Las Vegas has a new residency, this time it’s one of the iconic rock bands of all time - TESLA. Bringing over 30 years of hits, TESLA is a perfect choice to join the Las Vegas House of Blues residency lineup. The dates on this run are March 17,18, 22, 24 and 25, with a start time of 8:30 each night, and so far the shows have been sell outs. This is a residency that really works, as Tesla draws capacity crowds for the full first run.
The HOB interior setup was the more intimate floor arrangement, with the priority on tables and chairs instead of the usual wide open floor. With a more mature crowd the extra seating was much appreciated, but also comes at a premium upgrade. Shortly after the doors opened the venue quickly filled, and looking up, all three levels of the balcony were full.
The band kicked off the night with “Change in the Weather” followed by the classic “Modern Day Cowboy”, which had the crowd on their feet screaming and singing along. We got the first glimpse at Jeff Keith's unique sounding vocals, and he was killing, and we knew we were in for a great night of Tesla hits. The band launched into another huge hit “The Way It Is”, bringing another roar from the crowd, and as the show continued it was soon time for guitarists Frank Hannon and Dave Rude to showcase their talents on the gritty “Heavens Trail (No Way Out)" which sounded amazing on the huge HOB sound system. Half way through the show the band played its first cover with Aerosmith’s “S.O.S (Too Bad”).
Bassist Brian Wheat spoke up and told the crowd that the night before, they were asked if they used tape during their live shows - "F@ck no, Jeff Keith can still sing his ass off" which got a huge response from the fans.
As we headed down to the last half of the concert the big hits were coming hard and fast, you could feel the crowd's excitement The acoustic guitar was brought out onstage and everyone knew what was next - Tesla played the crowd's favorites as they sang along to “ What You Give” and “Song & Emotion” which the band said was very special to them as the big video screen behind the band showed old photos of the band throughout their career.
Jeff Keith's vocals were spot on and he seemed to be having a great time onstage, still going string right through until the the band closed out their night with two more covers that really helped elevated the band's career. First “Lil Suzie” and then they closed out the night with a cover of the Five Man Electrical Band's song “Signs”. and with that another evening of incredible music came to a close as the band said their good nights to the fans as they shouted for more.
Tesla will be returning for additional residency dates at the House of Blues in the fall, at the moment slated for September 29 & 30, October 4, 6 & 7. Ticket and info HERE.
SETLIST for Tesla March 18th, 2023
Encore:
Tesla Photos : Harold Mountain / JustAFanPhotos