Review
SARATOGA SPRINGS -- Sure it's hard to age in the music business, but it's much easier if there's large amounts of makeup and big hair involved. At SPAC, each of the '80s-era bands of the Glam Slam Metal Jam tour had to show whether they've grown, regressed or are merely treading water.

On a stage set with a metal grid and railings to run around on, Poison singer Bret Michaels came running out in a white fur coat (despite the heat) and blue headband holding his blond hair at bay, shouting "It's been too long!''

"Look What the Cat Dragged In'' ushered in a slamming set, painted in broad brush strokes. Ace guitarist C.C. DeVille worked the stage with a grin, hardly ever taking his hand off the whammy bar on his guitar, packing dive bomber noises and screams into every measure, in fine form.

Poison punctuated their slippery set with an expansive "Ride the Wind,'' power ballad "Something to Believe In,'' a down to basics "Your Mama Don't Dance,'' huge "Fallen Angel,'' and "Every Rose Has Its Thorn,'' (a nostalgic highlight) with all the expected fireworks. As a band once known for excesses, Poison pulled off a solid, almost, uh, professional show -- there were no dead horses being beaten on the stage.

Warrant walked out in a wall of feedback that turned into "Down Boys,'' and ripped through a heavy set full of big hits and old tricks. Singer Jani Lane looked a bit washed out, pale and paunchy, but still could hit his high notes, and guitarist Billy Morris played like he got paid by the note.

Lane fared well with a very effective acoustic sing-along segment, while "Bed Of Roses'' held harmonies and hooks to spare. New tune "Subhuman'' was dark and dirty, and worthy of their repertoire. But it was "Cherry Pie,'' in all its sophomoric splendor, that hit home with the crowd.

Quiet Riot came on looking like they were trying out for the rock 'n' roll Olympics, with buff bods and honed chops, headbanging at the top of their game.

In a glittery gold vest, singer Kevin DuBrow was in fine voice for their strong set. Blond hair flying, guitar wizard Carlos Cavazo didn't bother with a shirt. Bassist Rudy Sarzo had the moves and grooves, while drummer Frankie Banali played with confidence and authority.

"We're All Crazy Now'' and "Come On Feel The Noise,'' were fine, but the real surprise was new tune "Rock The House,'' a turn-it-up and take-your-head-off anthem.

MUSIC REVIEW POISON with Warrant, Quiet Riot When: 6 p.m. Saturday Where: Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Route 50, Saratoga Springs (Grand Slam Metal Jam)

The crowd: '80s headbangers, large contingent of young folks who must have raided their parents' CD collections.

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