’80s hit-makers Night Ranger return to F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre on Nov. 7
From a press release:
It was announced today that multi-platinum rockers Night Ranger, known for ’80s hair metal hits like “Sister Christian,” “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me,” “When You Close Your Eyes,” and “(You Can Still) Rock in America,” will return to the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre on Sunday, Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Doors open at 6 p.m., and the concert starts at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets, which are $39.50, $49.50, and $59.50, plus applicable fees, go on sale this Friday, Aug. 27 at 10 a.m. and will be available at the Sundance Vacations Box Office at the F.M. Kirby Center (71 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre), online at kirbycenter.org and ticketmaster.com, and by phone at 570-826-1100. A Kirby Member pre-sale begins Wednesday, Aug. 25 at 10 a.m.
Scranton classic rock radio station Rock 107 will present this show as they did when Night Ranger performed at the Kirby Center with Loverboy in 2017.
Having sold over 17 million albums worldwide, performed across more than 4000 stages, and captivated a radio audience that exceeds one billion, Night Ranger has both epitomized and transcended the arena rock sound and style well beyond that era. With multiple songs having a significant impact on popular culture, they continue to grow their ever-evolving fan base. The band is proof that powerful songs alongside incredibly talented musicians are the perfect formula for continued success.
Night Ranger – Jack Blades (bass, vocals), Kelly Keagy (drums, vocals), Brad Gillis (lead and rhythm guitars), Eric Levy (keyboards), and Keri Kelli (lead and rhythm guitars) – released their 12th studio album, “ATBPO,” on Aug. 6, a title that stands for “And The Band Played On,” an ode to making music during the COVID era. They began writing the album in early 2020, amid the rise of the global pandemic. After narrowing down the song selection and tightening them up to their well-known rock ‘n’ roll sound, the band hit the studio, although separately, due to the times we are in.
“The process was strange, but the outcome rocks,” Blades said.
“This record was incredibly hard to do, as we could not be in a room together with all the COVID-19 issues that were going on. But sometimes you do your best work when there’s a deadline approaching,” Keagy noted.
Throughout “ATBPO,” Night Ranger continues their hot streak that kicked off with 2011’s “Somewhere in California.” 10 years on and two highly acclaimed albums later, “High Road” and “Don’t Let Up,” the band’s latest studio work shows them still burning with that high-octane hard rock energy. They have always had a knack for killer melodies, intricate instrumentation, and captivating lyrics, so “ATBPO” delivers all of that and more.
“It’s been a crazy but fun task trying to write and finish this new record in a COVID situation. A few zoom video gatherings got us started. With everybody in the band having their own home studios, we were all able to elaborate and add our own textures to each song. As a vintage guitar collector, I was able to add some great classic sounds to rhythm and solos using my 57 Strat and 52 Goldtop!” Gillis added. “I hope everyone enjoys the record!”
Night Ranger has earned widespread recognition that includes both multi-platinum and gold album status, all while leaving their indelible mark on the music industry with a long list of bestselling albums like “Dawn Patrol,” “Midnight Madness,” “7 Wishes,” “Big Life,” and “Man in Motion.” Their popularity is fueled by an impressive number of instantly recognizable hit singles and signature album tracks, including legendary titles such as “Sister Christian,” “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me,” “When You Close Your Eyes,” and the anthemic “(You Can Still) Rock in America,” along with “Sentimental Street,” “Goodbye,” “Sing Me Away,” and “Four in the Morning.”
Over the years, the band’s music has made notable contributions to and been featured in many different areas of global media and pop culture. Night Ranger was one of the first big “video” bands on MTV with over 10 No. 1 hit videos. Their songs can be heard in television shows like “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” “American Dad,” “Glee,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “Parks & Recreation.” The group has also had music featured in video games such as “Rock Band,” “Guitar Hero,” and “Grand Theft Auto,” plus hit Broadway musical “Rock of Ages,” the Oscar-nominated film “Boogie Nights,” and other feature films such as “Friday the 13th,” “Teachers,” “Sixteen Candles,” and “The Secret of My Success.” Most recently, their classic hit “Sister Christian” can be heard in a Dr. Pepper commercial and throughout JBL’s “Hear the Truth” brand campaign.
