Rodgers shared the roster with Deborah Bonham, who played a superb opening acoustic set, as well as such Rock and Roll Hall of Famers as Ann Wilson of Heart and Jeff Beck. Fortunately, for Rodgers, the heavy rainfall calmed down during his set.
He went on to take his fans on a trip down memory lane to 1972 with the Free tune “Little Bit of Love,” where he instantly lured in the fans from the first verse.
Rodgers alternated back and forth with his hits from Free and Bad Company throughout the night. He continued with “Can’t Get Enough,” as well as the fan favorite “Wishing Well.” The British rocker was spot on and sounded incredible the entire show.
There was a feeling of nostalgia in the venue when he sang such Bad Company classics as “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “Movin’ On,” as well as his dynamic interpretation of Bad Company’s “Ready for Love,” which was sheer perfection. The inclusion of “The Stealer,” “Mr. Big” and “Woman” from his days in Free was an added bonus.
After the vivacious “Fire and Water,” Rodgers closed his set with “Shooting Star” and the infectious “Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy,” where everybody was singing along.
For his encore, Rodgers returned to the stage for two Free classics “Walk in My Shadow,” as well as “All Right Now,” both of which garnered a tremendous response from the Long Island audience.
The Verdict
Overall, while the “Stars Align” Tour was filled with talent (Ann Wilson, Deborah Bonham and Jeff Beck), Paul Rodgers was the musical act that stole the show for the night and was perhaps the most charismatic live performer. Rodgers’ stage presence was simply impeccable, and the same holds true for his vocal range and personality. Rodgers is worth seeing in concert whenever he performs in town, and he proved that he rightfully belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Rogers’ set at Jones Beach garnered an A rating.
To learn more about British rock singer-songwriter Paul Rodgers and his touring schedule, check out his official homepage.
Read More: Paul Rodgers chatted with Digital Journal about his Free Spirit album, and the “Stars Align” Tour.
