Sean Daly: Groupie Wrangler
From the bleach-blonde stripper who proudly flashed me her Motley Crue panties to the cosmetically enhanced fan who motioned to her breasts and asked, "Are my boobs even?" my immersion into the Poison/Cinderella tour of Florida has been even nuttier than expected.
After shows in Tampa (where went backstage with Cinderella) and West Palm Beach (where we went backstage with Poison), we have one show left: tonight in Orlando.
I might retire after writing this story. You won't believe some of the stuff in my notebook -- or, for that matter, the pictures in Bob Croslin's camera. And I'm not just talking about the skanky stuff. I met a couple of brothers yesterday, both of whom have life-threatening kidney problems. They shouldn't have been at show, smoking and partying, but metal is what keeps them alive.
Anyway, I plan on writing about this next part at greater length, but here's my personal highlight thus far: After a great backstage interview at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Cinderella drummer Fred Coury agreed to have his picture taken for the story, BUT ONLY IF HE WAS SURROUNDED BY "HOT CHICKS."
So in true roadie style, I was forced to march out into the buzzing audience and, accompanied by two willing press liaisons from the venue, pick out a gaggle of female fans for Fred. How's that for old-school? You'll have to wait for the story to see who we found (and what they're reactions were), but you'll be pleasantly surprised.
OK, we're off to Orlando. I'll talk to you soon...
Sean Daly is the pop music critic for the St. Petersburg Times. His CD collection -- from Journey to Dylan, Prince to U2, Public Enemy to Stan Getz -- is much bigger and better than yours.
So what you're saying is that the ozone layer over the state of Florida is taking a hit this week and that AquaNet sales are through the roof. I saw that tour a couple years ago when the roster was Faster Pussycat, Winger, Cinderella and Posion, and I think it was actually more fun to watch the crowd and what was being worn than it was to watch the acts. Although Cinderella and Poison both put on a pretty darn good show.
Posted by: sparky | August 22, 2006 at 10:24 AM
As far as the shows are concerned, Cinderella and Poison give the fans EXACTLY what they want: earnest, energetic renditions of all the hits, tons of innuendo, pyro pyro pyro, and validation that the hair-metal community is still strong.
Posted by: Sean Daly | August 22, 2006 at 10:38 AM
I bet all the best stories and photos aren't safe for the newspaper. I wish I could have made it to atleast one of the concerts.
Posted by: | August 22, 2006 at 12:46 PM
Do tell -- what was your response to the question posed by the "cosmetically enhanced fan"?
Posted by: | August 22, 2006 at 01:24 PM
"Let me get a ruler."
Posted by: Sean Daly | August 22, 2006 at 01:34 PM
I'll have you know, that is also the only way I will allow myself to be photographed, surrounded by "hot chicks". Hence the reason I am rarely photographed.
My question is this...do you think the Hair Metal community is stronger and shining brighter in the state of Florida?
Posted by: P-Train | August 22, 2006 at 02:10 PM
Wouldn't a laser level worked better?
Posted by: sparky | August 22, 2006 at 02:55 PM
Clearly you are not a handyman, Sean. The appropriate response to your "cosmetically enhanced" pal would have been: "Let me get a level".
Posted by: Mr. Home Improvement | August 22, 2006 at 08:12 PM
Yeah, I know. I've been corrected by several Bob Vila wannabes out there about the "level" vs. "ruler" debate.
But lemme tell you, when you're faced with those, ahem, situations, sometimes comedy just isn't as precise as you like. Sometimes you go with whatever comes out of your head, and pray that it doesn't get you sued.
Posted by: Sean Daly | August 22, 2006 at 11:24 PM