Review and Photos by Phil Bonyata
Motley Crue recently decided to mend their various feuds and reunite under the auspices of a geniune longing to make music together again. The real reason seems to be the money - like many other bands that have no business rehashing their past glories in greying style - Crue is laughing all the way to the bank. Selling out their entire tour along the way.
Were they good musicians in their heyday - of course not, but their rock n' roll image of hedonism and drug abuse sold well and seemed authentic. Tonight had a stink in the air. Opening with a cliche ridden claymation video, various strippers and a stunted clown - the band was ready to distract rather than display the goods. Pass the cheese please as the joke was on us. Nikki Sixx, Tommy Lee, Vince Neil and the now-very ill Mick Mars stood with arms raised as the obligatory fire spewed all over the stage.
C'mon boys that went out in the '80s - oh that's right, I forgot, we're here to celebrate the past. The band opened with a tired "Shout At the Devil." Crue seemed more than bored - they were pre-programed robots who lost their logic boards. Tommy Lee especially seemed like he didn't want to be there - his drumming was uninspired at best. Nikki's bass playing was wayward and lost in a foggy fuzz. But the audience was oblivious and loved every errant chord, sloppy guitar solo and misstep by Vince Neil.
The standards played out way too safely with "Same Ol' Situation (S.O.S.)," "Kickstart My Heart," "Girls, Girls, Girls" and "Dr. Feelgood." The danger and rebellion they pretend to display is embarrassingly transparent.
Too bad far too many people try to relive their youth without ever trying to experience what is exciting and new. Are we too caught up in family, jobs, bills and boredom to find the light that flickers with creativity and originality just under our noses. Going back to yesterday doesn't make us young, but rather experiencing the joys of today ignites our senses and makes our personal evolutions that much more exciting. Memories are wonderful, but creating new ones are even better.
Nikki Sixx |
Mick Mars |
Vince Neil |
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