Night Ranger look back on 40 years of Floyd Rose flicking, big hits and avoiding retirement
Night Ranger are marking 40 years since the release of their breakthrough album, *Midnight Madness*, reflecting on the songs and guitar theatrics that helped establish their career. The band members say they have no plans to retire, and still enjoy performing for audiences.
The article highlights the album’s major hits, including “Sister Christian” and “(You Can Still) Rock In America”, as well as guitarist Brad Gillis’s use of a Floyd Rose tremolo system. It looks back at the group’s success and exuberant style, while presenting their continued touring as a sign of their enduring commitment to rock.
In short
- Night Ranger reflect on four decades of rock success.
- *Midnight Madness* produced hits including “Sister Christian”.
- The band say they are not ready to retire.
Explained simply
Night Ranger are an American rock band formed in San Francisco in the late 1970s. Their second album, Midnight Madness, came out in 1983 and brought them wider attention through songs such as “Sister Christian” and “(You Can Still) Rock In America”.
Brad Gillis’s guitar playing became part of the band’s sound and stage show. He used a Floyd Rose tremolo, a device that lets a guitarist change the pitch of notes with a movable bridge, creating the swooping effects heard in some rock performances.
The band’s story sits within the arena rock of the 1980s, when big choruses and showy guitar parts helped bands reach radio audiences and large venues. Night Ranger continue to tour, keeping their older songs in front of audiences while performing as a working band.