By John Johnson, photos Chaz Dykes of Chaz D Photography
( Photos of Brett Michaels not available for publishing )
After last week’s deluge during the Cheap Trick and Styx show, I was a little nervous about some of the forecasts I was seeing for Clearwater this past Saturday. Some of it looked pretty sketchy to be honest, so I was prepared this time. And although it did sprinkle, comparatively speaking, it was actually a perfect climate for yet another classic rock pairing. That duo of course was Bret Michaels with opening act Tesla.
As the slightly humid Gulf breeze rolled through downtown Clearwater, the only modestly dampened crowd settled into the beautiful BayCare Sound. Without a ton of notice, the night kicked off with a band that never really learned how to age quietly, and still one of the tightest bands of their era. Tesla hit the stage and wasted zero time getting the place rocking with “Modern Day Cowboy”. The recognizable riff by guitarist and co-founder Frank Hannon was only the beginning as the rest of the members joined right in with meaning. A couple weeks prior to the show I was fortunate enough to speak with singer Jeff Keith and he was in top form. He has one of the most recognizable voices in rock, and although at times it seems as though it should hurt him to wail like he does, alas it’s what makes him special. The small but mighty nine song set consisted of Tesla favorites and only a few covers. Keith’s trademark growl toned down only for a moment while the band performed their version of the Climax Blues Band’s “I Love You”. Proof that he’s no one trick pony and that he can tone that growl down at will. “The Way It Is”, “Heaven’s Trail (No Way Out)” and the ballad-esque “Love Song” had the congregation singing along. A personal favorite “Little Suzi”, which is actually a cover, was yet another moment for Keith to unleash his ravenous vocal ability, telling the devotees that Suzi will “smile for the camera with all she’s got” with great abandon. Cannon was aptly backed by Dave Rude on second guitar, Steve Brown handling drum duties and bassist Brian Wheat rounding out the five piece heavy hitters. All but Brown coiffed with ample amounts of hair regardless of their age, with Wheat even sporting bangs. The high energy set was wrapped up with the protest anthem, and topical I might add, “Signs”, originally recorded by the Five Man Electrical Band. Tesla never disappoints, and that, along with my eardrums, still rings true today.
Judging by the amount of red, white and blue adorned middle aged gals in Poison shirts, it was evident that most came to witness the headliner, Bret Michaels. Hell, there were even several guys of a similar age that strutted around as if they were Bret’s stunt double. You know, curled cowboy hat with studs or patches, sleeveless self-promo Poison tee, overly tight stonewashed denim and the just past the shoulder, flat ironed tresses. Whether they were real coifs or not remains to be seen, not unlike Mr. Michaels himself. Regardless of what remaining follicles may be intact wasn’t important, love him or hate him Bret Michaels comes to make sure everyone is part of the party. On this particular fest, it would aptly be named Live and Amplified Parti Gras Tour, with palm tree adorned sets and digital imagery that would make any Daytona Spring Break proud. As mentioned, Michaels’ soul purpose seems to be making sure everyone is pumped up and as energetic as he is. Apparently one way to make sure, and magically conjure said enthusiasm, is by pointing at each and every person in the audience. And if you’re “lucky” enough to be down in front, you may even get a high five, fist bump or even a special bro hand shake. The band backing him is along for the ride and almost as actively animated as their CEO, and I’ll add, very talented musicians. His set leaned into the party atmosphere—big hooks, sing-along choruses, and that carefree rock-and-roll vibe he’s built his career on. From openers, a Poison trio, “Talk Dirty to Me”, “Ride the Wind”, and “Look What the Cat Dragged In” to covers “Your Mama Don’t Dance” and “Sweet Home Alabama”, the band and Mr. Michaels were nonstop. One song seamlessly lead into the next. “Unskinny Bop”, Something to Believe In” and the obligatory sing along ballad “Every Rose Has its Thorn”. We may have dodged the bad weather bullet this time, but there were very few in attendance that avoided Bret’s outstretched index finger. And as his show closing number states, and he makes clear with each performance, he’s looking to spread “Nothin’ But a Good Time”.
By the end of the night, the whole amphitheater felt like one big tailgate that just happened to have a stage attached to it. The sound of thousands of voices shouting choruses into the cool Clearwater night that carried out toward the gulf. Tesla delivered the muscle, Bret Michaels delivered the party, and for a couple hours at The BayCare Sound, it felt like the late ’80s had pulled up a lawn chair and cracked open a cold one.
Now, Go Out and See, Hear and Feel Live Music.
