Survivor opened the gig with "Reach" and then launched in "Burning Heart," probably due to the lack of response to the title track of the new CD.
Next up was a track that shocked me to hear, but it's a great track, "Take You on a Saturday." It sounded somewhat different and, to be honest, from the start they were really struggling with the sound system, Chris Grove especially with the keys.
Robin McAuley, who jumped into the lead singer spot when Jimi Jamison departed last month, did a little introduction before Frankie Sullivan did a little messing around as they ripped through, "Rhythm of the City." Then Robin approached the crowd with, "How are you doing folks? I'm sure many of you have been following Survivor through the years and are thinking, who the heck is that guy singing? Well let me tell you all, I don't know you guys either!" I don't think the crowd knew quite how to take that one!
"Poor Man’s Son" next, great stuff for me and the crowd was starting to get behind them a little. "High on You" was next with Robin showing a little struggle on some high notes. "Burning Bridges" and "She's A Star" from Too Hot To Sleep came next.
A little keys spot for Chris next, which then cued up Robin to join Chris for "The Search Is Over" before the rest of the band joined in. A new one next, "Fire Makes Steel," seemed to slot in pretty well before Frankie took a little solo spot. Then we had "I Can't Hold Back" and set closer, the one Moms and Dads had told their kids about, "Eye of the Tiger."
The set ended after an hour and 20 minutes, so would they come back out again? One more time, for "Caught in the Game," which suited me fine. My wife wasn't familiar with it, but I loved it!
Either there were points during the set where Robin's mic cut out or he wasn't sure on some of the lyrics. Otherwise I think he did well considering, I suspect, that the stage monitors were not up to par for any of the band!
It was good to see Survivor back in Detroit for the first time since they played here with Night Ranger in 2001!
