The latest incarnation of Cruefest rolled through Blossom Tuesday and brought a mixed bag of goodies with them. A second stage featuring Cavo, Rev Theory, 16 Second Stare and Shram brought additional noise. The only problem, with such little time, music played from both stages at once, and fans had to choose whether to watch the main stage or the second stage.
Charm City Devils opened the show to a small crowd (the 5 p.m. start time didn't help). Drowning Pool followed, performing with their new singer, Ryan McCombs. Theory of a Deadman rounded out the openers with a lighter, less guitar-heavy sound that still managed to connect with the crowd.
Godsmack could have easily headlined the show. Armed with pyrotechnics and a stunning stage set, singer Sully Erna growled his way through some old and new songs. “Whiskey Hangover” was particularly good. They also played “Voodoo,” which put the audience into a hypnotic thrall.
In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Dr. Feelgood, fest headliners Motley Crue played almost the entire album from start to finish. The stage set looked like the one used during the original Feelgood tour, with an evil medical theme and a hospital-green backdrop.
Although Vince Neil’s voice has seen better days, he still knows how to put on a show. Nikki Sixx prowled around mercilessly during a rousing version of “Kickstart My Heart.” And Tommy Lee wildly pounded the skins throughout the show — shirtless, of course. The Crue closed with a pair of favorites: “Home Sweet Home” and their timeless ode to strippers, “Girls, Girls, Girls.” —Lois Elswick
