Taking the stage first was Faster Pussycat, looking much different then I had remembered them back in the 80’s now, they resembled more of a Goth band than a metal band.

Starting the set with the 60’s hit “These boots are made for walking” and progressing through what seemed like a greatest hits album for the band, the set was amazing. “House of Pain”, “Bathroom Wall” and “Slip of the Tongue” just to name a few. I would love to see them live when they have more time to play and at a smaller venue. They struck me more as a bar band then a large venue band. But if they come around either large or small venue go check them out. It was a great set.

Next up was Winger; minus the hair. Not knowing what to expect I was pleasantly surprised to see that the band could still hold their own after a nine-year hiatus. Playing like the veteran rockers they are they rolled through a set that contained all Wingers’ biggest songs; “Miles Away” “Headed for a Heartbreak” and “Hungry” were crowd pleasers as well as “Seventeen”, by far the most successful song from their debut album almost 15 years ago.

Upon ending the song Kip stated, “I’m way to fucking old to be singing that song”. They gave a great performance, and Kip gave everyone their due during the set allowing them to steal the spotlight for solos.

The only bad thing about being one of the opening bands is that you don’t have the time you would like to have to play and really connect with your audience. Although everyone was into the set I would have loved to seen what the band did with more time.

Nonetheless, Cinderella was up next. Being a huge fan of this band back in the late 80’s early 90’s, I had been waiting on this set for well over a decade and they more then delivered. This band absolutely blew me away.

For starters the entire band looked amazing. If possible they got better looking with age. They played a great set that was full of their biggest songs. “Gypsy Road” “Somebody Save Me” “Shelter Me”; to name a few, the set just flew by.

When they had played what everyone thought was their last song, which turned out to be a short break, it looked as if some fans were unfulfilled not hearing “Don’t know what you got til it’s gone” or “Shake Me”. But once again Cinderella took the stage and gave everyone what he or she wanted.

This band was great! I applaud Poison for adding them to the bill this year. Hopefully we will be seeing them on the road more in the coming year.

Closing the show was, of course, Poison. This band always gives an amazing performance. Seeing them last year and recently doing an interview with Rikki Rockett, where he discussed the tour, I was expecting a bigger stage show but it was very similar to the set they did last year. They always have plenty of pyro and lots of great music, so you do not mind seeing almost the same set twice.

Opening the set with “Look what the cat dragged in” Bret looked like he may have lost his mind coming out in a full-length fur coat in Texas at the end of May. But he quickly shed the extra clothing and rocked through an hour plus set.

With the release of the new album “Hollyweird” and the title of the same name I was hoping for some of the newer stuff but only one song was played. The Who’s “Squeeze Box”, was the only cut off the new album but it was great! Hey, You can’t go wrong covering a Who song.

With a couple of comments from Bret to the security at the pavilion asking them to “chill out” Bret invited all his “friends” down closer to the stage. Everyone who had been in attendance knew what was coming…”Rock and Roll All Night” last year during the Kiss cover all the bands on the tour joined Poison on the stage with 100 or so people from the audience and had a small party right on stage.

This year people were waiting for the song to start, but in doing so I think they jumped the gun a little. As the song began, two guys jumped on stage, Poison’s security came to remove them and Bret motioned for them to back off. Then the rest followed suit. It was fun to watch. After clearing the stage Poison came out once again and brought out all the other bands and had their “Jam”. This year it was “Nothin But a Good Time”. Catch this band on the road when it comes through your town. It’s the most fun you can have with your clothes on! I am counting the days until next summer.