The drum sound on AC/DC’s original studio version of “Highway to Hell” might contain the best studio-based drum sound to date, but Kirke’s live drumming was aural bliss that most likely can’t be matched.Īnd it’s easy to see why Leese and Ronning continue to round out Bad Company’s still-busy lineup. Much of Kirke’s drum work negated the need for a fifth band member on the stage. Kirke’s strikes give his drum heads, cymbals and high-hat a workout at every gig, and the Tulsa show was no exception. Rodgers’ voice had as much or more energy and character than it did on many of Bad Company’s original studio recordings, balancing perfectly between a gritty texture and crystal-clear sonics.Įvery bit as impressive was Kirke, whose assertiveness on the drums never dipped. Despite Rodgers’ always-golden vocals being slightly buried in the mix during the first few minutes of the gig, the quartet sounded and looked great. Leaping out of the starting gate was “Can’t Get Enough,” the kick-off track from Bad Company’s eponymously named debut album from 1974. The set was heavy on radio hits and well-treasured album cuts, and the 21-and-older, near-capacity audience was A-OK with the band’s decision to focus on well-known material. 28 at Paradise Cove inside the River Spirit Casino in Tulsa, Okla. It was either a belated Christmas present or a jump-start gift for New Year’s Eve, and it was 90 minutes of musical magic from Bad Company.Ĭomprised of original members Paul Rodgers (vocals, piano) and Simon Kirke (drums, vocals) along with long-time colleagues Howard Leese (guitar) and Todd Ronning (bass), the should-be-in-the-Rock-Hall-of-Fame band performed a joyful, most blistering concert Dec.

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