Bad Company, celebrating 40 years together as a band, brought their show to Casino Rama last night. I am at best a casual fan of their music, although I have always admired Paul Rodger’s incredible vocal talent.
Seven years ago, when he took to the road with the remaining members of Queen, I watched him take Freddie Mercury’s place as their frontman. The Toronto show at the Air Canada Centre was the only North American sell-out date, and it was undoubtedly challenging for him to step into the shoes of a singer often referred to as the best showman to ever grace a rock and roll stage. I remember watching him that night and thinking how confident and powerful he sounded; he wasn’t Freddie and it wasn’t 1977, but he wasn’t trying to be and that impressed me greatly.
Last night, hearing him perform songs from his own catalogue, I was even more in awe of his vocal prowess. His style was relaxed yet strong, and he evoked a memory of Freddie only in that he initiated and welcomed the audience sing-alongs in much the same warm, inviting manner. The entire band sounded great together, and I enjoyed watching Rodgers at the harmonica, and at the piano and guitar as well.
The Rama stage is simple and the venue is small, two factors that often make for an intimate experience: the light show was pared-down, enhanced by a bit of dry ice during one number and a few basic pyrotechnics at the end. It was a rock show of modest proportions, yet highly enjoyable for its setlist that included all the big hits. I was hoping for the inclusion of ‘Alright Now’ from Rodgers’ days with Free, but could forgive the omission when he closed the show with ‘Seagull’. My only regret, which was by no means minor when you consider that the round-trip to Casino Rama from Toronto is close to four hours long, was that the entire performance lasted just one hour and fifteen minutes. Sweet to the ears, but far too short.