RECAP: Best Friends Girl @ Strand Theatre, 5/3/2025

Words and Photography by Stephanie J Bartik (NY Rockstar Photographer).

On a rainy night in Hudson Falls, New York, the cozy confines of the ever-transitional Strand Theatre were electric with nostalgia as Best Friends Girl, the #1 tribute to The Cars, transported the audience back to the golden age of new wave. Despite the gloomy weather, the mood inside was anything but dreary—fans entered the venue with anticipation, and by the time the first synth line pulsed through the air, smiles had already started lighting up the aisles.

The Cars were pioneers of American rock, a band that seamlessly fused 1960s power pop sensibilities with the edge of 1970s glam and the emerging visual flair of the 1980s MTV era. That eclectic blend of styles was alive and well onstage thanks to the high-caliber performance
by Best Friends Girl. This wasn’t just a cover show—it was a full-bodied homage, and it hit all the right notes.

Frontman John Starr delivered a charismatic performance, channeling Ric Ocasek’s signature vocal style while adding his own warmth and flair. His rhythm guitar anchored the band confidently, setting the tone for a show that respected the source material without being a note-
for-note imitation. Starr’s ability to interact with the audience elevated the atmosphere, prompting many in the crowd to sing along and dance in the aisles. At one point, he ran up the stairs to the balcony (not an easy task) to play for the fans upstairs! It is always so good when a
band acknowledges all of the fans.

Kevin Gallagher’s lead guitar work was crisp and dynamic. Whether replicating the punchy riffs of “My Best Friend’s Girl” or the razor-sharp solos of “Just What I Needed,” Gallagher played with both technical precision and the kind of rock swagger that brings a tribute to life. His tone and phrasing were spot-on, capturing the soul of Elliot Easton’s style.

On bass, Gary Bonneau provided the low-end glue, grooving with confidence and subtle flair. His playing was tight and melodic, a perfect match for the band’s tight arrangements. Mike Weber on drums was a driving force behind the band’s energy — steady, powerful, and perfectly timed, keeping the crowd moving with each familiar beat.

Perhaps the most critical piece in reviving The Cars’ distinctive sound was Tom Wooley on keyboards. He recreated the band’s signature synth textures with raw authenticity. Wooley’s playing was not only faithful to the original tones, but his stage presence added an engaging
visual element, enhancing the band’s overall energy. The unfiltered wave of analog-style synths filled the room and set a nostalgic tone that fans deeply appreciated.

Each member of Best Friends Girl is a highly professional musician, and together they recreated the quirky cool and sonic innovation of The Cars with love and precision. Their connection with the crowd turned a gray night into something vibrant and unforgettable.

If you missed this show, don’t worry — on May 24, Best Friends Girl will be bringing their tribute next to Daryl’s House, a venue known for hosting top-tier talent. Don’t miss the chance to relive the hits of one of rock’s most iconic bands, performed by a tribute group that clearly loves what they do.

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