The Bret Michaels Band made its lone Western New York appearance at the Rapids Theater last Thursday night. Bret, who is on break from his band Poison, arrived with the same solo band that he has had for some time now. This would include “Lucky” Chuck Fanslau on drums, Pete Evick on guitar, Robi Wylde on keyboards and bassist Dirty Ray who recently broke his foot a couple of days earlier, but was still able to do the show.
Bret, who is known for putting on a very energetic show, showed that this night was no different from past shows. The hour and 20 minute set consisted of mostly Poison hits, but also included a solo cut “Go Far” and 3 covers; Lynryd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama,” Loggins & Messina’s “Your Mama Don’t Dance, “and Sublime’s “What I Got.”
Before “Sweet Home Alabama,” he went on to say that he is an honorary member of Skynyrd as they stuck by him when he had his brain hemorrhage back in 2010. Bret also talked about how he is already looking forward to the 2012 tour with Def Leppard and Joan Jett. He also mentioned his new business venture with Snapple of developing a low-sugar drink for diabetics (Bret is a well-known advocate for people afflicted with diabetes).
Bret added a different flavor to “Unskinny Bop” as he played the maracas at one point. Besides playing the acoustic guitar, Bret also played the harmonica on the Loggins & Messina classic “Your Mama Don’t Dance.” Lucky Chuck was showcased as he performed an extended drum solo.
Bret loves playing the Buffalo/Niagara area and the crowd is always appreciative when he comes to town. He has the uncanny knack of making everyone feel a part of the show. Bret is the consummate professional in every sense of the word.
Set List:
Talk Dirty to Me
Look What the Cat Dragged in
Go Far
Sweet Home Alabama (Lynyrd Skynyrd cover)
Something to Believe In
Unskinny Bop
Drum Solo
Mama Don’t Dance (Loggins & Messina cover)
What I got (Sublime cover)
Every Rose has It’s thorn
Fallen Angel
Encore:
Nothing but a Good Time
We would like to thank Ross Catalino from Back to Back Entertainment for the review ticket and Megan Flood from Krupp Communications for the photo pass.
