January 29, 2010 – After nearly 30 years of playing to sold-out crowds, Mötley Crüe knows a thing or two about what its audience wants to see and hear in a show. And between the ample pyrotechnics, stunning screams and rebellious lyrics, the band delivered it all to the 10,000 fans who packed into the MTS Centre in Winnipeg to witness a stop of the band’s Dead of Winter tour. With support from the Joe Perry Project and Airbourne, the bill was a rocker’s paradise.
Australian adrenaline rockers Airbourne emerged onto the stage with all the energy they could muster, effectively warming up the crowd for the night of mayhem ahead. Guitarist David Roads and bassist Justin Street took turns sprinting around on stage all while tossing their waist-length hair into a flying frenzy. Band leader Joel O’Keeffe played off the crowd to no end; at times appearing to be poised for a crowd surf. But all stage antics aside, Airbourne is a musically tight act with a classic AC/DC vibe. Energizing vocals from O’Keeffe were the icing on the cake to the 30 minute set.
The Joe Perry Project was up next, and expectations were understandably high for the Aerosmith guitarist’s side project. Starting off with a rousing version of “Let the Music Do the Talking”, Joe Perry’s signature playing style – reserved yet indulgent – became evident. Joined on stage by German singer Hagen Grohe, drummer Marty Richards, and long-time collaborator David Hull, Perry led his band through a mix of established Aerosmith hits, new solo material, and deep cuts from the past.
One such deep cut, “Rockin’ Train” was drawn out several minutes with added soloing from Perry and Hull. Followed up by a downright bluesy “Train Kept a Rollin’”, the musicianship on display was top notch. But what else but perfection should a fan expect from a true guitar hero like Joe Perry? The audience sang loudly for a finale of “Walk This Way”; simultaneously capping off an excellent set and building excitement for the evening’s big act.
The name Mötley Crüe tends to say it all. Fans and even the few skeptics of the band alike know one thing is certain – the Crüe delivers the roughest, most straight-up dose of rock and roll that money can buy. The screaming for that dosage began long before the stage’s curtain was erected, and reached an uncontainable peak as lights and shadows moved behind the drawn banner. Explosions sounded and bulbs flashed in all directions as the banner dropped and Vince Neil emerged spinning in circles center stage. At its structural core a perfect opening song, “Kickstart My Heart” never sounded so loud.
As soon as the Winnipeg crowd was able to get past the initial astonishment that comes along with a Mötley concert, they rocked out. Nikki Sixx and Mick Mars joined them, playing up front and center while Vince Neil slid between end-stages with his signature swagger and grit. Even going on five years of being reunited as a foursome, the stage chemistry is still fresh and the passion still evident.
The momentum of the opening song continued into classics “Wildside”, “Shout at the Devil”, and “Saints of Los Angeles”. Although only two years old, Saints is already a classic as far as the Canadian crowd was concerned. A monster sound and constant action from the band quickly turned the show into a one-band rock festival while constantly changing backlighting added to the chaos.
Although decades have passed since the world was first introduced to Vince Neil’s upper register, fans need not to worry as the singer ensures that no high note flies under the radar. His show-stopping wail during “Looks That Kill” almost seemed set out to prove that the goods are still there.
Midway through the show, perpetual party animal Tommy Lee emerged from behind his drum kit to trade drinks with the fans in true Mötley Crüe spirit. Later on, Nikki Sixx took the microphone and asked for the crowd’s support, “We want to come back next year to celebrate our 30th anniversary,” Sixx proclaimed.
Despite a concert (and an overall image) built almost exclusively upon rebellious rock that never stops, the evening was not without its somber moments. A somewhat unusual choice to begin an encore, “Home Sweet Home” brought the crowd to a hush as Tommy Lee sat behind the piano with a crooning Vince Neil. The band makes no light of the ballad that expresses the hardships of a rock tour. But the show had to end on a high note, supplied by “Dr. Feelgood“.
The Crüe is now touring with less flair than they have in the past; no aerialists, scantily clad women, or motorcycles made their way on stage. So what’s left? Four guys, dozens of infectious songs, thousands of screaming fans, and one of the best rock shows money can buy.
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