his stints with Mötley Crüe and Ratt, Corabi has been successfully releasing solo material since 2012, and his live performances continue to impress. He kicked off the set with the title track “New Day” from his latest album — an upbeat, classic rock-driven song that got heads banging and perfectly set the tone for the entire evening.

Other standout moments included the melodic “That Memory” and the reflective “When I Was Young.” The crowd really came alive, however, during his sludgy and swampy, heavy take on Mötley Crüe’s “Hooligan’s Holiday.” Corabi even joked about being the guy who “ruined” Mötley Crüe, but having seen him front that band years ago, I can honestly say he crushed it then and still does now. His voice sounded strong, his stage presence was engaging, and the audience ate up every second.

What stood out most to me as both a fan and photographer was how much fun Corabi appeared to be having. He genuinely connected with the crowd, smiled often, and poured everything into every song. It’s always refreshing to see an artist who still plays like he loves it — and clearly, he does.

John Corabi Setlist:

• New Day
• That Memory
• I’m Gonna Ride
• Do Your Own Thing
• When I Was Young
• 1969
• Hooligan’s Holiday (Mötley Crüe cover)
• Midnight Moses
• Man in the Moon

Tom Keifer Band took the stage as the headliner, and the anticipation inside the packed pavilion was electric. Fans in full leather and mile-high hair were ready to rock like it was 1986 all over again. As the legendary frontman of Cinderella, Keifer has nothing left to prove — but he still proved it anyway. His voice remains incredibly powerful and gritty, cutting through the mix with the same raw emotion he had decades ago.

He opened strong with the classic title track “Night Songs,” and the entire crowd immediately jumped in. From there, the band delivered a tight, high-energy set that mixed Cinderella favorites with deeper cuts. Personal highlights for me included the bluesy swagger of “Bad Seamstress Blues/Fallin’ Apart at the Seams,” the driving “Solid Ground,” and the heartfelt “Shelter Me,” which carries clear Rolling Stones influence. That influence came full circle during the encore with a fantastic, soulful cover of the Rolling Stones’ “Tumbling Dice” that had everyone singing along.

After a powerful 16-song set, Tom and his band took a moment to thank the fans for coming out on a Saturday night, took their final bows, and left the stage to roaring applause. It was the perfect way to close out an already excellent evening.

Tom Keifer Band Setlist:

• Night Songs
• All Amped Up
• Heartbreak Station
• Bad Seamstress Blues/Fallin’ Apart at the Seams
• The Death of Me
• Coming Home
• Nobody’s Fool
• Solid Ground
• The More Things Change
• Somebody Save Me
• The Last Mile
• Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)
• Shake Me
• Shelter Me Encore:
• Tumbling Dice (Rolling Stones cover)
• Gypsy Road

Overall, both John Corabi and the Tom Keifer Band put on an outstanding show full of grit, passion, and real rock ’n’ roll spirit. For this photographer, the night brought back so many great memories of why I fell in love with this music in the first place. I left wanting more, but that’s the sign of a truly great concert.

If you’re a fan of classic, hard-hitting, no-frills rock music, I highly recommend catching this tour. You absolutely will not be disappointed by either artist.

Thank you for reading my review! Click below for the full photo gallery.