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		18/07/08 - N-TELOS WIRELESS PAVILLION, PORTSMOUTH, VA Review by Steven Stanley: So, the first show of 4 that would take myself, Karl and Jack right down the East Coast of the USA. Joining us for the first 3 shows was also Darren and his wife Bev... and of course we wasted no time in meeting up with them once we arrived in Portsmouth. The show tonight was a double header with Foreigner... as it turned out all 3 double header shows with Foreigner we saw, Bryan closed each show which was a bonus. Portsmouth itself seemed to be a big naval base much like it's namesake here in England, although across the pond it seems far more quaint and pretty with a beautiful marina where the hotels and amphitheatre was. Our hotel was quite amusing but you can view the 'America 2008' documentary for all the funny goings on during the trip! (Above) Foreigner come onstage and kick some 80's ass Anyhow... the show was about to start with Foreigner so myself and Jack went outside to get drinks and food. Foreigner came on while we were in the queue and we thought they sounded pretty damn good. Once inside we rocked out to the mother of all 80's sing-a-longs. They were shit hot. Their new lead singer Kelly Hansen (for 5 years or more now) really is very good indeed and you would have never guessed he hasn't been playing with the band from the start. The drummer was Jason Bonham son of Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham. Jason was the drummer for Led Zep at their recent reunion gig at London's O2 Arena... so in the space of a month myself, Karl and Jack have seen 3/4 of the current Led Zep lineup in concert after previously seeing Jimmy Paige and John Paul Jones at the Foo's gig at Wembley last month. Rock pedigree aside though Jason is a great drummer and does an amazing intro to 'Jukebox Hero'... which seagues into 'A Whote Lotta Love' near the end... a 10 minute epic live rock song. Bassist Jeff Pilson was an absolute legend... unshamefully pulling every rock pose he could think of and just f&%$ing going for it. He actually played with Dio once upon a time too. Likewise Foreigner founder (and only original member of the band left) treated us to a great rock epic called 'Star Rider' which a guitar solo straight out of the Richie Sambora handbook. He's actually from Portsmouth in England too... which he mentioned to the crowd. Like Jack and Karl, I feared the worst of Foreigner because their backcatalogue of 'hits' is dreadful... but live, they just come to life in ways you cannot begin to imagine. It's full on 80's cheese and great fun, but to be honest at times they really rock out too... their next live studio album should be great if it's anything like their live act. During 'Cold As Ice' Kelly ran straight through the crowd to the back of the amphitheatre and rocked out IN the crowd... he really knew how to work the crowd. We quickly learnt all the songs as well and monster sing-a-longs were had during 'I Want To Know What Love Is', 'Hot Blooded', 'Urgent' and many many more. Kelly Hansen said at the start of the show he wanted to give us a sweaty rock gig... and he delivered. Great stuff. As for Bryan the security guard on our side wouldn't let us come down to the front despite Bryan persistantly urging us to come down. He really was just a huge fat guy with not a clue what he was doing. Even when he boss said it was ok he wouldn't let us. Basically he was on a powertrip. Finally during '69 Bryan kept kicking him in the head until he moved. Such a triumphant moment between Bryan and the fans and I think it's the first time we have sang our hearts out to 'Everything I Do' in 10 years or more. From then on we all had front row spots. Bryan was good but the show was nothing we hadn't seen before... apart from the big '11' backdrop & the full moon. The Portsmouth show will be remembered for what a great surprise Foreigner were & the security battle. (Below) The new '11' backdrop which was sparkling silver and red It was great to meet all the fans in and around the venue, particularly all the police officers off duty in there having a great time. Some really nice people in there all having a great time on an awesome summer evening. Afterwards we went back to the docks and drank at the bar until the early hours. An early morning drive to Charlotte awaited... Setlist: There Will Never Be Another Tonight Somebody This Time Can't Stop This Thing We Started Let's Make A Night To Remember Back To You Summer Of '69 Everything I Do Cuts Like A Knife When You're Gone (with Carrie) I Thought I'd Seen Everything Heaven The Only Thing That Looks Good On Me Is You Run To You Straight From The Heart All For Love

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