John Waite has been out on the road opening up for Foreigner and Styx on the Renegades and Juke Box Heroes Tour. It’s been an amazing tour and why wouldn’t it be? Three acts with well over 100 combined years of music experience between them, millions of albums sold, dozens of Top 40 hits and more than enough touring stories to write several books. So yeah, it’s understandable why this tour has been such a hit. The bands made a stop in Raleigh, North Carolina on August 21, 2024 at the Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek. Even though John went on early in the opening spot, there was already a huge crowd there. He opened up with “Midnight Rendezvous,” a song from his early days with The Babys. He followed it up with “Change” from his debut solo album Ignition. He even included the hit “When I See You Smile” from the super group Bad English which of course included Waite as well as Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain of Journey in their more amicable days. There were more songs from his days with The Babys including “Back On My Feet Again” and “Every Time I Think Of You.” Yes, of course he played his huge #1 hit from the 80’s “Missing You.” Waite was in Raleigh, NC in 2022 with an acoustic set, so it was great to hear him plugged in and rockin’ this time. His voice still sounds absolutely amazing and may I add that he’s one of the sharpest dressed rockers that I’ve ever seen grace a stage in quite some time.

Review and pix by I’m Music Magazine Owner/Editor Johnny Price