Brad Gillis Thrills Crowd at Boardwalk Rock Fest

Brad Gillis, veteran guitarist for Night Ranger, shared a vibrant live photo from last weekend’s Boardwalk Rock Fest in Ocean City, capturing the festival’s electric energy. In his Instagram caption—”It Never Gets Old”—he thanked fans for an unforgettable night and teased more dates on Night Ranger’s US tour, plus two gigs in Japan this October.

A Legacy Of Guitar Wizardry

Gillis first made waves replacing Randy Rhoads on Ozzy Osbourne’s Blizzard of Ozz tour in 1980, before co-founding Night Ranger in 1979 alongside Jack Blades, Kelly Keagy and Alan Fitzgerald. The band’s debut album, Dawn Patrol (1982), earned gold status, while their follow-up, Midnight Madness (1983), spawned the signature hit “Sister Christian.” By 1985’s 7 Wishes, Night Ranger was platinum-certified and dominating MTV and radio airwaves. Through lineup changes and industry shifts, Gillis’s blistering Les Paul solos and hard-rock chops have remained a constant over four decades.

Boardwalk Rock Fest Ignites Ocean City

Photographer Anna Downs captured Gillis mid-solo under neon stage lights, guitar raised high as the Ocean City boardwalk crowd surged along to tracks like “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me” and “(You Can Still) Rock in America.” Fans tagged the post with #boardwalkrock and #rockfestival, echoing Gillis’s own excitement: “The crowd there was electric! ⚡️” The Maryland festival bill featured veterans Def Leppard, Nickelback and Alice Cooper alongside Night Ranger, drawing capacity audiences and viral social clips.

Touring Across The Us And Beyond

Gillis is celebrating more than 40 years onstage with Night Ranger’s coast-to-coast run, which extends through the summer and fall. After wrapping East Coast shows, the band heads west and will close the year with two special dates in Tokyo and Osaka. Fans can check Night Ranger’s official site for ticket links, VIP packages and festival appearances scheduled well into 2024.

Staying Stage-ready

To fuel his marathon set lists, Gillis has leaned on a strict health regimen documented in a recent Instagram update from the same festival stop. He noted an 18-pound weight loss since last year, then outlined his routine: starting mornings with water, grapefruit and a nutrient-packed shake, followed by light weightlifting, stretching and hill walks. On the road, he sticks to fish, poultry, steamed veggies and plenty of hydration—no alcohol—to keep his energy high night after night.

More than ever, Gillis’s dedication offstage matches his intensity onstage. From stadium anthems to boardwalk shows, he proves that rock ’n’ roll—and the guitarist behind it—truly never gets old.

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Ratika Pai

 

Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.

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