NIGHT RANGER / The Spirit of America (Carries On) THE GREATEST ROCK FUKUOKA 2026 (2CDR+1DVDR)

◆Mizuho PayPay Dome, Fukuoka, Japan – August 29, 2026
CD 1
01. Intro
02. This Boy Needs to Rock
03. Four in the Morning
04. Sing Me Away
05. Touch of Madness
06. Coming of Age (Damn Yankees cover)
07. Sentimental Street
08. Eddie's Comin' Out Tonight
09. The Secret of My Success

CD 2
01. Crazy Train (Ozzy Osbourne cover)
02. Night Ranger
03. High Enough (Damn Yankees cover)
04. Goodbye
05. When You Close Your Eyes
06. Sister Christian
07. Don't Tell Me You Love Me
08. (You Can Still) Rock in America

DVD
01. Intro
02. This Boy Needs to Rock
03. Four in the Morning
04. Sing Me Away
05. Touch of Madness
06. Coming of Age (Damn Yankees cover)
07. Sentimental Street
08. Eddie's Comin' Out Tonight
09. The Secret of My Success
10. Crazy Train (Ozzy Osbourne cover)
11. Night Ranger
12. High Enough (Damn Yankees cover)
13. Goodbye
14. When You Close Your Eyes
15. Sister Christian
16. Don't Tell Me You Love Me
17. (You Can Still) Rock in America

This release features a complete recording—captured via a multi-stereo IEM matrix mix—of Night Ranger’s miraculous return to the PayPay Dome following their farewell tour last autumn.
While there are moments where the volume fluctuates or clicks and noises characteristic of IEM sources occur, the overall audio quality is excellent, reminiscent of a stereo soundboard (SBD) recording.

During this 100-minute set—matching the length of the headlining act, Journey—the band delivered a performance that transcended mere nostalgia, radiating the overwhelming sense of affirmation and vitality that defines authentic American hard rock. The golden twin-vocal harmony of Jack and Kelly, and the twin-guitar battle between Brad and Keri—featuring whammy-bar antics and lightning-fast tapping—were a sight to behold. Their signature "Ranger sound" needs no introduction; it is so magnificent that it ought to be designated a piece of American traditional performing art or even a national treasure. When anthems like "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" and "Rock in America" rang out, what filled the air was the true spirit of "Rock in America"—a spirit that transcends division and unites people. During Kelly’s soaring rendition of "Sister Christian," one could sense an overwhelming, all-encompassing warmth—a feeling that pierced right through the roof of the PayPay Dome and evoked the deep, comforting spirit of the "good old America" we cherish.

In an era where the political and social climate is often tainted by exclusionism and self-righteousness, this unforgettable night in Hakata was defined by the boundless optimism and openness of the West Coast spirit—completely devoid of those negative American traits.

Led by Jack Blades, whose vocals showed not a shred of decline, the band moved as one, tearing across the stage with boundless energy. Their performance was a moving spectacle that embodied the very "conscience and soul of America"—a nation that values freedom and tolerance. It served as the ultimate counter-punch to an intolerant age, delivering the pure, unadulterated joy of rock music with relentless intensity.

With their one-of-a-kind songs and performance, Night Ranger bathed the Fukuoka Dome in a wave of euphoric excitement. It was a historic performance that powerfully reminded us of the passionate soul of that "great, big-hearted America"—a nation we once loved and still long to believe in.