Former Bad English lead singer John Waite to perform at NIBROC

John Waite

Grammy-nominated rock vocalist John Waite has had two #1 hits singles in the U.S. over his storied career as lead singer with bands The Babys and Bad English, as well as his solo career.

His recognizable voice will provide a grand finale to this year’s NIBROC Festival, organizers announced this week.

“He’s a dynamic performer who has had some big hits. He sings a lot of songs people will recognize,” said Bruce Carpenter, Executive Director of the Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. The chamber organizers and sponsors the festival three-day festival in downtown Corbin.

“John Waite is going to be a great headlining act for NIBROC this year.”

Waite will be performing with his band on the final night of the festival — Saturday, Aug. 9. Caught Red Handed, a popular mainstay at the festival, will be the opening act. Music on the main stage each night of NIBROC begins at 7:30 pm.

“I think it is important to have regional talent at NIBROC, but I also wanted to bring back this year some well known national entertainment. I believe that is important.” Carpenter said.

Waite musical career began when he was tapped as bassist and lead vocalist for The Babys who rocketed to Top 20 chart positions with a pair of infections hits, “Isn’t it Time” from the band’s sophomore LP, Broken Heart in 1977 and the monster ballad, “Every Time I Think of You” off 1978’s Head First.

In 1980, he was injured when a fan pulled him from the stage during an encore, and the group disbanded shortly thereafter.

Waite then began his solo career releasing the album “Ignition” which was well received and featured the single “Change.” His next solo effort, 1984’s No Brakes, did exactly what the title inferred, barreling at runaway train speed to international acclaim and U.S. platinum success thanks to the smash hit, “Missing You,” which did not stop until it reached Number 1 on the Billboard’s Hot 100 Singles, Album Rock Tracks and Adult Contemporary charts. The following up single, “Tears” was a top 10 hit on the Billboard Mainstream Rock charts.

In 1989, after forming super group Bad English, the group’s ballad “When I See You Smile” provided him with his second chart-topping single. The group released two albums before breaking up in 1992, but Waite has enjoyed a lucrative solo career since.

Waite joins a musical lineup at NIBROC that includes country music up-and-comers Borrowed Blue who will play on Friday night of the festival, and Caught Red Handed, a Lexington-based band that specializes in classic rock favorites. Carpenter said he hopes to add more musical entertainment by next week.

Organizers of the festival are encouraging those who plan to attend the concerts to bring their own lawn chairs or other seating because there will be no reserved seating at this year’s NIBROC.

NIBROC officially kicks off this Saturday with the Miss NIBROC Pageant, held at the Corbin High School Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. The Little Miss and Master NIBROC Pageant will be held at the same site earlier in the day.

The main festival starts on Thurs., Aug. 7, but carnival rides will be offered on Wed., Aug. 6. beginning at 6:00 p.m during a special half price night.

This year’s festival will include vendors, carnival rides, a two-mile road race, a three-on-three basketball tournament, a corn hole tournament, parade, volleyball tournament, kids activities daily in NIBROC Park and performances of the play “Last Train to NIBROC” to be held on Aug. 8 and 9 beginning at 7:00 p.m in NIBROC Park.

For more information on the festival, go to www.southernkychamber.com/nibroc.