I’ve never seen Tesla before.  It’s kind of an odd statement, I know.  But having seen several hundred shows, it’s one of those things a person in the business should’ve already done.   

On the most recent Scorpions tour, Tesla finds themselves in the enviable position of opening act.  Most would consider that an opportunity to shine and shine they did. 

Tesla played most of their first album mixed with gems from throughout their long career.  More importantly, Tesla played like they still cared about their music.  I know that seems like a strange statement upon first view, but you have to consider my perspective-- there are a number of bands on the road today that are touring on legacy and many are tired of playing the former hits and long for the days when their music was still relevant.  Tesla is the rarity having found a way around that.  Jeff Kieth remains in good voice, the band is still recording new albums and new songs continue to sneak into their set list.  As the band left the stage they announced that a new album is on the horizon.  Expect the release sometime in 2011. 

After a half-hour intermission it was time for the Scorpions. 

They're a “hair band” you say?  Nothing more than stupid guitar tricks?  OK, guilty as charged, but what’s wrong with that?  The Scorpions, who are out on tour in support of their latest album, “Sting of the Tail,” invaded the Dodge Theater on July 27th and ripped their way through a set that was admittedly older than most of you reading this review, and yet still seemed fresh and vibrant.  The boys still can play!

The show opened with the title track from their most recent album and quickly plunged headlong into a list of the band's biggest hits.  "Bad Boys Running Wild" and "The Zoo" eventually lead back to the new album and the ballad, "The Best Is Yet To Come," during which vocalist Klaus Meine took particular satisfaction leading the forever-standing crowd in a sing along of the chorus.  “Winds of Change” and “Holiday” were another pair of ballads that seemed to touch the audience. 

Solos you ask?  Sure, why not.  The band would have to turn in their “hair band” union cards if they didn’t indulge!  Perhaps the most over-the-top solo belonged to drummer James Kottak.  Backed by a tongue-in-cheek video that lampooned most of the Scorpions' albums, Kottak proved to be a pretty solid drummer. 

The Scorpions only played 90 minutes with a single encore-- a subtle disappointment to their many fans.  But I’m willing to cut the guys some slack because several members of the band are in their 60s. 

The Scorpions have announced that this will be their farewell tour-- expecting it to linger into 2012.  I don’t know if they will return to the states after this current leg of the tour, so I suggest you see them now.  All in all it was a great show! 

Set list:
"Sting In The Tail"
"Make It Real"
"Bad Boys Running Wild"
"The Zoo"
"Coast To Coast"
"Loving You Sunday Morning"
"The Best Is Yet To Come"
"Wind Of Change"
"Holiday"
"Raised On Rock"
"Tease Me Please Me"
"Dynamite"
"Kottak Attack"
"Blackout"
"Six String Sting"
"Big City Nights"

Encore:
"Arizona"
"No One Like You"
"Rock You Like A Hurricane"