Let me start by saying that although most of you know how I feel about Motley Crue, I had my doubts about how this playing Dr. Feelgood from front to back would fare. For those of you who were at the PNC show, I don’t have to tell you – “THEY F’N ROCKED!” That may have been one of the best Motley Crue shows that I have ever seen, and I’ve seen a lot! Playing Dr. Feelgood in its entirety was genius on their part since it was the twentieth anniversary of the CD’s release. Dr. Feelgood may not be every Crue fan’s favorite CD, but every one of those songs was fun, and you can’t help but get into them. Many of the songs have never been played live before, and I have to tell you, it brought me back! Memories of being a young metal head, and listening to Dr. Feelgood on tape came flooding back. Plus, I have newfound respect for the CD, since my girlfriend pointed out that every single one of those songs – is perfect for stripping! Hmmmm…..Motley Crue singer Vince Neil questioned the crowd, “Who owned this on vinyl?” After playing “Without You”, Vince joked, “Now, for side two!”
Motley Crue’s stage set up always has a theme with extra-added theatrics. This time – lights dim and out walks a “naughty nurse” pushing a giant wheelchair! Center stage, out of the wheelchair seat pops another hottie dressed in a straight jacket. A few extras in lab coats come running out to give her a big needle – as her scream echoes through PNC Bank Arts Center – lights go out, curtain drops to reveal Motley Crue cutting into the title track from a stage set up to look like a giant padded room – Yes, cheesy but so awesome! The two naughty nurses were became leather-clad backup singers. To keep consistent with the theme – even the managers and guests watching the show from the side of the stage wore lab coats.
Regardless of the two backup singers, in my opinion, Vince didn’t even need them! His voice actually sounded strong, and he pulled through every single song like a champ singing every word! Unlike many of the Crue shows in the past, Vince did not overkill the audience participation thing! The audience did not finish out the songs, and it was nice to see Vince live up to expectations. Motley Crue was “on” for every song, their energy bled into the crowd and from where I was…everyone was out of their seats screaming and dancing for the ENTIRE show. They did two encores after finishing up the Dr. Feelgood CD. The first consisting of “Wild Side”, the title track of their latest CD “Saints of Los Angeles”, and “Shout at the Devil”. The second encore opened with “Home Sweet Home” and wrapped up with “Girls, Girls, Girls”. Another surprise was that since Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee’s hand was injured, and he couldn’t play, his bud Morgan Rose of Sevendust filled in – which was still awesome because it sounded like Tommy was playing. He is an amazing heavy-hitting drummer that can play his ass off and mimic Tommy’s style. Sevendust is one of my favorite bands, so I was excited to see him playing Crue songs. True to his “I never slow down” tradition – Tommy just couldn’t keep away! He kicked Morgan out of his seat for a few of the slower songs, and he played control freak on most of the other songs. Again, another reason why he is just so damn cool!
Now I didn’t really make it in to see all of the great opening bands at Crue Fest 2 like Charm City Devils, Theory of a Deadman, or Drowning Pool because it was a workday, but I did get to see Godsmack, who always sounds phenomenal! As a long-time Godsmack fan, I have to say that they were consistent! Their sound was amazing! They rocked with all that they had, but I felt that their stage presence fell a bit short! Yes, there was pyrotechnics, and sweat, but aside from Sully and a couple of twirling drumsticks, there is a definite lack of energy. I can’t seem to stay focused through their entire set. They hit the stage strong and ended even stronger with a dueling double drum solo in which Sully played the bongos and drums. During that – my eyes were glued to the stage.
Overall, Crue Fest 2 was a success, as far as the show goes. I understand that they are trying to make this an Ozzfest-type of event, but they’re missing the mark! It just doesn’t have that same “all day metal festival – music for the masses” vibe. It just feels like a show! The 2 stages, the concession stands, opening the venue early…all these items are meant to contribute to the festival mentality but I’ve seen it done better for Warped Tour and Bamboozle. Now that there is no more Ozzfest, what is our big metal-head summer festival? C’mon Motley Crue….make me prouder than this!
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