Concert Review
Starship
Featuring Mickey Thomas
Avalon Theatre
Fallsview Casino
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Saturday October 12, 2019
Review/Photos:Joseph Suto
There are not too many bands that have gone through changes the way Jefferson Airplane/Jefferson Starhip or Starship has. Despite name changes, numerous personnel changes, lawsuits and many other hurdles the band has survived and thrived. These days the Mickey Thomas led band Starship still continues to tour and put on amazing performances.Those on hand for the sold out show at the Fallsview Casino Saturday evening were treated to a plethora of hits not only from Starship but all incarnations of the band.
Opening with what has become the standard “Layin’ It On the Line” followed promptly by “Jane” helped set the tone for the evening. “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” showed the compatibility of Thomas and female vocalist Stephanie Calvert as the crowd sang along.
The fans got a rare treat in the form of “It’s Not Over (‘Til It’s Over)” Although the song cracked the top 10 in 1987, the band very seldom performs it. The other highlight of the night was a medley which featured songs from the bands roots as Thomas described it. It began with Calvert’s stunning rendition of the Airplane classic “White Rabbit”. From there Thomas took over for a pair of Jefferson Starship top-ten smashes in “Miracles” and “Count On Me”, before Calvert brought it to a close with “Somebody To Love”.
The band sounded tight as guitarist Roth stood out especially on “Stranger” and “Find Your Way Back”. Each band member had their chance in the spotlight during the performance. Drummer Darrell Verdusco and keyboardist Phil Bennett have been on board since 1995. Bassist Jeff Adams has been with Thomas since 2000 with Roth coming aboard in 2012. The longevity of the band showed why they have continuity and explains why they sounded so good.
While a good band is needed to perform at the level at which Starship did Saturday night, it must be said it all starts with vocalist Thomas. Thomas who will turn 70 in December, is one of those guys that may sound better now than he ever has. It’s hard to believe how powerful his voice as well as versatile. Anyone attending this show who were not fans at the start were left being won over no doubt. Hopefully Thomas can continue to tour for many more years to come as his tank seems far from empty.
Set List
Layin’ It on the Line
Jane
Sara
Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now
It’s Not Over (Til It’s Over)
Set the Night to Music
White Rabbit / Miracles / Count On Me / Somebody to Love (Medley)
Fooled Around and Fell in Love (Elvin Bishop Cover)
Stranger
We Built This City
Encore
Find Your Way Back
Rock Music
