Posted by The worst thing about the ’80s—at least in my opinion—was some of the music. I was never a fan of what I lovingly (or not so lovingly) called Euro-pop fluff. But ironically, the best thing about the ’80s was also the music. That was the decade I picked up a guitar and started chasing the sounds of my heroes like Ace Frehley and Jimmy Page.
I dove headfirst into the Neo-Classical and technical guitar movement, inspired by players like Yngwie Malmsteen, Vinnie Moore, Eric Johnson, and Joe Satriani. And yes, I proudly embraced the Hair Band era too—blasting Great White, Bon Jovi, Krokus, Scorpions, and of course, Cinderella.
On Tuesday, June 27, 2023, Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts hosted a triple bill featuring Tom Keifer, Winger, and John Corabi.
Corabi—affectionately nicknamed “Crabby” by friends—is best known for replacing Vince Neil in Mötley Crüe following the Dr. Feelgood era. I’ll admit, by that point I was a bit “Crüe’d out” and didn’t initially give his tenure much attention. In hindsight, that may have been a mistake. The band’s self-titled album Mötley Crüe—featuring “Hooligan’s Holiday”—stands as one of their strongest releases, and Corabi’s contribution deserves far more recognition.
After Corabi warmed up the still-settling crowd, Winger stormed the stage with undeniable energy. For a moment, it felt like the audience had come specifically for them. They delivered hit after hit from their ’80s catalog, mixed with standout tracks from their latest release, 7. It was a thrill to see Reb Beach back in action, joined by Howie Simon filling in on guitar, and Paul Taylor on additional guitar and keys. Behind the kit sat drumming legend Rod Morgenstein, known for his work with Dixie Dregs.
At one point, a security guard jokingly warned me to be prepared in case the crowd rushed the stage. Thankfully, my fellow Long Islanders are passionate but civilized fans—I survived without being trampled when Keifer finally took the spotlight.
While Winger had clearly ignited the room, any doubts about who the crowd came to see vanished once Keifer hit the stage. He commanded it effortlessly, serenading fans with classics like “Heartbreak Station,” “Coming Home,” and “Nobody’s Fool,” before closing a stellar set with “Gypsy Road.”
Keifer, Winger, and Corabi represent the powerhouse spirit of ’80s and early ’90s hard rock. The night wasn’t just a concert—it was a reminder of a time when the music felt raw, real, and larger than life. And for a few hours in Patchogue, that era came roaring back.
Check out a few highlights from all of their performances at Patchogue Theatre for the performing arts.
Keifer Set List
Life Was Here
Hot & Bothered
Heartbreak Station
The Death of Me
Bad Seamstress Blues
Coming Home
Nobody’s Fool
Solid Ground
Night Songs
Somebody Save Me
The Last Mile
Shake Me
Shelter Me
ENCORE
Don’t Know What You Got (Til Its Gone)
With A Little Help From My Friends
Gypsy Road
Long Island Sounds 