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  [Monday, July 30, 2001]  
music


in entertainment

Metal fans take a trip back to big-hair days with Poison



A time of big hair, tight leather pants and meaty guitar solos was revisited Saturday night when Poison headlined the Glam Slam Metal Jam at Riverport Amphitheatre.

Poison, whose members thankfully ditched their androgynous look, showed that the band was unfairly discarded during the advent of grunge with an 80 minute set of crowd-pleasing material. Singer Bret Michaels, who first appeared on
stage wearing a white fur coat and blue bandanna, was clearly enthused to be playing in front of his hardcore fans.

He wore a wide smile throughout the set and talked to the audience as if they were old friends. Also ecstatic was guitarist C.C. DeVille, who was fired from the band in 1991 due to drug and alcohol problems, but returned to the fold in 1996 (His return proved to be a financial catalyst during their successful reunion tour two years ago).

The interplay between Michaels and DeVille was a focal point throughout the night. Michaels frequently called on DeVille the way James Brown called on saxophonist Maceo Parker back in the day. DeVille, who looked incredibly fit, was up to the challenge, playing staccato runs and making good use of pitch control. DeVille's solo set was remarkable, alternating between a laid-back blues style and a rapid-fire classical approach.

Also displaying his chops was drummer Rikki Rockett, whose solo turn was so impressive, you would swear you were at a jazz show.

Along with its musicianship, the group showed both sides of its persona. They played the sexual party anthems ``I Want Action,'' ``Unskinny Bop,'' and ``Talk Dirty To Me.'' They also displayed a poignant face, with the uptempo songs ``Cry Tough'' and ``Fallen Angel'' and the ballads ``Something To Believe In'' (which Michaels dedicated to our nation's veterans, his father and uncle among them) and ``Every Rose Has Its Thorn'' (dedicated to recently deceased Lynyrd Skynyrd bassist Leon Wilkeson).

Preceding the headliners was Warrant. The group, aided immensely by talented new guitarist Billy Morris, rocked amicably though hard-rocking hits such as ``Down Boys,'' ``Uncle Tom's Cabin'' and ``Cherry Pie.'' Singer Jani Lane,
who has not been treated well by the years, started off playing the touching ballads ``Heaven Isn't Too Far Away'' and ``I Saw Red'' solo, and was well received. However, Lane's foul-mouthed cheerleading became tiresome as the
set went on.

Also appearing were the infectously joyful Quiet Riot, bolstered by the irrepressible energy and charisma of singer Kevin DuBrow, and Enuff Z'nuff.


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