In defining success in the world of classic rock, there are as many ways to define success as there are chord changes in an Eddie Van Halen guitar solo. But one (mostly) subjective benchmark revolves around the answer to this question: “Can you write the definitive history of classic rock without this band?” In the case of Night Ranger, the answer is “No!” That’s because any historical account of classic rock isn’t complete without a subsection devoted to the power of the power ballad. And that subsection can’t be written without Night Ranger.
Formed in 1979 in San Francisco, Night Ranger’s popularity soared with the 1984 release of “Sister Christian.” Not only did it become an MTV favorite and a Top 5 single (peaking at No. 2 on the U.S. charts), but “Sister Christian” ushered in a sustained era in which every rock band from Aerosmith to ZZ Top dared not release an album that didn’t include an anthemic power ballad. In retrospect, the formula was simple: Sprinkle in a radio- and MTV-friendly power ballad among a sea of heavier songs. But it was Night Ranger—whose catalog consists mostly of raw, guitar-driven tunes—who set the standard with “Sister Christian.” For that song alone, they’ve rightfully earned their place in history.
Golden Nugget, 8 p.m. Dec. 27, starting at $59 plus tax and fee. 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster
