Cruefest Part Five - August 23, 2008

Trapt
Sixx AM
Papa Roach
Buckcherry

This is the final piece in a five-part series discussing CrueFest 2008. Last week I discussed Buckcherry's time on stage during CrueFest. This week, we will delve into the final act, the headliners, Motley Crue.

Motley Crue
At the end of a long, hot, summer day, the headliners and main event prepared to take the stage and rock their assess off for 90 minutes. A curtain draped the stage and with a slow buildup being pumped out of the PA, a shadowy image of Satan appeared behind it. He was equipped with a rather large member that was standing at full attention. It made me wonder if Tommy Lee was the stand in for the shadowy image. Suddenly, in front of Lucifer, the image of a woman appeared. She got to her knees and began to please Satan, much to his delight and to the roar of the crowd. Bring on the sleaze, the Crue is here.

The curtain dropped and Motley came storming to the stage in all their glory. Kickstart My Heart was the opener and the familiar classic felt like an old friend. Nikki looked much better being where he belonged, on stage with the Crue, and for this band, he was front and center, basking in the attention rather than hiding in the background.

Vince Neil was still looking a little heavy. You would think that he would be inclined to lay off the doughnuts and workout a little harder, but the rock star lifestyle must have taken its toll.

Vocally he sounded decent. Kickstart was a strong opener and the band was in superior forum. Having not seen them since the lousy winter show at Madison Square Garden back in 2005, I had almost no expectations, and just hoped for the best. Well, they gave me their best that night and I was quite pleased.

Shout At The Devil came early in the night, and it sounded like Crue was playing a fast version of this song. It seemed they were playing the song out of necessity and fan desire, and not because they wanted to. Of course we all want to hear Shout At The Devil, but give a proper performance, or don’t bother to play it. The rushed version was not done well and left me feeling slightly disappointed that they wouldn’t give the song the respect it deserved. That would be my only complaint of their set.

As mentioned, Nikki was basking in the headline spotlight and talking it up with the crowd, sometimes more than Vince. He looked great, like he really cleaned up his act and committed himself to music, leaving the drugs long behind.

Mick Mars was the coolest guy on stage the whole night. I know his condition causes him severe pain and he is unable to move around during performance, but that just adds to his super cool creepiness. Standing in the far left corner, looking like a zombie, and playing some amazing guitar licks is what helps to make Mick superior. The guy doesn’t quit and despite the pain, he’s out there playing the riffs and looking as cool as can be. He gives Keith Richards a run for his money in the awesome guitarist department.

And then there was Tommy Lee. Still acting like the typical frat boy prankster that never grew up. I know that everyone loves Tommy and he’s the fun guy, and blah, blah, blah. I never particularly cared for him. I think he’s immature and never grew up. Some people eat that up. Not me. I like a musician to be serious about their music, and the ability to keep time while drumming would help too.

The now infamous Tit E. Cam also made an appearance. Tommy ran backstage to find the cam in a dressing room full of scantily clad women, which he had to scold Cam for, since Tommy was not invited to be back there with him. I’m not a big fan of Tit E Cam. I like looking at breasts as much as the next guy, but I just think the Cam takes away from the concert. I came to see the Crue. If I wanted to watch breasts bouncing around, I’d go to a strip club. Although, I will admit, I would much rather watch Tit E. Cam, than listen to Tommy Lee attempt a drum solo. So, if it’s Cam over solo, then sign me up for Cam.

Highlights of the Crue’s set include Wildside, MF of the Year, Girls Girls Girls, and Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away). The band sounded great, well rehearsed and able to perform at a top level. This concert was much better than my last Crue experience and changed the way I feel about Motley live.

Don’t Go Away Mad was one of the best songs of the night and the Crue performed it note perfect. The entire audience from the front row to the back of the lawn was feeling the groove on this one, and they all sang at maximum volume, happy to be a part of such a great song.

Toward the end of their set, Nikki took the microphone and asked us what we were all doing around this time next year. Would we be interested in a Cruefest 2? OF course the place went bananas. We would love a Cruefest 2. Bring it on and we will be here. Nikki said that the festival was a lot of fun for him and they plan to be back next summer with a whole new lineup.

