by John Johnson, photos by Chaz Dykes of Chaz D Photography
The night kicked off with a high-energy set from Night Ranger, the iconic rock band that has been bringing a blend of hard rock and melodic anthems to fans for decades. Performing at Clearwater’s BayCare Sound, the band wasted no time getting the crowd amped up with the classic hit “You Can Still Rock in America”. And the elder statesmen certainly do know how to “still rock”. Original members Brad Gillis, Kelly Keagy and Jack Blades (67,72 and 70 respectively) helm one of the tightest bands at any age. The latter, Blades, covered every inch of the stage while playing bass and singing the majority of their fan favorites. Drummer Keagy handling the mic for arguably their biggest hit “Sister Christian”, had the entire crowd singing along holding aloft their lit cell phones. The five piece, truly American, rock band covered all the gems including, “Sing Me Away”, “When you Close Your Eyes”, “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me” as well as Ozzy’s “Crazy Train” and two Damn Yankees tunes. Their polished performance and tight musicianship were evident, with guitarist Gillis shredding through solos and Blades’ unmistakable vocals cutting through the Florida night air. The crowd responded enthusiastically, relishing the nostalgic sound of ‘80s rock, and Night Ranger certainly set the bar high for the rest of the night.
As the stage was reset for Bret Michaels, anticipation built, and the congregation roared when the Poison frontman took the stage with his signature bandana and larger-than-life charisma, or as the kids say today Rizz. Michaels’ “Parti-Gras 2.0” tour was a celebration of rock’s greatest hits, and he delivered just that, performing a mix of Poison classics like “Unskinny Bop”, “Nothin’ But A Good Time”, “Talk Dirty to Me” and the obligatory “Every Rose Has Its Thorn”. The show was a full sensory experience, combining live rock with patriotic theatrics and crowd interaction. Michaels was in top form, engaging with the audience and showcasing his deep appreciation for the fans by literally trying to point at each and every participant.
The highlight of the night came when Dee Snider of Twisted Sister replaced Michaels on stage for a rock ‘n’ roll moment that sent the horde into a frenzy. The Twisted Sister legend belted out his standard “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” a perfect anthem for a night filled with nostalgia and high-octane energy. The 69 year old New Yorker’s chemistry with the mob was electric as he tore into “I Wanna Rock” and a cover of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell”. With a mix of rock anthems, powerhouse vocals, and a few surprise moments, the night was a testament to the enduring power of ‘80s rock and the undeniable stage presence of both Night Ranger and Bret Michaels, with some Dee Snider thrown in for good measure. The crowd left BayCare Sound buzzing, already looking forward to the next blast of rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia.
