In 1982, Night Ranger guitarist Brad Gillis replaced the late Randy Rhoads in Ozzy Osbourne's band, going on the Diaray Of A Madman tour and recording the Speak Of The Devil live album. Guesting on Episode 19 of the That Rocks! podcast, her reflected on joining Ozzy, and Night Ranger achieving major success at the same time.
Gillis: "It was a beautiful period in my life, because playing with Ozzy was a wonderful thing. It was very scary, a lot of drama. Just the tragic death of Randy Rhoads, me stepping into that… it was freaking heavy, man. And to be able to get back with my boys in Night Ranger and release Dawn Patrol and come out with 'Don't Tell Me You Love Me', and then what do we do? We went out opening for KISS! So, that wasn't bad, either."
Night Ranger have released a brand-new live album, titled 40 Years And A Night With Contemporary Youth Orchestra. The live album and live performance footage is available on CD, Vinyl (including limited editions), DVD, Blu-ray, and digitally across all streaming platforms worldwide. This release comes as they approach the anniversary of date it was recorded just one year ago in Cleveland on November 9, 2022.
“It was a dream come true to have Night Ranger music accompanied by an entire symphonic band… including our own! Although now, we’re spoiled, and we want to carry the orchestra with us everywhere we go!!” - Jack Blades
“Playing the show with the Cleveland CYO and being able to record It was an incredible and unique experience. To have younger musicians not only embrace but enjoy playing our music was a new high for us as a band. You could see all the hard work they put into rehearsals, and finally getting to perform it live was an incredible new benchmark in our career.” - Kelly Keagy
“I can check this one off my bucket list. Having the CYO backing us for this show was just amazing and it really took Night Ranger to another level. Looking forward to its release and sharing with the world!” — Brad Gillis
40 Years And A Night With Contemporary Youth Orchestra tracklisting:
Intro
"(You Can Still) Rock In America"
"Four In The Morning"
"Sing Me Away"
"Call My Name"
"Sentimental Street"
"High Road"
"Night Ranger"
"Goodbye"
"When You Close Your Eyes"
"Don't Tell Me You Love Me"
"Sister Christian"
"High Enough" (Bonus Track – Japan)
"Sister Christian" video:
"(You Can Still) Rock In America" video:
This one-of-a-kind, one night only Night Ranger performance with Cleveland’s own Contemporary Youth Orchestra was at the Key Bank State Theatre in Cleveland, OH on November 9, 2022. The Contemporary Youth Orchestra (CYO) is made up of 80+ musicians aged 12 to 18, representing more than 40 schools in Ohio. It fosters students’ technical ability and creative growth in both an inspiring and supportive community. The students performed alongside Night Ranger throughout their entire set and these unique renditions of their greatest hits was also their first time ever performing with a symphonic orchestra live. All of this is what made this a truly once in a lifetime Night Ranger concert event.
Contemporary Youth Orchestra was founded in 1995 and its mission is to change lives through the study and performance of new and contemporary music and introduce students to opportunities in the creative arts industries. The CYO vision is to create experiences that foster imagination, develop independent thinkers, and inspire confidence through music. Contemporary Youth Orchestra includes advanced ensembles that focus on the study and performance of orchestral works by living composers. In residence at Cuyahoga Community College (Metro Campus), CYO has grown to include a full orchestra, wind, string, and percussion ensembles. CYO inspires and nurtures young musicians as they are challenged to explore creativity, enhance their work ethic, and increase their capacity to function as a team. CYO musicians bring the energy of youth and the quality of professional playing to the concert stage. CYO has previously collaborated with Jefferson Starship, Styx, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, and Kenny Loggins (among others) for orchestral concerts featuring the artists’ work.
Night Ranger continue to tour around the world in celebration of their 40th Anniversary. See Night Ranger on the road for the remainder of 2023. Click here for full list of dates.
Night Ranger are:
Jack Blades - Vocals, Bass
Kelly Keagy - Vocals, Drums
Brad Gillis - Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Eric Levy - Keyboards
Keri Kelli - Lead & Rhythm Guitars