After the main set, the Crue came back for a one-song encore. Home Sweet Home. The most well known piano introduction in the history of rock and roll started the song off. Tommy was at the piano, Mick and Nikki standing next to him, and Vince just behind them, started singing the song. The first verse was performed this way, and then when the chorus was ready to kick in, all members of the band went to their respective instruments, the drums crashed into place, and the chorus was launched. Tonight, tonight/I’m on my way/I’m on my way/home sweet home. On my way indeed.

When Home Sweet Home finished, the Crue took their bow. Tommy freaked about how fucking cool we were and how much he loved us. Nikki thanked us for being fans and looked forward to seeing us down the road. I look forward to it too. CrueFest was an experience that I won’t soon forget. This show was definitely worth every penny spent on the ticket.

CrueFest Part Four - August 23, 2008

Papa Roach
Sixx: AM
Trapt

Last week, I discussed Papa Roach’s amazing turn on the stage during CrueFest and how they turned me from casual fan to devoted die-hard with one performance. This week, I’ll delve into BuckCherry’s live outing.


With their new disc, Black Butterfly, a few weeks from release, Buckcherry was technically still supporting 15. I was expecting a typical set with Lit Up as the big closer and maybe even an encore. What I got was a totally unexpected turn on my head.

They ripped out onto the stage with Broken Glass from 15. This was never one of my favorite songs. It’s a rocking tune, but there’s something about it that never grabbed me. It didn’t bother the rest of the sold out crowd though, as they were all singing along.

Lit Up was the second song on the setlist, and I stopped in my tracks when they launched into it. I was shocked. Lit Up that early? Something special had to be planned. I sang/screamed along to their first ever hit with a big grin on my face. I always loved that song and to hear it that early in the performance meant good things ahead.

Josh Todd is a decent frontman, but much different than Jacoby Shaddix. Todd is subtler, slowly leading the crowd where he wants them to be, whereas Jacoby is in your face with demands. Both styles work for their respective bands. Todd spoke to the crowd with respect and gave his thanks for letting them perform so many shows. At that point they had done over 300 performances in support of 15.

They then launched into their new song …Too Drunk. A silly song, it sounded pleasurable live. The song has grown on me over time, but during the concert, it was one of the weaker songs played.

I must admit I was a little disappointed with Buckcherry’s setlist. I had seen them the year before as headliners and they played songs from every disc. Now, I know they had less time to work with as a supporting act, but they still could have worked in one or two songs from Time Bomb, which they ignored completely. The debut disc gave us the aforementioned Lit Up and two others. There was no Slammin, no Porno Star, no Check Your Head, no For the Movies… What the hell?

The big closing number was a drawn out, 15+ minute version of their biggest hit ever, Crazy Bitch I like the song as much as the next guy, and sometimes drawn out songs are good in concert, but I think they could have trimmed this to a 7-8 minute version and fit in a couple of other classics. (Like the ones I just mentioned).

This was Josh’s moment to work the crowd and he told a little story about what a crazy bitch is to him. It was comical and he did well eliciting crowd response. Gyrating and false fornicating on stage, Josh was being the sleazy rock star and it worked on that hot August night. The crowd loved it! A portion of Billy Squire’s The Stroke was inserted into the middle of their jam. When the band finally got back to the chorus after the long buildup, the entire theater was on their feet singing along and enjoying every word.

The band left the stage after that. No encore for Buckcherry either. While I thought they gave a solid performance, I still think it could have been better with the addition of one or two songs and a trimming of Crazy Bitch.

Before the concert I had read a lot of reviews on the tour and I had heard that people felt Papa Roach should be going on right before Motley. When I first read that, I thought that the writers were Buckcherry haters and didn’t know what they were like live, or that they hadn’t witnessed the full power of BC. However, after seeing the Cruefest, I am inclined to agree with those who said it before me. Papa Roach was the better band that night, and they should have had the slot before the Crue. They really whipped the crowd alive.

Next Week: Motley Crue Takes Us Home

CrueFest: August 23, 2008

PNC Bank Arts Center - Holmdel, NJ

This is the first in a series of posts reviewing Cruefest that I attended this past summer.

Part One

Earlier in 2008, Motley Crue announced they would be releasing a new album (their first in many years) and would commence on a North American tour dubbed “CrueFest,” a festival of rock and roll debauchery. They were bringing out other big bands with them to play mostly outdoor amphitheaters for the summer of 2008.

