2009 CRUE FEST 2
COMCAST CENTER Mansfield, MA
Live photos and review by Lena Lamoray

CRUE FEST returned this year with a second installment of new bands and the legendary rock darlings, MOTLEY CRUE.  The Monster Energy Stage featured REV THEORY, 16 SECOND STARE, CAVO and SHRAM.  The main stage brought us MOTLEY CRUE, GODSMACK, THEORY OF A DEADMAN, DROWNING POOL and CHARM CITY DEVILS.   

The classic hard rock band from Baltimore, CHARM CITY DEVILS opened the main stage and played a tight set that started the night out right.  They are signed to NIKKI SIX’s label, ELEVEN SEVEN MUSIC, for a good reason.  Their music is a blend of classic, blues and rip roar n’ rock n’ roll.

These guys rock their tight pants and their guitar player, NICK KAY offered me up one hell of a handshake.  DROWNING POOL is always a great band to catch live.  I’ve seen them a few times and they always put on an energetic and pleasing show.  I love the vintage style microphone that RYAN McCOMBS uses.  DROWNING POOL has had their music featured in a bunch of films such as THE PUNISHER and more and just about every sporting event, especially the WWE.  BODIES is the best rage ready rock hit for any event.  I can honestly say that they are really just a bunch of laid back guys with really pleasant attitudes that just happen to put out music that will kick you in the ass.   THEORY OF A DEADMAN remind me a lot of NICKELBACK but I think the pompadour sporting front man, TYLER CONNOLLY was having an off night because he was not pulling off some of his vocal ranges.  I have never seen them live before but I have to believe he hits them a lot better on most nights.  Someone get that man a cup of tea with honey!     The band as a whole was good.  GODSMACK is always a favorite in the Massachusetts area and the girls and guys (you know who you are) go crazy over SULLY ERNA perhaps because his name is so much fun to say.  They have even invented a game that uses his name, odd I know.  They brought back the use of the spotlight and that was well received.  GODMACK loves their explosions!  They sounded great and showcased their hits VOODOO, I STAND ALONE, STRAIGHT OUT OF LINE and more.  Hopefully, we will have a new album in 2010.   

The reason for the CRUE FEST 2 is of course MOTLEY CRUE.  You want to talk about a stage set-up!  The show opened to reveal a patient on a vintage hospital gurney being “cared” for by treacherous doctors.  Then the band was revealed in a white padded room set where they performed the first song, DR. FEELGOOD and then the walls were lifted to showcase an elaborate stage with platforms and levels and dancing girls.  MOTLEY CRUE certainly gives you your money’s worth with stage set galore.  As a photographer you can not ask for anymore except of course for TOMMY LEE to be present.  Damn, you sparklers and those overzealous hands of MR. LEE!  This was my first time photographing MOTLEY CRUE and I really wanted to capture all of the members.  Not to say that MORGAN ROSE didn’t do a great job.  That guy is a true pro.  He had little time to prepare but stepped up and filled some really, really big shoes.  MOTLEY CRUE have been around since the early ‘80’s and still have withstood the test of time and remain relevant in today’s musical society.  Many other bands have tried to be just like them but there will only be one MOTLEY CRUE that consists of VINCE NEIL, TOMMY LEE, MICK MARS and NIKKI SIXX.  It is great to see MICK MARS performing and doing what he loves.  He is certainly an inspiration to pretty much everyone.    The live set highlights were KICKSTART MY HEART, WITHOUT YOU, SHOUT AT THE DEVIL, HOME SWEET HOME, GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS and more.  MOTLEY CRUE live appeals to every sense, after all, no other band will ever sound, feel, look, taste and smell like MOTLEY CRUE.