Motley Crue
July 12, 2011
Charlotte, NC
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Concert Review by Joseph Hett

Motley Crue Brings The Heat In Charlotte

It was a very hot and humid Tuesday evening at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Charlotte, NC. But when Motley Crue finally took the stage, they made it feel like it was 200 degrees. It was a night filled with loud guitars, pyrotechnics and all the metal you could handle.

Poison, supporting act, entered the stage first and cranked out “Look What the Cat Dragged In.” Their fans were in for a treat since Poison played their biggest hits.

Brett Michaels, lead singer and reality TV star, worked the crowd, constantly giving fist bumps to fans in the first few rows. He said he was very grateful of the fan’s support of the band for 25 years and during his own personal health scares last year.

They performed covers of Grand Funk Railroad’s “We’re An American Band” and Loggins and Messina’s “Your Mama Don’t Dance.” This is when Michaels exhibited his harmonica playing skills.

They closed the show with their massive hits “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” “Talk Dirty to Me” and “Nothin’ But A Good Time.” Poison exited the stage; they really did give the fans nothing but a good time.

Now it was time for the headliner Motley Crue to perform. As soon as the stage curtain dropped, it was time to rock. They came out blazing with of “Wild Side.” They then went on to play “Saints of Los Angeles” and “Live Wire.”

Vince Neil, lead singer, promised they would play all of their hits, and they didn’t disappoint. They had 30 years of material to cover, and they were successful.

A piano was brought to center stage for Tommy Lee to play “Home Sweet Home.” All four members extended their hands to the center of the piano to show the unity of the band.

They performed a cover of Cee-Lo Green’s “Forget You,” but in typical Motley Crue fashion, they performed the explicit version in-between “Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away).”

Tommy Lee was a monster on drums, especially when he performed his solo while on the 360-degree drum roller coaster. They even grabbed an audience member to take a ride with him.

Mick Mars was on fire with his bone rattling guitar playing. He hit every note while playing rhythm and lead guitar at the same time. This could be heard on all of the songs, especially “Live Wire” and “Dr. Feelgood.”

Tommy Lee told the crowd that the drum kit was “running a little hot.” But he cranked it up anyway when it was time to play “Girls, Girls, Girls.” He emulated the signature motorcycle sound at the beginning with the drums.

Nikki Sixx also delivered a stellar bass performance throughout the evening.

They closed out the show with the Brownsville Station cover “Smokin’ In The Boys Room.”

After a brief exit from the stage, they all returned with medical jumpsuits on to finish their set with their fastest paced song, “Kickstart My Heart.” While they were performing, five gallon buckets full of fake blood were placed on the edge of the stage. After the song wrapped up, the Crue doused the first few rows with the “blood.”

Motley Crue delivered on their promise to rock the amphitheater. They put on a first-class performance for all of their fans in Charlotte. Motley Crue showed no signs of slowing down with their in-your-face rock.