Live Gig Review and Photos by Robert Cavuoto
Bret Michaels continues to prove he has a successful career with Poison as well as a solo artist as just this past summer, the Bret Michaels Band featuring Pete Evick [guitar], Norman Voss [bass], Dean Cramer [guitar], Rob Jozwiak [keyboards], and Meri Schaefer [drums] were playing to pack outdoor arenas for his Parti-Gras 2023 Tour. Tonight, Bret is taking his Rock & Roll party inside to the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, NJ, for 105.5 WDHA’s Naughty or Nice Ball to ring in the Christmas holiday.
It’s that wonderful time of the year when Christmas spirits are high, and the Bret Michaels Band comes to town to usher in some rocking yuletide joy. Their concert is the perfect way for fans to enjoy quality time from the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping and be blown away by infectious Poison tunes.
When Bret appeared on stage, you could instantly tell from the smile on his face that he loves what he was doing…playing live. Pete told me before the show, “Nobody entertains an audience better than Bret,” that sentiment rang true with the warm and personable way he greeted this overjoyed New Jersey crowd with high fives and waves. The show opened with the slinky and sexy “Talk Dirty to Me” and the audience a glimpse of what was to come – a flurry of furious guitar playing, big choruses, and tremendous vocals. Bret’s trademark voice and Poison’s melodic riffs transported the audience to a better time and place in their lives.
No special guests joined the band on these runs of dates, so they played all of Poison’s most influential hits ever written, like “Look What the Cat Dragged In,” “Unskinny Bop,” Ride the Wind,” and “Nothin’ But a Good Time,” along two covers that they made their own; “Your Mama Don’t Dance,” and show closer “Sweet Home Alabama” with the opening act Adam and the Metal Hawks joining them.
The band was fired up and feeding off the crowd’s energy as Bret kept the crowd engaged and entertained with stories about the songs played. This evening, he gave all he had to the fans with heart and soul. In an era when bands use vocal tracks to supplement or enhance the live show, Bret belts them all out in perfect vocal form.
He delivered what fans came for as he drew the audience into Poison’s music, while Pete hammered out riff after memorable riff and highly melodic solos. Pete added his guitar-savvy flair and style to enhance each song and played like a man possessed, letting all his influences shine, impressing fans! The band members had a distinct stage chemistry and camaraderie, and I can see why Bret assembled such a talented group.
You have Norman to thank when you feel the beat kicking you in the ass on songs like “Unskinny Bop.” He brings energy to the big moments and understands the sensitive ones, making the music sound and feel good. He also knows the balancing act of when to use it and when to entertain the audience. Dean and Pete were in lockstep, providing a solid foundation for Bret to soar. Rob delivered the subtitle and powerful keyboard parts that many fans might not know are layered within each Poison song. Meri pounded the rhythm out for each song and took a drum solo mid-set.
Always considerate and respectful, Bret recognized and thanked our servicemen and veterans by dedicating “Something to Believe In” to them. With Bret on his 12-string acoustic, the song held special meaning with the lyrical message of his friend who committed suicide on Christmas Eve so many years ago. Highlight of the show was “Every Rose Has It Thorn,” as fans sang along to the story of heartache and heartbreak.
The show was a testament to the strength of Bret and his band’s dynamic musicianship that had the fans dancing and singing all night. The Bret Michaels Band delivered an arena-rock show with intimate charm and charisma! No stage, let alone the Bergen PAC, could contain the band’s high-voltage energy and passionate performance. They were an unstoppable musical force and a source of non-stop fun!
Be sure to watch Bret performing on CMT Crossroads for a music history-making show where Rock and Country meet when Bret and Chris Janson come together for an unbelievable party you don’t want to miss! Tune in for the premiere on Wednesday, December 20 on CMT. Stay on top of all the band’s shows and events by visiting www.bretmichaels.com
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