Concert Review
John Ford Coley
Friday January 20, 2023
Bear’s Den
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
Review & Photos: Joseph Suto
It has been quite a dry spell for concerts here in western New York the past few months. The John Ford Coley show inside the Bear’s Den changed that and kicked off our first show of the new year. Coley played as a complete solo act, a one man band if you will as the only things on stage were him, his keyboard and a guitar.
It was interesting to see Coley play for 90 minutes as in the past I’ve only seen him as an opening act. Coley has been a regular player in the area over the past few years but this one was his first since late 2021.
Hitting the stage with “Gone Too Far” Coley proceeded to mix in some songs such as the parody “No Trash In My Trailer” and a cover of Dan Fogleberg’s “Leader of the Band”. Of course he played a good portion of the greatest hits from England Dan & John Ford Coley. Some of the standouts included the seldom played “It’s Sad To Belong”, “Nights Are Forever Without You” and the highest charting song for the duo “I’d Really Love To See You Tonight”.
It was a fun night out as Coley talked and told some stories about the songs and some of the artists he’s worked with over his long career. Coley does a great job with the catalog of his former partner to help keep the songs alive. Other than your local seventies bands performing some of these tunes at your local pub, this is the only place you can still see these songs performed by one of the originals. Thankfully Coley continues to perform because it gives many a chance to hear these gems and you can tell he still enjoys playing live.
Set List
Gone Too Far
We’ll Never Have To Say Goodbye Again
Long Way Home
Westward Wind
It’s Sad To Belong
No Trash In My Trailer
Leader of The Band
Soldier in the Rain
What’s Forever For
Falling Stars
Nights Are Forever Without You
Just Tell Me You Love Me
I’d Really Love to See You Tonight
Love Is The Answer
