Pearcy will tour RATT hits all summer, so go buy that ticket. Go support your rock heroes, and be a hero to yourself the morning after.
Concert Score: 10/10
Venue Score: 10/10
By Bryan Ahearn
February 24, 2023
PARKER, CO—Even if only for a night, Stephen Pearcy, the original voice of RATT, brought the picketed white fence, soccer field-dotted Denver suburb of Parker, Colorado, down into the grittiest, filthiest, dirtiest, most glamorous Sunset Strip gutter one could imagine.
And it absolutely rocked.
Behind a gleaming pair of silver aviator glasses, enrobed in a studded black leather jacket, and clutching a brass knuckled microphone, Pearcy passionately delivered a blistering set of all things RATT for nearly 90 minutes Thursday night to the jam-packed Wild Goose Saloon—one of the cleanest, best-sounding rock clubs I’ve ever been to.
Of course, the real crown jewel of the night was indeed Stephen Pearcy, and the setlist closer “Round and Round,” the chart-topping rock anthem that ruled the hard rock airwaves of the 1980s. But for the hundreds in attendance that night in Parker, every one of the 15 songs came off with equally searing aplomb, magically melding a different era into present day, and leaving a star-struck crowd breathless in its wake.
Wall to wall, gutter to gutter, the hits came all night. Indeed, Pearcy remains to this day a wanted man—with tracks from RATT adorning rock radio almost once hourly—as often as any other other 80s rock counter parts Def Leppard, Motley Crue and Poison.
But while bands from this era share likeness, what distinguishes Stephen Pearcy from the aforementioned three bands is that while these bands re-formed original lineups to sell out stadiums (in one of the most popular summer tours in years, might I add) Pearcy, for the most part, has had to start his journey all over again—of course, with the help of a stellar supporting band that was on fire all night.
Note for note, this band provided the perfect, quintessential canvas for Pearcy to tag with his white-hot rock voice and scorching lyricism.
Unabashed and adoringly unapologetic, Stephen Pearcy and his band absolutely pummeled and laid out the crowd with hits that somehow seemed laced with even more resolve and rebellion than ever could have possibly come off with in their heyday, some 40 years ago.
Aged like fine wine. A really dirty, sweet, addictive form of fine wine.
If you know, you know.
“Slip of the Lip” was particularly intoxicating, as Pearcy tantalizingly leaned into the crowd, flashing his brass-knuckled mic over the audience for boisterous “SLIP! SLIP!” chorus sing-backs.
Pearcy getting up-close and personal with the audience was a resounding theme all night. Through a tangled maze of stage-front high fives and fist bumps, Pearcy engaged (somehow) tirelessly with the audience the entire show.
Where his energy came from (and how!) during “Lay It Down,” one could only hope will be replicated by rock artists 40 years from now. For, mark my words, Stephen Pearcy is not only the rock hero we need, but the RATT we deserve.
“Lack Of Communication” inspired chant-like sing-alongs from a crowd that somehow seemed to have something to prove that night as well, and “I Want A Woman,” was 100% throwback goodness to what once was—and in the hearts and ears of many in attendance—still is.
Indeed, it was all about love Thursday night, fittingly, for lyrics that draw much raw inspiration from relationships and passion. No politics. No metaphors. No holds-barred. Just love, appreciation, and a never-say-die resolve.
In that spirit, “Back For More” towards the end of the set came off with an even more acidic revolt, as the crowd seems to be saying they weren’t just standing there for Stephen Pearcy that night, but standing right there…beside him, and for him.
In that once immaculately clean, Wild Goose Saloon (now turned sweatbox several hours later that night) perhaps Stephen Pearcy wasn’t doing it alone after all.
With Pearcy remarking frequently, and very genuinely, throughout the night, how appreciative he was that he could still do this, and thankful we were still coming to their shows.
When all was said and done, perhaps Stephen Pearcy wasn’t doing it alone. And after the music he brought last night, neither were we.
Neither are we.
So go buy that ticket. Go support your rock heroes, still, and be a hero to yourself the morning after.
Rock-on, flashbacks. Rock-on, dreams and memories.
RATT…and roll, for life.
Opening Bands
Poison’d: A Denver-based band that covers Poison hits. Great sound, engaging backup singers, really good lead vocals and probably the best female, 80s-inspired shred guitarist I’ve ever seen live. Catch them around Denver!
The Fuzzheads: A Denver-based classic rock cover band. Ozzy, Hendrix, Led Zep…all there with a high level of bluesy-rock musicianship and a super fun stage presence. All three guitarists can really, really play…and sing, and if you like crazy-good drumming, check it! Catch them around Denver!
Venue Review: A +. All venues can be special based on the bands and staff. But this Wild Goose? It’s one of those “Am I dreaming?” places. Reminiscent of an upscale, House Of Blues found in a metropolis, this venue in small-town Parker is a legitimate contender to be the crown jewel rock venue of south-Denver, period. The staff seemed to be friendly, professional and engaged. Parking was even fine. And the smoked barbecue smelled insanely good. All. Night. Long. Holy moly. Made it tough to concentrate on the awesome music at times, but I muddled through. (I should have gotten there earlier to eat. What time do they open for lunch today??)
MavStar 