May 5, 2026 – Starland Ballroom, Sayreville NJ
Review & Photography by Estelle Massry
Walking into Starland Ballroom to photograph Tom Keifer Band felt surreal. Growing up, I had Cinderella posters hanging on my bedroom walls, and like so many fans of that era, his voice became the soundtrack to a generation of rock and roll. Fast forward years later, standing in the photo pit with a camera in my hands instead of a concert ticket, it was one of those full-circle moments that truly hits you.
Hitting the stage first was John Corabi & Friends who delivered a high-energy set packed with raw rock and roll attitude. Corabi, best known for his time with Mötley Crüe & The Dead Daisies brought his signature gritty vocals and larger-than-life personality to the room, instantly connecting with the crowd. The chemistry on stage was undeniable, fueled by an all-star lineup featuring Jeremy Asbrock (Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons), Troy Luccketta (Tesla), Paul Taylor (Winger) & Michael Devin (Whitesnake, The Dead Daisies). The band sounded tight, loud, and full of classic rock swagger, reminding everyone why these musicians have stood the test of time. There was a real sense of camaraderie throughout the performance, with each member clearly feeding off one another’s energy while the crowd responded with nonstop enthusiasm.
The second Keifer stepped onto the stage dressed in all black with a long coat and knee high platform boots, the energy in the room completely shifted. His stage presence is still magnetic – gritty, intense, and effortlessly commanding. And then there’s that signature raspy voice. Time may pass, but that unmistakable sound still cuts through the room with the same raw emotion and bluesy edge that made songs like “Nobody’s Fool” and “Gypsy Road” legendary in the first place. It wasn’t just nostalgia carrying the night either, he genuinely still delivers.
There were a few sound issues throughout the night, most noticeably during “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone),” but Keifer handled it like the seasoned professional he is. He powered through the technical hiccups without missing a beat and even kept the crowd laughing by joking about it during the show. If anything, it made the performance feel even more real and reminded everyone why live music is unpredictable in the best way.
The setlist was the perfect mix of Cinderella classics and newer material, giving longtime fans exactly what they came for while still keeping the show feeling fresh. The crowd sang every word back to him, especially during songs like “Nobody’s Fool,” “Gypsy Road” & “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)” turning Starland Ballroom into one massive singalong filled with pure nostalgia. The band surrounding him was equally incredible, bringing power and precision to every song while feeding off the crowd’s energy all night long. There was a chemistry on stage that made the performance feel authentic and alive rather than simply recreating old hits.
For longtime Cinderella fans, this show was more than a concert, it was a reminder of why that music still connects decades later. Capturing these moments through my lens was something I never could have imagined back when those posters were hanging on my wall. Some nights stay with you long after the lights come up, and this was absolutely one of them.
For more info please visit: http://www.tomkeiferband.com
Setlist
- Night Songs
- All Amped Up
- Heartbreak Station
- Bad Seamstress Blues/Fallin’ Apart at the Seams
- The Death of Me
- Coming Home
- Nobody’s Fool
- Solid Ground
- The More Things Change
- Somebody Save Me
- The Last Mile
- Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)
- Shake Me
- Shelter Me
- Tumbling Dice (ENCORE)
- Gypsy Road (ENCORE)