PHOTOS: CHRIS LOOMIS | On a chilly April evening at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, a sense of nostalgia enveloped the sold-out crowd as they gathered to witness a rock revival led by the Tom Keifer Band and opening act Michael Olivieri. The clamor and excitement in the legendary venue were palpable from the first riff to the last echo of the encore. It was a night filled with energy, excitement, and most importantly kick ass rock and roll by one of the best bluesman to ever pick up a 6-string.
Opening the night, Michael Olivieri, best known as the founding member of the band Leatherwolf, took the stage with a notably unplugged ambiance accompanied by KK Martin on second guitar. Over a 40-minute set, Olivieri revisited the roots of rock, churning out vocals that intertwined seamlessly with the duo’s acoustic guitar harmonies. The audience, a mix of rock purists and casual fans, responded with zeal to the stripped-down renditions of classics, setting the stage for an evening where the timeless allure of rock took center stage.
Following suit, the Tom Keifer Band exploded into their 90-minute performance, boasting an impressive 16-song set that saw the band dazzling a now full house. The band, led by the resounding voice of former Cinderella frontman Tom Keifer, showed impeccable on-stage chemistry. Anchored by the formidable performances by Savannah Keifer, Tony Higbee, Billy Mercer, Jarred Pope, Kory Myers, and Tanya Davis, the group demonstrated that the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll is still alive and thriving in South Orange County.
Tom Keifer’s grasp over the audience throughout the evening was unyielding. Not just content to command the stage, Keifer ventured out into the crowd—twice—melding barrier and performer. His earnest declaration that The Coach House “rocks harder than most GA venues” found favor among devoted followers, cementing a bond well beyond the music.
Tom Keifer showcased an unwavering commitment to performance throughout the night. The Cinderella songs especially rang true to form, sounding as fresh and stirring as they did decades ago. My favorites included “Heartbreak Station,” “Nobody’s Fool,” and of course “Shake Me.” These songs are a testament to the enduring quality of the music and the reverence with which Keifer and his band approach their craft.
The final stretch saw the crowd rise, footloose and heartened as the band delivered an encore that won’t soon be forgotten. The band gave their all—sweat-soaked and energized, they brought down the house with the vigor and might of their vintage years. A riveting highlight was the soul-stirring duet by Tom and Savannah performing “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)” with Tom on keys. The melodic synthesis of their voices wrapped around the hearts of everyone present. Wow.
But it was the Kiefer’s heartfelt rendition of The Beatles’ classic “With a Little Help from My Friends” during the encore that proved to be the pinnacle of the evening for many. Tom poured everything into the performance, turning it into a soulful explosion that reverberated long after the song’s final note. The final song of the evening was “Gypsy Road” (one of my all-time favorites). It highlighted why Tom Kiefer is still, after 40+ years, one of the greatest and most unique rock vocalists of our generation.
The night at The Coach House was a reaffirmation of rock’s relentless pacesetter—the unifying chant of electric chords and gritty vocals. Michael Olivieri and Tom Keifer Band didn’t just play music—they celebrated a legacy, breathing life into the embers of classic rock. It was more than a concert; it was rock ‘n’ roll homage—an evening etched in the annals of The Coach House’s storied existence, echoing the sentiment that some harmonies are truly timeless. Catch this tour if you can, it’s definitely one for the ages and a show you don’t want to miss.
MICHAEL OLIVIERI
