Fresh from their shows in Europe, Winger, who for years have been a mainstay at the popular Jergel’s Rhythm Grille, just outside of Pittsburgh, returned on Monday night in front of a full house performing a blistering 75 minute set.
Winger
Jergel’s Rhythm Grille, Warrendale – 22 July 2024
Words: Jim Balentine
Photography: Jim Balentine / Donna Balentine
Winger, who began in 1987, have always been a huge draw at Jergel’s, and on Monday night, with all original members, including hometown native Reb Beach of O’Hara township just six miles northeast of downtown Pittsburgh, delivered a superb 13-song set.
The set, which included solos from Reb, drummer Rod Morgenstein, easily pleased the more than 600 people watching, with keyboard/guitar player Paul Taylor and guitarist Howie Simon also shining.
When it comes to bands from the ’80s, most of them seem to ignore any current songs, and few have released any new albums. However, this is not Winger’s style as they have released two studio albums in the past 10 years, including last year’s aptly titled Seven, with the band, playing heavier and heavier with each album release.
Having seen Winger many times including their first stop in Pittsburgh in 1989 and opening for KISS in 1990 in Erie Pa this was a highly anticipated evening up close and personal.
Winger kicked off the evening with Stick In The Knife And Twist from Seven. Then they drove straight into classic mode with Seventeen, Can’t Get Enuff, and this writer’s favourite, Down Incognito.
The latest single, Proud Desperado, had the crowd’s fists punching the air.
It wouldn’t be a Winger concert without massive hits such as Hungry, Miles Away, Rainbow In The Rose, Headed For A Heartbreak, and Easy Come Easy Go. These tunes brought a lot of us music veterans back to the glory days of hard rock.
The grinding Time To Surrender proved just how heavy Winger can rock. They would end the evening with their classic first-ever single, Madeline, and it sounded just as good as it did when it was released back in 1988.
Tonight, Winger were fully energetic. Throughout the set, they interacted with the crowd many times. With no barricade in between, it felt like a huge party in somebody’s house.
Winger are touring cross-country and playing as well as ever. Do not miss out if they come to your city.
