July 14, 1999 Review

Not a bad review but the person obviously didn't know the bands very well.

 Poison gives fans reason for living

Thursday, July 15, 1999 from Scrantontimes.com

By Maureen Manzano and Michael Phillips TRIBUNE REGIONAL STAFF

The '80s were in full swing Wednesday as Poison showed fans at the Montage Mountain Performing Arts Center just what the cat dragged in.

Originally from Mechanicsburg, the band became an icon of the '80s with their unique brand of "Glam-Rock."

The glamour boys of noise took to the stage at 9:35 p.m. with the fan favorite, "Look What the Cat Dragged In" and segued into "I Want Action" before a vivacious crowd of both young and old.

Amid screams of delight, the band burst on the scene with flashing lights and pryotechnics, as well as pounding amps and blazing guitars. Band members put on a high-energy act with Brett Michaels, lead singer; C.C. DeVille, lead guitar, and Rikki Rockett, drummer, and Bobby Dall, bass guitar, all taking their turns in the spotlight.

For Matthew Susser of Albany, N.Y., the concert was a memorable stop as he follows the band in celebration of his 21st birthday Friday.

Matthew said he followed Poison in Hartford, Conn., Tuesday and will see them again tonight in Mansfield, Mass.

His favorite Poison song?

"Back to the Rocking Horse," though he admits it's not one of their biggest hits.

The evening kicked off with L.A. Guns, followed by Great White and Ratt.

But Poison was the biggest draw for the 6,500 fans in attendance, apparent by the sea of Poison concert T-shirts in the crowd.

Jen Gearhart, 27, of Danville, said she's followed Poison since her high school days.

"I just wanted to feel 17 again," she said about her attendance Wednesday night.

Ms. Gearhart was at the concert with friends Deanna Ewing, 31, of Williamsport; Todd Stigerwalt, 28, of Danville, and Don Stephenson, 41, also of Danville.

"We loved the '80s and the '80s generation," Mr. Stephenson said.

Each band had its share of fans.

Ratt rocked the audience with "You Beg for More" and "Shame," while Great White took to the stage with favorites like "Once Bitten, Twice Shy."

Martha and Edward Shillington of Red Rock, were anxious to see Great White in concert.

"I've been a fan for probably about 15 years," Mrs. Shillington, 42, said.

Tina Vaughn, 28, of Newville, and Lori Hershey, 22, of Carlisle, have also followed Great White, so much so as to develop a friendship with band members.

"I've known Jack Russell for about seven years," Ms. Vaughn said. "They're wonderful guys."

But the women also are familiar with Poison, noting that they live 17 minutes from Brett Michaels, the band's front man.

Traffic appeared to run smoothly and no major incidents were reported. The setting left an impression on Ms. Vaughn.

"I think it's beautiful up here," she said. "I'd come back here again."