Concert Review: Time to surrender as Winger brought down The Blue Gate Theatre

Chad Smith
33 minutes ago
3 min read

Winger, accompanied by Fire House, delivered a high-energy performance at the Blue Gate Theatre in Shipshewana, IN on Saturday, August 29, 2026. As the opening act, Fire House ignited the venue with their pure, untouched talent. Formed in 1984, the renowned American hard rock band showcased their extensive discography, including chart-topping hits like 'Don't Treat Me Bad,' 'All She Wrote,' and 'Reach for the Sky,' as well as their signature power ballad, such as 'Love of a Lifetime.'!

I have had the privilege of witnessing Fire House perform live for the third time, and lead vocalist and songwriter Nate Peck consistently impresses with his boundless energy and captivating stage presence throughout the entire set. Midway through their performance, Bill Leverty takes a moment to express gratitude to all veterans, Winger, and attendees present.

Leverty pays tribute to the late C.J., commemorating two years since his passing, as they proceed to perform their next track, 'Home is Where the Heart Is', a heartfelt dedication to C.J.'s memory. A poignant video montage plays in the background, chronicling the band's journey and highlighting C.J.'s important role throughout their career. Leverty extends a warm welcome to a few long-time band associates on stage, including a talented 7-year-old drummer. Foster graciously hands over his drumsticks to the young musician as they launch into their hit song 'Midnight Gas.'

Having had the pleasure of experiencing their performance three times within a year and a half, I can confidently attest that Fire House delivers an exceptional show from start to finish. You won't be disappointed when they bring their live act to your area!

During the intermission, the stage was reconfigured to accommodate the highly anticipated performance by the esteemed headlining act, Winger. Notably, Winger's last performance in the vicinity took place on May 18, 1989, at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Indiana, as part of their To Tuff to Tame tour. This show was particularly energetic, drawing fans from surrounding areas, including Michigan. One enthusiastic fan, in particular, traveled from Pittsburgh to experience the event firsthand.

The moment arrived as Winger took to the stage with their iconic hit, 'Easy Come Easy Go'! From that moment on it was a full on rock concert from 1989 again! The band then proceeded to perform 'Hungry' and 'Down Incognito', concluding in Kip Winger's sincere heartfelt expression of gratitude to the audience for their enthusiastic participation and energetic response to every song, all the while standing!

Howie took center stage with a solo, launching into 'Hangin On' and 'Proud Desperado'. Fans were ecstatic as Winger sounded and looked absolutely phenomenal as they worked through each and every song in their entire set! During a memorable performance of Miles Away and Rainbow, Kip flashed a bright smile as a fan held up a vintage 80s rock magazine banner, which he subsequently brought on stage to share with the entire audience.

The night concluded with all the great tracks we remember and still play to this day including 'Time to Surrender', 'Headed for a Heart Break,' 'Can’t Get Enuff,' 'Seventeen,' and 'Madalaine'.