Motley Crue 'Red Hot' in Miami

September 14th, 2014

Motley Crue's third show in the state of Oklahoma in as many days solidified the fact that the band is still capable of delivering a great rock show to a raucous crowd. An overflow crowd over over 10,000 invaded the outdoor amphitheater at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, OK on this night and never let up as the band torched through a barrage of nostalgic hits. Before the show, rock fans young (but mostly old) littered the small casino in anticipation of a great night of rock and roll debauchery; they would not be disappointed.

Before the Crue would grace the crowd with its 32-year-old presence, local rockers Hinder took the stage to a nice reception. It was clear that many in attendance were not aware the band's original singer (who no one seemed to know the name of) would not be fronting the band on this night. Regardless, the new-aged-rockers belted out a few hits such as "Lips of an Angel," to respectable cheers, although some of the older rockers started with chants of "Crue! Crue! Crue!" as Hinder's set wound down.

After an abnormally long break, Motley Crue's intro tape hit and the crowd revved to a frenzy. The opening bass chords of "Red Hot" and the emergence of the band's singer, Vince Neil sent cell phone cameras flying high overhead as well as roars of excitement. Neil was in very top form on this night, hitting high notes on songs like "Livewire" that he previously allowed the crowd to sing in his stead. The band really began hitting their stride during the three song stretch that included their 2008 hit "Saints of Los Angeles," "Too Young to Fall In Love," and "Same Ol' Situation." The large (and cramped) crowd seemed to grow louder after each song and even wildly cheered on guitarist Mick Mars' short solo.

Unusually missing from a night of typical Motley mayhem was Tommy Lee whom appeared to be relegated to a backup role during this show. His playing was intense and precise, although his kit was barely visible to most fans. He did not perform a solo, or indulge in any "look at me" behavior which usually accompanies any Crue concert. He did receive a huge pop when he emerged from his kit to play the opening chords of "Home Sweet Home" which never fails to sent a nostalgic rock crowd swaying with delight. The final song of the night would be "Kickstart My Heart" from their most successful album, "Dr. Feelgood." A tune that proved to be the final nail in the coffin of a tremendous showing by a band who's live show has been ridiculed in the past for various reasons. The end could very well be near for this band, who has survived everything from ex-wives and death to reality shows and lawsuits. But it is clear that the masses (including the 10,000 plus in Miami) still clamor for their presence.

Setlist

Red Hot

Wildside

Louder than Hell

Saints of LA

Too Young to Fall in Love

Same Ol' Situation

Looks that Kill

Don't Go Away Mad

Livewire

Shout at the Devil

MF of the Year

Too Fast for Love

Primal Scream

Dr. Feelgood

Girls Girls Girls

Home Sweet Home

Kickstart My Heart

Iron Maiden Go 'Aces High' in Kansas City

The last time legendary heavy metalers Iron Maiden rolled through the Kansas City area, they drew a measly 3,000 people in support of their "Brave New World" album in 2000. On September 7th, 2013, the band brought Megadeth and a ton of nostalgia with them as their "Maiden England" tour hit the Sprint Center on a lively Saturday evening. A crowd of over 12,000 packed the beautiful arena in downtown Kansas City, MO and witnessed Maiden's spectacle, which was a throwback to their 1988 tour by the same name.

It was clear from the opening chords of "Moonchild" that the crowd would be on board for the long haul as the thunderous applause nearly shook the building following the band's first song of the night. Vocalist Bruce Dickinson continued to urge the crowd to "Scream for me Kansas!" (despite the venue being on the Missouri side, a common mistake and one we will let slide especially from a foreigner), but the crowd never actually needed to be prompted as the band rolled through a rising set including songs from "Number of the Beast," "Powerslave," and "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son."

The star of the night was Dickinson, who is known as one of the great metal singers of all time and at age 55, was more than willing to run around the stage like a man 25 years his junior. His voiced soared over three guitars, bass and drums throughout the evening. The rest of the band were amazingly tight as well, especially during the 12 minute production "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son." All in all, it was a glorious night for metal as the band were cheered valiantly for their efforts following the song "Running Free," their final song of the show. As the members of Iron Maiden all head towards their 60's, there is no guarantee that the Kansas City area will ever catch a glimpse of these legends again, but for one night in September...the city was ruled by Eddie.

By Clint Switzer