Friday, August 20 Bret Michaels returned to Franklin to a house ready for the Poison front man and a damn good time. Covid postponed the original date but live music’s doing its best to stay active, though it’s still getting racked and gut punched by the evil C word.
An all-ages crowd watched the ‘80s Sunset staple perform a 10-song set, in a best of Poison show with a cover or two. While one or two fan favorites, popular songs went missing, most crowd expected tunes were delivered. From ballads and rockers that were in heavy MTV rotation to a show closing Skynyrd classic, It was an open-air, open arena-like performance and vibe including crowd ramp that got artist and crowd closer than usual Michaels and company delivered the goods, with ageless energy and adrenaline. For a headlining set, everybody was a ‘80s kid.
Known for six-pack abs and staying in performing shape, Michaels moved and grooved like it ‘was’ still the ‘80s, hair, headband and all.
While some of the younger folk knew some songs, presumably thanks to parents, Sirius XM and YouTube, the crowd was a mix of millennials to adults and children of the ‘80s.as maybe half were at least alive during the decadence of decadence.
Michaels has done a lot since the early days of the strip, movies, Rock of Love, with a status and career that’s blown up like a lighter fueled by Aqua Net. Though next year’s (potential) rescheduled stadium tour still looms like a continuing question mark, Michaels looked ready for the stadium sprint.
Stranger opened the show under a hot, still-summer sky with a collection of covers fit to make all ages in the crowd smile and sing along. It was a broad ‘80s fix of nostalgic noise bringing back memories for some while others Googled for reference. They played like they were having a time-warp blast and nowhere else they wanted to be. The group was a collection of local talent from area bands, with plenty of Legends experience, inside the venue and out. Mr. Henley led the charge with the “Boys of Summer,” as the crowd and world celebrated a summer return to live music. We all flew on good vibes waiting for Mr. Michaels on “Turn Me Loose.” Romance could’ve been in the air, “Working for the Weekend.” “New Girl Now” and “American Girl” could’ve told the same story by two very different artists. Royalty was respected and saved for the end as “Purple Rain” ironically previewed the slight sprinkle that was to come during the next set.
The covers and energy continued with Spungewurthy as we crept closer to Mr. Michael’s appearance. The act was no stranger to local gigs and appreciative, large crowd playing local festivals, other venues and all-aged events.
They all showed off chops and some tricks playing for audience cell phones and Facebook live.. “Mr. Brownstone” got people charged up as only the ‘most dangerous band in the world’ could, minus the violence, and venue damage. Heaven’s light shined down after a brief sprinkle, leaving the venue in peace to enjoy the rest of the loud, dry evening.
The screens turned red as the band took the stage and every woman there’s favorite boyfriend came forth to deafening female screams and male cheers. One of the most celebrated vocalists of the Sunset Era took the stage in bandanna glory singing straight into, oh my god! Look what that dirty talkin’ cat dragged In. Grown men reverted to screaming teenagers as the former ‘80s kids/teens were young reckless and rebellious again, raising symbolic gloved fists to the Poison classics.
it was a party from beginning to end with Michael’s band having as much fun as everyone else, taking advantage of the (not long enough for an ego ramp, ramp). It was an evening in time, to just “Ride the Wind,” enjoy the moment and cherish a ‘normal’ evening of mask-free, open-air live music.
Michaels went off on a mean harmonica intro playing like it owed him money. It may have been the closest thing to fan’s parent’s music when “Your Mama Don’t Dance” and dad always said turn that damn devil music off! Damn longhairs!
They went for a unique literal Sublime cover “What I Got.” It’s arguable fans could’ve yelled for another Poison song (Fallen Angel, I Won’t Forget, Stand) but seemed OK singing along..
It was still hot, humid and many would’ve welcomed the ice cold frig, Michaels hung out in, with “Something to Believe In.” You can’t have a ‘80s metal show without some ‘cheeky metaphor’ hence “Unskinny Bop.”
The acoustic guitar and cowboy hat came out as the spotlights bathed him in a glowing, motionless water fall of light, caught in time. The first notes of one of the decade’s biggest ballads keeping the butane business going strong began.
Michaels went out of his way to give props and much deserved respect to the brave men and women overseas, and all the medical professionals helping fight the pandemic on the front lines. They also auctioned off stage worn props, guitars and gear for charity right after the final song ended and smoke cleared.
The smoke shot out, erupting in the air giving a finale-arena vibe as “Nothin’ but a Good Time” blasted out the strings and speakers. Whether someone yells it or they’re there in spirit, you can’t have a show end without some Skynyrd. Michaels paid the good ole’ boys and Van Zant respect with a shout out, tribute to the Southland.
Post-show the bidding began, immediately with yelling voices. Winning bids went from a few hundred to a few grand, with Michaels “Every Rose” cowboy hat giving the biggest fight among a few very dedicated fans, with some mad money to blow. It didn’t get to blood sport level but the winner definitely earned their prize. The crowd departed as adults/parents smiled with nostalgic memories, while 20-somethings and kids thought, damn that’s what it was like?
It was a night that proved back in the day, we knew how to have a mind-blasting, voice-loosing, questionably-sober, good time with zero in pocket, in hand technology. Recording live shows with mind, ears and eyes for spoken word traditional posterity. And.. of course wearing the show-tee the next couple days proving you were there.