Metal Eddie called me up to tell me he bought tickets and one of them was mine if I wanted it. We’d be sitting in the 100s, approximately 25 rows from the stage. Intrigued, I wanted to know who else was on the bill. Trapt, Sixx AM, Papa Roach, Buckcherry, and of course, Motley Crue. I told Metal Eddie to count me in, how could I miss that experience?

The day of the concert was a warm one, late August in New Jersey. Fortunately it was not too humid, so it would be a nice day overall. Metal Eddie and his crazy friends got to the parking lot of the PNC Arts Center early, along with me, and we had a tailgating blast. Food, beer, and fun, all the way around. Two other friends of mine joined us and we commenced with our tailgating feast and fun filled festivities.

One of the best things about attending a concert during the summer is the tailgating experience. I love to people watch while drinking a cold beer and eating a sub, or some burgers and hot dogs. It’s always interesting to see who is attending the concert, what are they dressed like, what kind of body art they come with, etc. I’m always curious to know who is a fan.

I also like the fact that some fans came in polo shirts, khaki shorts, and Berkinstocks. Just a sign of the times. Crue fans are getting older and some of them like to dress for the Hamptons instead of for the Crue. To each their own, I try not to judge.

Trapt

At 5:50, we headed inside to see the opening act, Trapt. I did not know much about them except for their two radio hits, which I liked when I heard them. I just never went out and bought a Trapt CD.

Their set was short and tight, but the music was great. The lead singer sounded incredible and although quite a few people were still outside, the band played like it was a sold out show and they were the headliners. Lead singer Chris Brown was doing all he could to keep everyone who had come early to see them involved and the crowd responded by singing, dancing, and enjoying the music.

Trapt closed with Headstrong, one of the two songs that I knew, and performed a great version of it. The sound was crisp and tight, and the entire crowd, which had gotten larger by that point, was singing every word. Apparently, this was a popular song amongst a lot of people.

Cruefest was quick to turn the acts around and I give them a lot of credit for that. Most times when attending these festival shows, the wait is close to thirty minutes between acts. Not here. Ten minutes after Trapt left the stage, Sixx AM was making their appearance.

Next week: Sixx: AM.

Hats Off To The Crue

Motley Crue gets big kudos. Hot off their Cruefest they are going back on the road this winter, but that’s not why they get high praise. The cheers are for their decision to take two rising star acts with them and keep ticket prices low. For that, they are to be commended.

Your cousin Ryo went online and purchased his tickets once he saw the price range. Best seats in the house were only $100. I got tickets in section 97, for the show at Madison Square Garden. Those are great seats for under $100 and that includes all the criminal fees!

Needless to say, I am excited for this show in March. Hinder is one of the best new bands to come along in a while. Their debut disc was stellar and I played it often and their latest CD, Take It To The Limit, is an excellent follow-up that I’ve been spending some quality time with.

Theory of a Deadman is becoming one of my favorite bands. They have a Nickelback sound, but with their own identity. Their subject matter is a little sleazier, but they are following the same formula as Nickelback on their road to success.

So for $81 (listed face value) you get Hinder, Theory, and of course, the Crue. Contest winners The Last Vegas open the show as they won their chance to tour with Motley Crue. I’ll get to the venue early enough to see them, so you’ll get a full report. Of course, by the time I get to see the Crue, we’ll probably know all about The Last Vegas, as MSG is one of the last stops on the tour.
That’s a great show for a great price at the world’s most famous arena. I think it’s fantastic that the Crue is in touch with the current economy and their fan base and they know that we can’t afford to pay an insane amount for concert tickets. The high end ticket prices were $81 face value and the low end “cheap” seats were $40.

They easily could have charged $81 for every seat in the house (ala AC/DC), they could have just as easily charged $150 for the best seats and $65 for the low end, nosebleed seats – but they didn’t. There was no justification of “look at the bands you get to see for your money.” It was only, here are our ticket prices, you can afford it, even if it’s not great seats. $40 (okay $52 with all the BS charges from ticket-bastard) is not too much for what’s on the bill, at least not to me.

So, expect a happy cousin Ryo come this St. Patrick’s Day. Motley Crue at MSG and St. Patty’s Day the next day. Lots of rock and roll, green beer, and March Madness. What could be better that time of year?

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