Photo by Dan Boshart Friday August 23 the Bret Michaels Parti-Gras 2.0 rolled into Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston Michigan for a summer bash to celebrate the hot weather and some hot tracks from classic rockers including Lou Gramm, Don Felder, Dee Snider, plus a little rocking country from Chris Janson and of course the man himself, Bret Michaels.
The evening began with some Eagles classics from former Eagles guitarist Don Felder. The ever-youthful looking Felder dazzled with songs such as Already Gone, Take it Easy, Life in the Fast Lane, Heavy Metal (Takin’ a Ride), which he wrote for the 1981 animated film, and of course his most famous contribution to The Eagles song catalog, Hotel California. If you closed your eyes you might have thought you were at an Eagles show.
All my favorite bands of my youth who are still performing, are in their twilight years, and some are still performing at a very high caliber. Don Felder is one of them for sure. It’s sad knowing there aren’t many years of performing left for many of them but enjoy them while you can.
Next up was the odd piece to the puzzle, Chris Janson. Being neither rock nor classic, I wasn’t sure how he fit in, but I’m happy to say his set was surprisingly enjoyable. The music was country but the vibe was all rock and roll with his opening song Redneck Life and Great Balls of Fire. A lot of music blurs the lines these days and I like that. It’s all about good music and having a good time and that’s what live music should be.
The man who created this party, Bret Michaels, came out next and the partying really kicked off with the rollicking Poison song Talk Dirty to Me. After another Poison song, Ride the Wind, Michaels brought out Felder and Janson to join him on Loggins and Messina’s Your Mama Don’t Dance. Michaels and Janson both brought out harmonicas for this one and Felder took center stage with his guitar.
For the next three songs, Michaels introduced legendary Foreigner vocalist Lou Gramm. Gramm proceeded to belt out Cold as Ice, Hot Blooded, and Juke Box Hero while the crowd, already pumped up by Michaels sang along to every word. Despite retiring from regular touring a few years ago, Gramm still has it for these smaller sets and one-off gigs.
Michaels returned to perform another three Poison songs and also to bring some veterans out on stage to chants of USA from everyone in attendance. It was a nice tribute to the men and women protecting America.
The last guest to perform that night was the twisted sister himself, Dee Snider. I’d never seen Dee live before and was looking forward to it. I was not disappointed as Snider tore into Twisted Sister’s biggest hit, We’re Not Going to Take It. The big guy brought the energy up next level and the crowd ate it up.
Michaels joined Snider for a cover of Highway to Hell and then finished the night with the big hits, Every Rose Has Its Thorn and Nothin’ But a Good Time.
It was a really fun show and he’s promised to bring it back next year for his birthday to an as yet unknown intimate venue. He also teased a possible Poison tour in 2026 featuring all the original members. We can only hope it all comes true.
All photos by Dan Boshart
