80’s rockers Night Ranger to play Fond du Lac County Fair

With a winter storm bearing down on Wisconsin, it’s not too early to start planning for the Fond du Lac County Fair, which will be taking place July 15 – 19, 2026.

The first grandstand act to be announced for this year’s fair is the 80’s hit makers Night Ranger, taking the stage Friday night, July 17.

Night Ranger is an American hard rock band formed in San Francisco in 1979. Best known for their massive 1984 power ballad “Sister Christian,” they became a staple of 1980s arena rock and MTV. 

Band Origins and Success

• Formation: The group was founded by bassist Jack Blades, drummer Kelly Keagy, and guitarist Brad Gillis, who were all former members of the funk/pop band Rubicon. They originally performed as “Stereo” and then “Ranger” before settling on Night Ranger for their 1982 debut, Dawn Patrol.
• Commercial Peak: Their second album, Midnight Madness (1983), catapulted them to fame, selling over a million copies in the U.S.. It featured “Sister Christian,” which peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100.
• Key Hits:
  • “(You Can Still) Rock In America”
  • “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me”
  • “When You Close Your Eyes”
  • “Sentimental Street”
  • “Sister Christian”

Notable Members and Connections

• Jack Blades: Co-founder and primary songwriter who also gained fame in the early ’90s supergroup Damn Yankees alongside Ted Nugent and Tommy Shaw of Styx.
• Brad Gillis: Renowned guitarist who briefly toured and recorded with Ozzy Osbourne following the death of Randy Rhoads.
• Kelly Keagy: Drummer and lead vocalist who wrote and sang “Sister Christian” for his younger sister, Christy.

Legacy and Current Activity

• Album Sales: The band has sold over 17 million albums worldwide.
• Recent Work: They released their latest studio album, ATBPO (And the Band Played On), in 2021 and a live collaborative album, 40 Years and a Night with Contemporary Youth Orchestra, in 2023.
• Touring: Night Ranger remains very active, touring across the U.S. with 2026 dates scheduled at various casinos and festivals.