Predictions of a gloomy & rainy night could not keep 9,500 diehard rock fans from Pine Knob on Wednesday night. The rock gods shined down and provided a perfect backdrop of clear skies and 80 degrees for this triple bill.
At an earlier than expected time of 6:40, Michigan's own "Pop Evil" took the stage to an enthusiastic, but small crowd of about 2,000. The crowd was appreciative of the sound and fury of their stage presentation. This writer heard more than one person state "how can't they be a headliner"! Between the perfectly pitched wailings of vocalist Leigh Kakaty and the stage presence of Bassist Matt DiRita, those who had not seen or heard of Pop Evil became instant fans. During the last song, "Hero", Leigh strolled all the way to the top of the hill while singing his heart out for those in the cheap seats. From my vantage point, 40 minutes was not long enough!
During intermission, Matt DiRita, Jim Letellier, and I strolled the concourse (with Matt welcoming his fans all the way) and into the VIP Starlight Lounge. In an impromptu decision (and after many Jaegger Bombs) Matt took photos and talked to fans for over 45 minutes. A true class performer and a dying breed. Talented and humble! Keep it up Matt and you'll forever be remembered for it.
With the arrival of Whitesnake onstage, Pine Knob was rocking in all its glory. David Coverdale led a triumphant return to the Knob with a fast paced set of classics, with a couple of new songs thrown in to boot. For those of us that survived the 80's, with our brain cells relatively intact, this set was a mental flashback to the time of true excess. Whitesnake pulled it all off in near perfect manner. The possible exception being an overly long and rather boring guitar solo. In the end, the crowd got what they expected and maybe more!
When Judas Priest rolled onstage at 9:40, the crowd was in a near frenzy pitch. Great weather, 2 great opening acts and plentiful beer had us all rollicking together. This is the 30 anniversary of British Steel and Priest did not disappoint the crowd. They played virtually the entire album. Between Rob Halford's strong vocals and the splendid band play, every song was near record quality. Add in a visual feast of an everchanging backdrop, lasers, and over 600 pot lights, and you had a sonic and visual orgasm!
Like all good things, it has to come to an end. This is one tired Dogg, despite the plentiful Jaegger Bombs. This triple bill will go down as one of the finer shows to hit town this season. Now it's onto Comerica Park for the Kid Rock, Lynrd Skynrd, and Robert Randolf & the Family Band. The Detroit Rock Dogg say's music heals the soul and feeds the body energy. Make love, not war! Peace Out....
Ratings:
Band line up A
Staging B+
Video B+
Weather A
Atmosphere B
Crowd Size C
Comparison metal standard 2009
Janes Addiction & Nine Inch Nails B
The Detroit Rock Dogg, Aka The Townesman
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