Popular regional 1990s hard rockers Heaven Tonite staged their 30th anniversary reunion during one weekend in February. The weekend consisted of two shows; the Friday half happening at Charlie’s Pub in Dubois, and the Saturday half at Funky Claud’s in Altoona.
What an excellent show! Work duties prevented me from getting there in time to see openers Hairbourne, and I also missed Heaven Tonite’s first set – which I understand featured the group performing Donnie Iris’ “Ah Leah” and Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” as well as tunes from Rush, Queensryche, Kansas, Boston, REO Speedwagon, Heart, Jefferson Starship and others.
But I did get to witness the nightcap set in its entirety…A huge crowd was in the house to witness as Heaven Tonite – lead singer and guitarist Scott Robleski, lead guitarist and singer Matt Day, bassist and singer Steve Leach, keyboardist and singer Gary Bailey, and drummer and singer Jamie McGarvey – delivered high-powered classic and arena rock favorites from the 1970s, 80s and 90s. They sounded mighty, thanks to audio master Jeff Rittenhouse’s skills in dialing in the group’s sound. Heaven Tonite opened the set with the Pink Floyd “The Wall” triple-shot of “Run Like Hell,” “Another Brick in the Wall” and “Comfortably Numb,” and proceeded to do numbers from Ozzy Osbourne, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Prince, the Journey double-shot of “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Separate Ways,” Living Colour’s “Cult of Personality, Led Zeppelin’s “The Ocean” and two more Queen numbers, “Fat Bottomed Girls” and the night-closing “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.” Scott’s voice can still soar to the the high ranges, Matt’s guitar fireworks were incredible, and Heaven Tonite’s instrumental execution was clean and on mark. The Funky Claud’s crowd loved every moment of it, and I think I can safely say that we all eagerly await Heaven Tonite’s next reunion tour!
Below are photos I took of the festivities…Enjoy!
