CRUEFEST 2 @ SPAC 9/01/09

By David Malachowski
Special to the Times Union
SARATOGA SPRINGS–

A bunch of hard rock bands blazed at SPAC for Cruefest 2 on one of the nicest nights of the summer.

Wait, it’s September…

In a few short years Motley Crue has quickly gone from seminal Hollywood band broken beyond repair, to miraculously back in the saddle again, with Cruefest now being a yearly destination. With that, many were wondering if it would be the same old song and dance this time.

Not a chance.

This year’s twist was to play the entire 1989 record “Dr Feelgood,” from the meaty title track, rockin’ “Rattlesnake Shake,” “Same Ol’ Situation” and “Sticky Sweet,” nasty “She Goes Down,” funny “Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)” to the syrupy “Time For Change.”

Scruffy looking frontman Vince Neil paraded around like he owned the place, and for an hour and a half he did. Mick Mars looked frail, but his guitar playing was strong and fiery (his stand alone solo was just jaw-dropping). Drummer Tommy Lee was the court jester (and had the biggest … bass drum you’ve ever seen) while bassist Nikki Sixx held down the foundation both musically and spiritually.

Midway, a shirtless Lee came out front and badgered the crowd for being quiet, but other bands didn’t have that problem.

“Wild Side” did pick things up, as did the bigger than life “Saints of Los Angeles” and “Shout at the Devil.” An overblown “Home Sweet Home” smelled of cheese, but “Girls, Girls Girls” brought it back to splendid Sunset Strip rock basics.

Boston’s Godsmack headlined SPAC before, and with it’s approach and stance this year, acted like it still was, and for good reason.

From the vicious “The Enemy” to thunderous “Keep Away,” Godsmack was in fine form, hitting hard, fast and furious. New song “Whisky Hangover” was a bit generic, but the ode to trust “Speak,” was powerful and moving. A double drum set duel had singer Sully Rena flailing away on a kit, while the powerful “Whatever’’ pulverized.

With a huge guttural growl and go for the throat approach, Drowning Pool provided one of the best sets of the day, capped by “Bad Girlfriend” and “37 Stitches.” Theory of a Deadman rocked hard, but singer Tyler Connolly struggled to hit notes often. A roaring “Got It Made” and dissonant “Not Meant To Be” were high points. Charm City Devils offered hard charging meat and potatoes rock with honest “Money.”

On the 2nd stage regional guitar hero Mike Campese killed with some heavy chops and brilliant, fluid playing on “Mission Mars.” The only problem, he should have been on the main stage.

David Malachowski is a local freelance writer from Woodstock and a regular contributor to the Times Union.