poison.JPG

POISON
9:30 p.m., Miller Lite Stage (Riverfest Amphitheatre)

Few L.A. bands have ever come close to reaching the heights of drug-, groupie- and hair spray-fuelled excesses of Poison. The late ’80s saw the androgynous cock-rockers become one of the biggest bands in the world, going multi-platinum time after time again thanks to their cartoonish sleaze, mom-baiting antics and ridiculously catchy string of singles like “Nothin’ but a Good Time,” “Unskinny Bop” and the crowned king of the ’80s power ballad “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.” While the “dumber we do it, the sweeter it sounds” plan was a huge success in the studio, Poison was notorious for the live show: confetti, pyro, costumes and flashers galore. Say what you will about Bret Michaels, but you can’t argue that the guy is a dedicated entertainer. Since reinventing himself as a reality TV star on “Celebrity Apprentice” and his VH1 dating show “Rock of Love,” Michaels spent chunks of 2010 in the hospital, finding himself in critical condition after suffering a debilitating brain hemorrhage. Now he’s rehabilitating on the road and celebrating Poison’s 25th anniversary.

Advertisement

Invest in the future of great journalism in Arkansas

Join the ranks of the 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts who know that the Arkansas Times is the go-to source for tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been on the front lines of the fight for truth, and with your support, we can do even more. By subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers and expand our coverage. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make a difference with your subscription or donation to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article Riverfest Friday: Widespread Panic Next article Saturday To-Do: Easton Corbin