Vince Neil @ Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto, Ontario 12-22-12

Vince Neil rarely performs solo in the Toronto, Ontario, area so this was a great gift to the rock fans just in time for Christmas. Despite the high ticket price of $50, around 600 people made it out to see the Motley Crue front man perform. The lights went out by 10:40 PM and Samuel L. Jackson could be heard on the loud speakers quoting from the movie “Pulp Fiction.”

“Live Wire” got the show rolling, followed by “Dr. Feelgood,” both big Motley Crue hits. A massive “Tres Rios Tequila” backdrop was hung behind and now the singer has just launched his own brand of vodka named “Tatuado.” Vince’s solo band consists of Slaughter members Dana Strum on bass, Jeff Blando on guitar and Zoltan Chaney on drums. Motley played Toronto back on September 13th after Vince broke his foot the night prior on stage. He referenced that tonight by saying “My foot’s all better! Thanks to your Toronto doctors that made me better.” He also sang two songs at his own after party that night with local Motley Crue tribute act Crued, who were in attendance tonight watching their hero in action.

Before performing “Piece Of Your Action,” Vince asked “Who likes the old shit?” Many fans only want to hear the Motley Crue catalog and most of the 80 minute set reflected that. Some diehards like myself would love to hear songs off his first two solo releases but unfortunately we got none of that this evening. We only got one solo tune, 2010’s “Tattoos & Tequila.” “We never really do this song because the guys fuck it up every time we play it, shall we try it tonight?” Vince joked before “Home Sweet Home” was played without incident.

The singer brought out his “Girls Girls Girls” Strip Club guitar to play during “Don’t Go Away Mad” and “Same Ol’ Situation.” He then left the stage and for the next 15 minutes, the band took over with Jeff Blando on vocals for a Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath medley. Jeff started it off with a guitar intro using a bow. I felt the whole thing ran too long and should have been minimized to one song only. The real spectacle has to be drummer Zoltan with his over the top drumming techniques. He’s fun and so entertaining to watch and he barely misses a beat. He’s one of the most visual drummers on the scene today and a must see.

Finally, after the band showcase, Neil returned and a triple offering of “Kickstart My Heart,” “Girls Girls Girls” and “Wild Side” concluded the night. During “Girls Girls Girls,” Vince’s girlfriend, Rain, came out and bounced on the lap of a fan in a wheelchair on the side of the stage. I’m sure he’ll remember that for years to come! Before leaving, the singer announced Motley Crue will be back in the New Year for a Canadian tour. The band did not return for an encore but that was okay as it was a great performance tonight and I’m sure nobody left disappointed.

Opening the show were four local bands, including Toronto’s own Tiger Star. The band features five octave vocalist Mila Star, guitarist Cam Carnage, bassist John Barbarian and drummer Sean Striker. They put on a convincing 30 minute set which had Mila going out into the crowd to sing and take photos with fans. Highlights included “White Tiger” and “Sweet Heaven.” This is an indie band to keep an eye on in 2013.

Set List:

Pulp Fiction Intro
Live Wire (Motley Crue song)
Dr. Feelgood (Motley Crue song)
Piece Of Your Action (Motley Crue song)
Looks That Kill (Motley Crue song)
Tattoos & Tequila
Home Sweet Home (Motley Crue song)
Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away) (Motley Crue song)
Same Ol’ Situation (S.O.S.) (Motley Crue song)
Whole Lotta Love (Led Zeppelin cover) / Heaven & Hell (Black Sabbath cover) /Stairway To Heaven (Led Zeppelin cover) Medley (Jeff Blando on vocals)
Kickstart My Heart (Motley Crue song)
Girls, Girls, Girls (Motley Crue)
Wild Side (Motley Crue song)