The Stadium Tour: Rock of Ages

The Stadium Tour arrived at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis with a nostalgic lineup that featured Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe, Poison and Joan Jett, and the Blackhawks.

Kicking off the tour was Joan Jett and the Blackhawks. Despite her 63 years of age, she looked and sounded youthful as ever. A career that started off at just 16 years old as a Runaway.

Who wouldn’t want to put another dime in the jukebox to hear hits such as “Cherry Bomb” “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” “Bad Reputation” and many others.

“Look What the Cat Dragged In” was an appropriate way to get the music rocking from Poison. Front man Bret Michaels is the youngest at 58 years old and his excitable stage presence was a treat for all the fans.

C.C. DeVille of Poison stole the limelight to entertain the Minneapolis’ crowd with a solo session. Rikki Rockett also found some solo glory with a drum solo.

“Ride the Wind” “Talk Dirty to Me” and perhaps the anthem for the evening “Nothin’ but a Good Time,” had everyone singing along word for word.

Enter: Mötley Crüe… These guys have been literally have been ripping and tearing down stages since their inception. Vince Neil, Nikki Sixx, Mick Mars and Tommy Lee started us off with “Wild Side.” Crüe has always been a loud band with all sorts of entertainment and side entertainment. Vince introduced us to three woman who danced their asses off and sang along to “Same Ol’ Situation (S.O.S.)” and “Girls, Girls, Girls.”

The Dirt was one of my favorite additions to their set list. From their self-titled bio-pic which features Machine Gun Kelly features both in the film and on the track.

“Dr. Feelgood” “KIckstart My Heart” and “Primal Scream” all kept the energy alive.

Def Leppard has came along way since their first appearance in Minnesota in 1980 when they opened up for Judas Priest.

Joe Elliott was full of life from the time the curtain raised until the their final song “Photograph.”

Starting off with “Take What You Want” was a “proper” way to begin their set. Followed up by “Let it Go.” Hands-down, it was one of the best way to spend ninety minutes. I wanted more from the South Yorkshire ageless wonders.

Songs like “Animal” “Pour Some Sugar On Me” and “Rocket” had an already erupted crowd remain on their feet.

My childhood was resurrected and rejuvenated and cannot express enough on how much of a remarkable time I had.