Poison (w/ Cheap Trick, Pop Evil) @ Budweiser Stage (Toronto, ON) on June 19, 2018 [Photos & Show Review]

On Tuesday night we weren’t lookin’ for nothin’ but a good time, and that’s exactly what we got as Poison rocked the Budweiser Stage, along with Cheap Trick and Pop Evil!

Michigan hard rockers Pop Evil took the stage first and proceeded to “kick ass”. Front man Leigh Kakaty mentioned that he was from Kingston, just before he leapt off the riser of newest band mate Haley Cramer’s drums. Guitarists Nick Fuelling and Dave Grahs on either side, and bassist Matt DeRito rocked out all over the stage to the delight of every female fan in attendance. The first three songs were “Boss’s Daughter”, “Ex Machina”, and “Deal With The Devil”.

Next up were Illinois rockers Cheap Trick who, year after year, continue to put on spectacularly entertaining shows. Front man Robin Zander sported black leathers and a leather cap while Robin Zander Jr. hung in the background on rhythm guitar. Bassist Tom Petersson played a really cool Gretsch 12-string bass and guitarist Rick Nielsen was as energetic as ever, all over the stage with his some of his awesome guitar collection (including the famous 5-neck guitar). Rick was even flicking guitar picks everywhere and actually managed to hit me with one. Which I now have as a trophy… along with the picture of him flicking it at me. (That was a fanboy moment.)

After a brief intermission it was time for tonight’s headliner, the original lineup of American glam rockers Poison. Like a well-oiled machine, frontman Bret Michaels, guitarist C.C. DeVille, Bobby Dall on bass and Mr. Rikki Rockett on drums pumped out hit after hit. Amidst smoke billowing up from the stage and strobe lights from all directions, it almost felt as if we had been teleported back in time. This show was one of those “must-see concerts” of the summer that are just plain fun and had everyone partying like it was 1989.

Poison’s Setlist:

01. Look What The Cat Dragged In
02. I Want Action
03. Ride The Wind
04. Talk Dirty To Me
05. Something To Believe In
06. Your Mama Don’t Dance
07. Fallen Angel
08. Unskinny Bop
09. Every Rose Has It’s Thorn
10. Nothin’ But A Good Time

Watch the video for the classic Poison track “Something To Believe In” here.