Concert Review
John Waite
Batavia Downs
Batavia, NY
Friday July 24, 2026
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto
When asking the old question Isn’t It Time for John Waite to rock the downs? Well it finally was and while it may have taken eight years, John Waite has finally played Batavia Downs. I had always said that this would be a perfect place for Waite to play. Other than a few sound issues Waite pulled off a fantastic set of songs that spanned his whole career including his time with The Baby’s, Bad English and his stellar solo catalog.
Waite was backed by a band that has played alongside of him on and off over the years. Drummer Alan Childs goes back to Waite’s 3rd solo album Mask of Smiles released in 1985. Guitarist Shane Fontayne first played with Waite on his Temple Bar album released in 1995. Bassist Tim Hogan also does double duty as Waite’s tour manager and they have been together a long time.
Right from the start things got going fast with a rendition of the classic Baby’s song “Midnight Rendezvous”. “Change” Waite’s first ever solo single was next quickly followed by “Tears” from No Brakes which was only his third solo song to crack the top-40. After a pair of Bad English songs including the number one smash “When I See You Smile”, Waite sprinkled in solo songs and more Baby’s.
Waite did a great job on “Every Time I Think Of You” and “Isn’t It Time” but it has to be noted that they were missing the trademark female backing vocals that bring the song to life. Waite cracked at one point during the show that they were on a budget.
“Bluebird Cafe” was a lost gem that went over well. Once Waite and Company tore into “Head First” the crowd showed signs of life. His number one smash “Missing You”, the Baby’s best tune “Back On My Feet Again” all sounded awesome. Believe it or not a cover of Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” ending into Buddy Guy’s “Let Me Love You Baby” stole the show as the crowd came alive with Waite’s last song of the night.
I expected the crowd to be a little bigger than it was. I would say all in all a successful show minus the few things I mentioned which were out of the band’s control. Let’s hope Waite returns soon as it always a treat seeing him perform.
Set List
Midnight Rendezvous
Change
Tears
When I See You Smile
Best Of What I Got
Every Time I Think Of You
If You Ever Get Lonely
Isn’t It Time
Act Of Love
In Dreams
Bluebird Cafe
Head First
Missing You
Back On My Feet Again
Whole Lotta Love/Let Me Love You Baby
