Stephen Pearcy - Starland Ballroom, Sayreville NJ May 17, 2014 Concert Review and Photos

I'll admit me and the gang were a little worried about the show at Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ last night.  Not worried about headliner Twisted Sister as they never disappoint (and THAT review and photo set will follow shortly), but worried if opener Stephen Pearcy ("The Voice of Ratt") would make the show.

We were driving down from the Poughkeepsie, NY area where Stephen's show scheduled at The Chance last Saturday was rescheduled at the last minute for October.  We were hoping we'd be able to get our Ratt 'n' Roll on in NJ as planned instead of waiting for this autumn return.

As we entered Starland Ballroom and saw the merch booth, we were still concerned.  Lots of TS goodies for sale and even some shirts for opening band Killcode but nothing Pearcy.  It would turn out our worries were unfounded as Killcode wrapped up, gear was switched out and the screen in front of the stage rose...Stephen Pearcy and The Rat(t?) Bastards were in the house and came to kick ass with a 13 song set made up of Ratt classics and one killer cover.

Here's the setlist and shots from the show (click on the pics to supersize them):

Lay It Down

You're In Love

 Lack of Communication

Wanted Man

 I'm Insane

Dangerous But Worth The Risk

Way Cool Jr.

Slip of the Lip

 You Think You're Tough

Sweet Cheater

 Back For More

 Heading Out To The Highway

 (Killer version of this Judas Priest classic)

 Round and Round

Overall it was a great set. Stephen's voice was strong. I actually enjoyed this a lot more than the last time I saw Stephen which was with Ratt headlinging at the M3 Festival two years ago.  The setlists for both shows were very similar, but I really felt that show was a band going through the motions with no real audience connection.  At this show Stephen appeared to be having a great time and his band is excellent. 

I look forward to his return to Poughkeepsie for that headlining gig in October (and I'm not sure where on the bill he is yet, but I'll be seeing him at the end of September at 80's in the Park down in Florida as well).  If by chance he or his management reads this, one suggestion.  Merch!  I know a few of those I was with would have bought some stuff and I was hearing that from alot of folks after he left the stage at this ridiculously packed show at Starland.

Feel free to comment, follow the blog, follow on twitter, etc.  Enjoy!