Concert Review
Bret Michaels
Vince Neil
Stephen Pearcy
Parti Gras 2025
Sunday August 3, 2025
Bethel Woods Center For The Arts
Bethel, NY
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto
Bret Michaels brought his summer Parti Gras tour to the Center For The Arts last night. The show featured three bands all fronted by three of the greatest frontmen in the history of hard rock music from the sunset strip 80’s era. Playing nothing but the hits or songs which received a ton of radio airplay back in the day made this show a little extra special.
Up first was Stephen Pearcy whose band Ratt got their first taste of success in 1983 with the release of their self-titled EP. Pearcy had his usual backing band of what he refers to the Rat Bastards. The band included guitarists Johnny Monaco (Enuff Z’nuff) and Erik Ferentinos (Stephen Pearcy solo band), bassist Matt Thorr and drummer Blas Elias (Slaughter, Blue Man Group). The 45-minute set featured all the Ratt classics one would expect to hear performed with a zest.
Vince Neil who rose to fame with the bad boys of Motley Crue in the early 80’s played next. This weekend’s shows marked Neil’s first since September 2024. He had a medical situation that needed his attention as he explained to the crowd after “Dr. Feelgood”. In fact he said the doctor did not expect him to be able to get on stage again. Neil courageously was able to get medically cleared to return because this is what he does and he explained how he enjoys performing for his fans. It was definitely a great thing to see Neil back up there giving his all and he delivered a set of hits from the Crüe catalog. As usual he had guitarist Jeff Blando and bassist Dana Strum both from Slaughter on stage along with the insane drumming antics of Zoltan Chaney.
The headmaster of ceremonies who dreamed up the Parti-Gras concept, Bret Michaels closed out the show. When Michaels first addressed the crowd he mentioned how it was a great day and could not think of a better place close out this version of the Parti-Gras tour. This is where music history was made he mentioned and this version of Parti-Gras to me seemed to be the strongest package due to the fact it focused on bands from the era Poison and Michaels came from.
Much to the surprise of many of Bret Michaels diehard supporters, “Fallen Angel” was put in the set to commemorate these special shows. It is one of those songs that used to have a regular slot but disappeared and was played sparingly over the years. It was the perfect time for it to make an appearance.
Michaels band is a cohesive unit lead by guitarist Pete Evick who has played with Michaels for a little over twenty years. The rest of the band is made up of drummer Meri Shaefer, guitarist Dean Cramer, bassist “Stormin” Norman and keyboardist Rob Jozwiak.
His traditional intro to the closing song for the evening says it all. We ain’t leaving until you all have nothing but a damn good time. Michaels and his entourage help take one away from life’s daily grind. It helps transport you back to a time when life was simpler with less responsibility. Thankfully even if only for a brief moment we can look back on fonder memories.
Photos
Bret Michaels
Vince Neil
Stephen Pearcy
Set Lists
Bret Michaels
Talk Dirty To Me
Ride The Wind
Look What The Cat Dragged In
Your Mama Don’t Dance
Something To Believe In
Fallen Angel
Unskinny Bop
Drum Solo
Every Rose Has Its Thorn
Sweet Home Alabama
Nothin’ But A Good Time
Vince Neil
Dr. Feelgood
Shout At The Devil
Looks That Kill
Smokin’ In The Boys Room
Kickstart My Heart
Girls, Girls, Girls
Wild Side
Stephen Pearcy
Wanted Man
Slip of the Lip
You’re In Love
Lay It Down
Lack of Communication
Way Cool Jr.
Back For More
Round and Round
