New York Dolls opened the show with their "no frills" early punk rock style - think a heavier Rolling Stones. They are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the band. New York Dolls are frequently mentioned as starting the "Glam Rock" fashion, although that isn't as much of their look these days. Lead singer David Johansen may have achieved more notoriety with his "Buster Poindexter" persona, but he seemed more "comfortable" with the dolls. The only other original member is guitarist/vocalist Sylvain Sylvain. The band is completed with bassist Kenny Aaronson, drummer Jason Sutter, and additional guitarist Earl Slick. The 5 members rifled through nine songs, covering both old and new. Johnansen and Sylvain both seemed in good spirits, even though most of the crowd had yet to show up. The band played a style of 70s rock, which definitely influenced the bands coming up later that night. I enjoyed their 45 minutes or so, and would love to see them again in a smaller venue. I'd' give their set a 7 out of 10 - no frills rock and roll. Set list noted at the end of this post.
Next up was Poison. These guys are celebrating 25 years together, and currently consist of all original members. With a pyro filled opening, lead singer Bret Michaels rose up to a platform behind the drum kit. Bret manages to keep up the energy as lead singer, almost in spite of recent past health issues. His voice was in better shape than I expected. Lead guitarist C.C. Deville matches Bret with running around, while also displaying some fairly impressive guitar skills. The rhythm section of Rikki Rockett (drums) and Bobby Dall (bass) keep things on a solid foundation. Poison definitely brought the party. I was bored with their cover of Grand Funk's "American Band" song, which the band really did nothing to make it their own. Other than Bret's patriotic introduction (which was fine), I saw no point to including this song in their set. Their cover of "Your Momma Don't Dance" was also less than impressive, so I would have recommended leaving that out. But, both tunes were crowd pleasers, and that appeared to be the sole point. Separate drum and guitar solo moments seemed purely to remind us of the 80s, as they didn't necessarily add to Poison's show. I'd give their set a 7 out of 10 - great energy, but a couple set changes could improve the overall experience. Set list noted at the end of this post.
Finally, after a stage change and with a sudden set of firework explosions, Motley Crue stormed the stage. The Crue is celebrating 30 years as a band, and currently features all original members. Their stage area is primarily open and clean, which puts the center focus on the roller coaster contraption that Tommy Lee has his drum kit mounted to. Having only seen the band once before (on their 2009 "Saints of Los Angeles" tour), I wasn't sure how this performance was going to compare. The band sounded a little tighter, but lead singer Vince Neil's voice wasn't as strong. Maybe due to performing the night before in Ohio. Mick Mars continues to have a massive guitar sound, which rattles the entire building. Nikki Sixx appeared a little less animated than last time, but also appeared in better shape. Nikki had his vocal mic as part of a trapeze type thing that hung from the above lighting rig. This proved an interesting visual, as he could mess with making it swing around from time to time (I think he may have stole the idea from Bono). The band also featured two ladies on background vocals, which helped Vince a bit. The ladies provided some various dance moves during certain songs, but didn't add much to the overall show. The centerpiece of the show was Tommy Lee and his drum roller coaster. Providing a lighting structure reminiscent of Pink Floyd's circle setup from the "Pulse" era, the roller coaster frame also had a video screen in the center (not as clear as what Pink Floyd had). During Tommy's drum solo section, he was secured in and the entire kit was revolved 360 degrees (you can find video of this on Youtube). Yea, it's gimmicky, but does look pretty cool. It is pure showmanship. Tommy even picked out an audience member to come up and get harnessed into a companion chair, to ride along with a couple rotations. After that, the band was back out and plowed through more hits. From what I read, the set list was comprised of choices made by fans on the Motley Crue website. The set definitely stuck to hits, and even featured early tracks like "Too Fast For Love". The show featured a ton of pyro and explosions, which helped keep the audience energized (almost as much as a KISS show). Thankfully, the set didn't have Nikki bass solo sections or pointless "camera" shenanigans from Tommy Lee - they stuck to the music this time. I'd give the Motley Crue set an 8 out of 10, based upon the showmanship and sticking to the hits. Set list noted below.
Overall, the show was a bit much for one night. New York Dolls laid the foundation for the evening, Poison ramped up the party atmosphere, and Motley Crue took the whole thing over the top of excess (what they do best, right?).
New York Dolls
Looking For a Kiss
Dance Like a Monkey
Cause I Sez So
Talk to Me Baby
Kids Like You
Who Are the Mystery Girls?
Pills
Trash
Personality Crisis
Poison
Look What The Cat Dragged In
Ride The Wind
We're An American Band - Grand Funk Railroad cover
Your Mama Don't Dance - Loggins & Messina cover
C.C Deville Guitar Solo
Fallen Angel
Unskinny Bop
Rikki Rockett Drum Solo
Every Rose Has Its Thorn
Talk Dirty To Me
Nothin' But A Good Time
Mötley Crüe
Wild Side
Saints of Los Angeles
Live Wire
Shout at the Devil
Same Ol' Situation (S.O.S.)
Primal Scream
Home Sweet Home
Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)
Tommy Lee Drum Solo (on 360-degree roller coaster drum riser)
Looks That Kill
Dr. Feelgood
Too Young to Fall in Love
Ten Seconds to Love
Girls, Girls, Girls
Smokin' In The Boys Room - Brownsville Station cover
Kickstart My Heart
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