I always enjoy seeing and spending time with John Waite. He’s an incredible musician I’m happy to call a friend. Last night, at Penn’s Peak in Jim Thorpe, PA, he gave an electric performance that mixed hits and deep cuts from his time with The Babys, Bad English, and his solo career. I made new friends before the show and hung out with John and the band afterward. Below are videos, highlights, stories, and photos from this memorable evening.
This was my second time at Penn’s Peak. I came here last year to see John, but I never went outside onto the deck to see the amazing view. This time, I noticed it, and what a view it is. It was a beautiful summer night, so I had to get a photo with the vast view behind me, and I’m glad I did.
Before the show began, I made two new friends: Nancy and Joy. This was Joy’s first John Waite concert, and like me, Joy had been to many before. We bonded over music, among other topics, and got to know one another before Jeffrey Gaines started to perform. I always enjoy meeting new friends and seeing old ones when attending concerts. It’s part of the fun. When John threw guitar picks out into the crowd later in the show, I picked up two and gave one to Nancy and one to Joy. Immediately after doing so, a blond woman to my left said, “Did you get a guitar pick?” I said, “I got two but gave them away.” She responded, “Here you go,” and handed me one to keep for myself. Talk about a case of instant positive karma.
After the show, I told Jeffrey Gaines how terrific he was. I saw him open for John last year at Penn’s Peak, and it was my introduction to him and his music. Jeffrey has a fantastic voice, and I told him as much. He thanked me, and we took a photo together.
John performed for 90 minutes, hitting the stage at 9:00 p.m. It was hit after hit, crunchy guitar, thunderous drums, flawless vocals, and heartfelt lyrics. A John Waite concert is a tsunami of emotions that wash over the crowd, lifting them to their feet by the time the final song is sung. It’s a much-needed respite from the exhausting world outside and a reminder that music can bring us together, even when it feels like we’re so divided. John’s music has that power, and he’s one of the best to do it.
After the concert ended, I was lucky enough to be John’s guest backstage. For approximately 45 minutes, it was just us hanging around a kitchen table in the dressing room, talking about life, music, religion, politics, and more. I showed him a photo of my son, and he said, “I can see that he gets his looks from his Dad.” I said, “I think he’s significantly more attractive than I am, but I’ll take the compliment.”
John and I talked about his new album, Troubadour, that’s coming soon. He told me how proud he is of the record, and how he feels that it’s one of the best he’s ever done. We agreed to do an interview when the new album comes out. I told him that I recently saw Barry Manilow twice and that his new album, What A Time, is one of his best. I told John that, like Barry, I appreciate that he’s not afraid to explore different genres of music, both live and in the studio. We agreed that it’s more interesting for artists and fans when a musician grows and evolves, rather than trying to recreate a new version of an old hit.
We spoke about our mutual love for Sammy Hagar and Rod Stewart. John and I agreed that both are exceptional men and musicians, with limitless talent. We talked about how Rod helped create the hard rock music genre with Jeff Beck, and how Sammy has a heart of gold and a never-ending love for music.
I talked to John about my recent foray into Buddhism, and how there’s a lot to be learned from Buddhist philosophy. We spoke of other religions and how they are enmeshed in modern politics and culture. Naturally, this led to our thoughts on the state of the world, literature, and more.
I discovered that both John and I have the same favorite superhero: Batman. That was a delightful surprise. Not only does the man have good taste in music, but he has good taste in superheroes.
John offered me a can of Coca-Cola at one point, which I gladly accepted. I shared with him how I’m heading into the third year of my sociology PhD program at Temple University. I mentioned the universities where I’m working and the classes I’m teaching (and have taught), and John’s face lit up as I talked about it. He seemed to admire and be proud of what I’ve done and am currently doing. I told him, “I see teaching as a performance.” He agreed and said, “If I weren’t a musician, I’d be a teacher.”
We talked much more, and we had many laughs. All of us left the building at the same time. I bid John and the band farewell and headed to my car. I knew this was going to be a fun night, but it far exceeded my expectations because of the new friends I made, the remarkable musical performances, and John’s boundless hospitality and generosity. I continue to be amazed by his creativity, positivity, youthfulness (the man is 74 but looks incredible for any age), and friendship.
If you have the chance to see John live, do it. He never disappoints, and the atmosphere he creates feeds the soul. John’s music continues to inspire and electrify, and I look forward to what he has in store for us next.
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