Poison, Cheap Trick and Pop Evil @ Darien Lake PAC, Corfu, NY 6-26-18

One of the most uptempo shows of the summer just came through Western New York area last night When you combine two bands who defined their generation in 80’s band Poison, 70’s band Cheap Trick and throw in millennial band Pop Evil, there was something for everyone. The show was light in attendance but that didn’t matter for any of the acts as they played like if it was 20,000 strong.

Opening the show was North Muskegon, Michigan’s own Pop Evil. In February the band released their fifth studio effort (self-titled) in February of 2018 to raving reviews. Led by front man lead vocalist Leigh Kataty, the band went through a strong 9 song set that included 3 new tunes off of their self-titled album. The band earned the respect of mostly veteran concert goers who weren’t familiar with their material. They had others commenting positively on their set and that’s all an opening band can hope for when doing a limited opening slot.

Taking the stage next was Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Cheap Trick. Not resting on their laurels, the band still are putting out amazing new material. Just in the last 2 years the band has released 3 studio efforts (one being a Christmas album with a few new tracks). The band still dresses like they true rocks stars they are led by the ultra-cool Robin Zander. Zander’s vocals were strong throughout. He also played the 6 string when needed which included acoustic performances on “I’m Waiting for the Man” which bassist Tom Petersson sang lead on and “The Flame.” Not sure why he wasn’t mentioned (at least I didn’t hear him mentioned) but the band was accompanied by another guitarist in Robin Zander Jr. He added a full sound to the mix but wasn’t sure why he wasn’t acknowledged. Quirky and highly underrated guitarist Rick Nielsen had some technical issues at the start of the set as he had to go back to his tech for some assistance. Besides that, he was his usual self. He was moving about switching guitars after every song and tossing out a bunch of guitar picks. The band remains one of the true consistent legacy artists from the 1970’s.

Finishing out the night was the over the top glam band from the 1980’s from Los Angeles, CA in Poison. The opening sequence was a video montage of the band in cartoon sketches that was pretty comical. Still touring with all original members, the band kicked into “Look What the Cat Dragged In.” It was nonstop of constant action for the next 1 hour and 15 minutes. With ringleader Bret Michaels leading the way, the rest of the band followed suit. Lots of love was given by Michaels to guitarist C.C. Deville as he introduced or called on him numerous times. Between the two of them and bassist Bobby Dall, each made its way to the end of the thrust (extended stage) numerous times. Michaels is usually one of the most energetic front men in rock but this show might have been the most I have ever seen him this energetic. He was all over the place and put on a terrific performance!

The band brought out servicemen/women on stage to pay them tribute during “Something to Believe In.” Drummer Rikki Rockett and Dall enjoyed solo spotlights as well. As much as Michaels was on top of his game the same must be said for Deville. He hit every note and moved about a lot more than the last show I saw him at last year in Albany, NY. I should also note for the first time at a Poison show, they had a keyboard player (Will Champlin) that played throughout the show. I also loved the act that they interjected some cuts from their classic videos during various parts of their set.

If there were any drawbacks to Poisons performance is that the setlist could have been more diverse and the band could have played a little longer. Not sure what the reason is but usually Michaels likes to keep his performances around 1 hour and 15 minutes or so (his solo band as well). Poison does have some material to draw from so throwing in a few others could spice it up a little.

Overall, again this was by far the most spirited shows (from any artist) I’ve seen this year. The tour is wrapping up but it may not be to late to have “Nothin’ But a Good Time!”

Poison setlist:

Look What the Cat Dragged In

I Want Action

Ride the Wind

Talk Dirty to Me

Something to Believe In

Your Mama Don’t Dance (Loggins & Messina cover)

C.C. Deville guitar solo

Fallen Angel

Unskinny Bop

Rikki Rockett drum solo

Bobby Dall bass solo