Saturday, August 19 glam metal icon Bret Michaels returned to the stage at J.D. Legends for his sixth appearance to excite and entertain a jam-packed front stage crowd stretching all the way to the back barrier. Parti-Gras is Michaels creation, billed as an all killer, no filler night of hits and judging by crowd reaction, he still brings the biggest party of the summer with him.
Several acts from the era have graced their stage this summer bringing fun, memorable shows though Michaels seems to have a Midas touch on whatever stage he graces kicking the show and fans into a different gear. Probably why he’s a summer delight and season highlight.
It wasn’t quite a stadium but it was an open air celebration of all things decadent from the ‘80s and early ‘90s with one outlaw fried tribute to the southland. The set was a greatest hits collection of fan pleasing favorites though arguably one or two more tunes could’ve been played. “I Want Action,” “Fallen Angel” or “Life Goes On” could’ve been added but the crowd didn’t seem to mind.
The young blood and blokes of That Arena Rock Show warmed up the sweating masses with a set of ‘80s tribute tunes complete with props and presentation to the crazy godfather of metal. Though none were around in the ‘80s and possibly the ‘90s they took the stage dressed as decade of decadence experts. Whether they’ve ever used Aqua Net, or stapled show fliers to a post is unknown.
They started with the life saving, adrenalized rush of “Kick Start My Heart,” with Nikki Sixx’s salute to a second chance at life. Though Quiet Riot struggled in the early days, they will always have history as the first metal band to hit #1 with heads banging and loud Metal Health.
Taking a detour from the spandex and Bic-lit ballads, they took a different Journey going “Separate Ways.” There were no steel horses or cowboys but love still got a bad name when it came to the ‘80s but a million faces were still rocked.
The Prince of Darkness got some classic celebration as vocalist Tristan Bone dressed for the occasion acting a bit bat-shit-crazy munching on a beautifully provided winged creature by ‘his Sharon.’ Metal infamy was recreated, hopefully with no shots needed.
From bats to snakes, the “Still of the Night” came early while the sun still blazed mid-horizon. It wasn’t quite time for the creatures of the night to wake and rise, waiting for the day-walkers to stop roaming the earth.
The Van Halen brothers got their just due immortalized with a 1984 trip to “Panama” While sugar and another similar substance were notoriously synonymous with the decade, the kind the Leppard used was still sticky sweet from head to feet.
They picked an unlikely heavy finisher, summoning the sandman from the Black Album with dreams of dragon’s fire, yeah. Ironically with their denim and leather street clothes war cry Metallica was known for their denouncement of the spandex scene moving to San Francisco and eventual metal supremacy, though it went over well with fans gripping cell phones tight.
The show was proof that as grunge came, conquered and eventually collapsed, the ’80s and specifically the Sunset scene never truly went away still leaving a mark on todays younger generation inspiring them to follow in their forefathers footsteps, carrying the torch, respecting the metal veterans and most importantly embracing their parents music.
The sounds of “Thunderstruck” beckoned Bret’s return as his solo cohorts took the stage and his image glowed on screen. With a field of screaming fans, every hand, phone and drink was raised as he emerged smiling, slapping hands, fist bumping ready to talk dirty to everyone in ear shout. The humid August air still found a way to “Ride the Wind,” courtesy of Michaels and the midnight sun. “Look What The Cat Dragged In” dangled over the mic like a frantic play toy or laser light.
If the evening had a true classic, “Your Momma Don’t Dance” went back to 1972 though Loggins and Messina must still be happy live crowds are hearing it. The video chills of “Something to Believe In” brought some serious singing to the show, with Michaels saying, we all need something to believe in.
Guitars squealed out some “Unskinny Bop” jamming into “Give It Away” and “Uptown Funk.” From entrance to the last note, Michaels again proved why he’s always invited back and one of the best showman in the business, engaging the crowd from first lyrics to the last note whether they were arms length, watching from tables, half court or in the back.
“Every Rose Has Its Thorn” started with a sea of mobile light and social media posting followed by the smoke and party anthem invite of “Nothing but a Good Time.”
It wasn’t “Freebird” which would’ve probably broken the internet, though they ended the evening in true classic Skynyrd style praising the sweet home. It would’ve been interesting to see the show of hands of how many people were around when it was released if Michaels had asked.
Local law enforcement was brought on stage to be recognized along with an immediate end of show charity auction for stage used equipment and Michaels’ attire, with his mic stand going for around $1000. The tour will continue into the fall and winter returning next year with Poison presumably returning in 2025.
There’s no denying Bret Michaels solo is a hard act to follow. While the summer celebration slowly comes to a close, the party will continue. Life may go on but as long as Michaels and Poison are active, we’ll always have something to believe in.
Images/words by Mike Ritchie
Bret Michaels – www.bretmichaels.com
That Arena Rock Show – www.thatarenarockshow.com
