Lou Gramm, the Voice of Foreigner at The Casino at Dania Beach
Packed inside the Stage 954 concert venue at The Casino at Dania Beach on Saturday night, Lou Gramm delivered every one of Foreigner’s greatest hits.
On a warm summer-like Saturday night in Dania Beach, Florida, legendary rocker Lou Gramm and John Payne of Asia brought added heat to South Florida as they delivered a heavy dose of classic rock from both Foreigner and Asia with a tsunami of great hits.
Lou Gramm, who recently left solo touring, has joined John Payne on a limited-date tour that runs through November. As the lead vocalist of Foreigner, who as a band had their greatest success from the mid to late ’70s until the early ’80s, Gramm delivered what everyone came for: a night of number-one hits by one of the greatest voices in the history of rock and roll.
The capacity crowd filled every seat at the impressive Stage 954 concert hall inside The Casino at Dania Beach. This intimate venue features an impressive stage with great sight lines from every spot in the house. Equally important were the acoustics at Stage 954 and super lighting that made these rock gods shine even brighter.
Setting the stage for a heavy dose of rock music was opener John Payne of Asia, who had been Asia’s frontman for 15 years before several lineup changes that led to Payne creating his own band, “Asia Featuring John Payne.”
The night kicked off with “Go,” followed by “Only Time will Tell.” Payne and his band played a grand set with guitar licks from longtime bandmate Jeff Kollman. The band ripped through several more songs and wrapped up their set with fan favorites “Who Will Stop the Rain” and “Heat of the Moment.”
With the band holding their positions on stage, the lights got bright as Payne welcomed Lou Gramm on stage to a standing reception by fans of this legendary singer-songwriter. It was clear from the reaction of the crowd that this is a man who is not only loved, worshiped and honored but has also left his mark as being one of the nicest gentleman to grace the stage. It’s without wonder that he continues to sell out every show as he slowly wraps up his storied career.
Payne was on bass, and the band served as the supporting band for Gramm, who until recently had his own band before announcing the official end to touring with them.
Gramm got the night going with “Feels Like The First Time,” “Cold as Ice,” and “Double Vision” before taking a moment to thank those who came to see him perform. Now in full form, Gramm continued to deliver such hits as “I Want to Know What Love Is,” followed by mega-hit and the only non-Foreigner song of the night, “Midnight Blue.” As the first chords to well-known “Urgent” came through the amps, the crowd stood at full attention and sang along with Gramm. Up next was “Jukebox Hero” that was equally satisfying.
After his last song, the lights came up; Gramm waved and smiled to those who had just been a part of something truly special, for many did not realize that they were part of the final curtain call from a man who without a doubt had given them his very best.
Everyone stood clapped and whistled respectfully, showing not only their appreciation for his performance; they indeed wanted more. The band returned, which meant a few more songs that the crowd could indulge in a bit longer.
The encore songs were no surprise as Gramm and company ripped through heavy hits “Hot Blooded” and “Dirty White Boy.”
As the night came to an end, the buzz could be felt for quite a while after leaving the venue. It was a truly special night that brought out the best of everyone on stage. Although unrealistic to hope otherwise and certainly understandable, Gramm will hang up his microphone soon; if you get a chance to see him live, rest assured this man will give you his best possible effort with a voice that continues to delight.