July 17, 2011 / 938 reads
Poison took the stage for a 50-minute, nine-song set. Michaels arrived on stage wearing a green bandana and sleeveless black T-shirt depicting the cover of PoisonÂ's sophomore album "Open Up and SayÂ… Ahh!"
He led his bandmates through tight takes of the title track from their debut disc, "Look What the Cat Dragged In," and "Ride the Wind," the latter featuring an impressive solo from guitarist C.C. DeVille. Two covers followed, PoisonÂ's version of Grand Funk RailroadÂ's "WeÂ're an American Band," and Loggins & MessinaÂ's "Your Mama DonÂ't Dance," first recorded by Poison in 1988 for "Open Up and SayÂ… Ahh!"
While "Fallen Angel" and "Unskinny Bop" clearly pleased the crowd, MichaelsÂ' power ballad "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" was the emotional highpoint of the night. He preceded the song by thanking fans for their support during his health crisis last year.
Poison left the crowd shouting with "Talk Dirty to Me" and then dancing with the closer "Nothing But a Good Time."
Reviewed by Ray Kelly, masslive.com
