Tesla performing during the Keepin' It Real Tour at the ACL Live Moody Theater in Austin, Texas on June 4, 2024, with Brian Wheat, Frank Hannon, Jeff Keith, Dave Rude, and Steve Brown. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
It’s no surprise that Tesla is still roaring and soaring—that’s just how they’re built. Though born in the mid-80s, their bluesy, soulful sound is deeply rooted in the organic, authentic rock and roll of the 1970s, alongside legends like The Allman Brothers, Grand Funk Railroad, AC/DC, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Aerosmith.
The ground started shaking in Sacramento, CA, in 1984; gold country that would soon be producing some platinum. They started out as City Kidd until a suggested name change to Tesla, honoring the eccentric inventor Nikola Tesla, who pioneered all things electrical. Their 1986 platinum debut album, Mechanical Resonance, included Top 40 hits “Modern Day Cowboy” and “Little Suzi.” 1989’s double-platinum The Great Radio Controversy featured hits “Heaven’s Trail (No Way Out)” and “Love Song”. Suddenly, Tesla, who had been touring with bands such as Def Leppard and David Lee Roth, earned headlining status. In 1990, Tesla helped reshape modern rock music by stripping down to the Five Man Acoustical Jam, an informal collection of their biggest hits peppered with rock and roll classics by the Beatles, Stones, and others. This album produced their biggest hit single to date, a cover of Five Man Electrical Band’s “Signs.” Other 90s albums from Tesla include the platinum-selling Psychotic Supper and Bust a Nut. The band continues to record and release material, including nine new albums since 2000, and recently debuted their new single, “Time To Rock!”
Tesla has endured many of the same taste-changing challenges that affected many in the post-grunge world, but through it all, their blue-collar work ethic and dedication to their faithful fan base have helped them not just survive, but thrive. Tesla's legacy is alive and well as they continue to record and sell out venues worldwide. As comfortable, rugged, and dependable as your favorite pair of boots, they endure. Tesla is a celebration of the greatest spirits of rock and roll.
Fan reviews:Setlist for the show at the ACL Live Moody Theater
Beautiful enjoyed the experience great show. Great show and venue sound was awesome look forward to the next show.
Amazing, I was thrilled at the Tesla show! It was awesome. The band played as expected and sounded tight and together! Was happy the entire night! Left with a big cheesy smile.
An amazing night with Tesla! Tesla proves they've still got it! Played the hits and new music, great show with great energy. Good vibes and positive experience.
Great Show! Tesla put on a great show! They played all the classics you’d expect to hear. Over all an awesome experience!
- Cumin' Atcha Live
- Modern Day Cowboy
- Gettin' Better
- All About Love
- Walk Away
- Forever More
- Heaven's Trail (No Way Out)
- Miles Away
- Changes
- The Way It Is
- Love Me
- Call It What You Want
- What You Give
- Song & Emotion
- Love Song
- Little Suzi
- Signs
Tesla was the main act at the ACL Live Moody Theater with guests Kurt Deimer. They continue across the United States with the last stop at the Ocean City Bikefest in Ocean City, Maryland on September 13, 2024.
Tesla
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