By Rob Nagy, The Mercury
POSTED: 11/26/14, 10:50 AM EST

Winding down another year of sellout concerts around the globe, former “Supertramp” vocalist and principal songwriter Roger Hodgson recently played to a full house at the Sands Casino in Bethlehem, PA.

Performing a two-hour concert that rivaled the best I’ve experienced, the charismatic Hodgson and his band, (Aaron Macdonald (saxophones, harmonica, keyboards and backing vocals), Bryan Head (drums), David J. Carpenter (bass, backing vocals) and Kevin Adamson (keyboards, backing vocals)), were embraced by an adoring multigenerational audience.

Responsible for penning many of Supertramp’s biggest hits, Hodgson’s first set offered flawless renditions of “Breakfast in America,” “School,” “Take The Long Way Home,” “Lady,” “The More I Look,” “Easy Does It,” “Sister Moonshine,” “Hide in Your Shell,” “Lord Is It Mine” and “The Logical Song.”

Throughout the evening, Hodgson expressed his gratitude for a gifted career, while relating the back-story behind many of his songs and thanking fans for their part in his success. He and his band mates seemed truly appreciative of the enthusiasm of the audience. Following an intermission, Hodgson and company glided through the evening’s closing set, which featured “Had a Dream,” “Even in the Quietest Moments” (written entirely during a 2 hour meditation on a northern California mountaintop), “The Meaning,” “Death and a Zoo,” “If Everyone was Listening,” “Child of Vision,” “Babaji,” “Dreamer” and “Fool’s Overture.”

Exiting the stage to deafening whistles, cheers and applause, a visibly touched Hodgson returned to perform a three-song encore.

“I sure hope we can come back here again soon,” said Hodgson, before dedicating the first song, “Two of Us,” to a married couple of 33 years that were in the audience.

Throughout the encore, a sea of colored balloons gently showered the audience, heightening a surreal music event.

“Alright, sing this with me,” said Hodgson as he launched into the classic “Give A Little Bit.” With the audience singing every note in unison, Hodgson exclaimed, “You sound great!”

The evening ended with an electrifying version of “It’s Raining Again,” and an audience clamoring for more.

About the Author

A Philadelphia based music journalist for over 30 years, Rob has interviewed, reviewed and photographed hundreds of well-known musicians and athletes. Working with almost every major music venue in the Philadelphia area, his writing has appeared in a variety of entertainment publications and newspapers. His work can frequently be found in print and on the web in the 21st Century Media newspapers. Rob resides in Phoenixville, Pa.
Full bio and more articles by Rob Nagy