This for me has to be one of the most anticipated gigs for years. As a
huge fan of the band since ‘Too Fast For Love’ was released on their own
Leather Records back in the early 80’s, they are a band that I have
followed since then in all their various incarnations, and I have followed
the various band members solo careers with equal enthusiasm. With this
tour being one of their most publicized and watched over of all their
tours over the years.
Starting off the UK stint of the vast ‘Red, White and Crue’ rock n roll
circus in Glasgow, all the anticipation and waiting was finally over, the
Crue were back in town to do what they do best and put the sleaze back
into Rock n Rock.
The surprise support slot for the UK stint of the tour were Killing Joke,
who I have to admit to I have only ever heard one track by them that being
'Eighties'. So it was with a little trepidation that I entered arena I
all I heard was this thumping noise from behind the door of the arena as I
handed the steward my ticket.
As I found my seat they were half way through their set and to me I was
half a set too early. If this band were supposed to warm the crowd up for
the main event, then I'm afraid I was left cold, as was many of the crowd.
After hearing only three more songs it was time to head for the bar.
Which I think most of the others in the crowd had also decided to do as
the bar area was packed. A sign that may increase the bar takings, but
not the sale of Killing Joke merchandise.
Now for the main event. With the added joviality of a short animated
cartoon of the Crue about to carry on the tour despite the impending doom
of an asteroid hitting the earth (if you go to one of the shows you know
what I'm on about). Followed by an introduction by Mighty Mike, the
first few chords of 'Shout At The Devil' are heard. Then the curtain
raises and the circus begins. Amongst pyro’s, exotic acrobats, and the
dwarfs on stage, the band burst on the stage and let rip in true Motley
style.
With a set list that is straight from every Crue fans favourite's list,
there was something to please everybody. Vince Neil was looking like the
frontman every young band wished they had, with Nikki Sixx still slinging
his bass down low and doing the thing he loves playing rock n roll.
There
had been some doubts as to whether Mick Mars would last the distance on
this tour, but the doubters were left eating their words tonight. He was
more mobile tonight than I have ever seen him before and he played his
heart out and shredded riff after riff. If this is what a hip replacement
can do for you then put me down for one.
The set it self was split into two halves with a short 10 minute break,
which once again saw the big screens in use with another animation and a
counter in the corner of the screen counting down the seconds till the
band came back on stage. As the counter reached the 20-second mark the
crowd started their own countdown shouting out every second from 20 down
too 1.
As the curtain was raised once again to the delight of every member of the
crowd, the band tore into ‘Girls Girls Girls’ and then ‘Wild Side’.
But the highlight of the night, no not the titty cam, had to be, no not
the titty cam!, ‘Home Sweet Home’. As Tommy Lee played the opening few
chords on the keyboards every member of the audience put their hearts on
their sleeves and sang not just opening few lines, but nearly the whole
song as Vince Neil just stood in awe and was clearly touched by the
moment. Even when he started to sing the crowd were still singing their
hearts out. This was a very special moment that I don’t think will be
repeated. It was a truly sacred moment between fans and band.
With so many highlights on the show I could go on for pages and pages
telling you about them, but this might spoil it for those who haven’t been
to the shows yet. But, let me tell you one thing, if you are going to the
show be prepared for someone to pick up your jaw as this is one hell of a
show and one that shouldn’t be missed no matter what.
Setlist:
Shout at the Devil Too Fast for Love
10 Seconds to Love
Red Hot
On With The Show
Too Young To Fall In Love
Looks That Kill
Louder Than Hell
Live Wire Girls Girls Girls
Wild Side
Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)
Primal Scream
Dr Feelgood Same Ol' Situation Sick Love Song
Kick Start My Heart
Helterskelter
Anarchy in the UK
