By Clare McCabe

Artist:  Mötley Crüe & Alice Cooper

Date / Venue:  Saturday May 9th, Vector Arena, Auckland

Vector Arena was packed out last night for the return of Alice Cooper and his band and the first visit from Nikki, Tommy and the rest of Motley Crue.

Arrived just prior to Alice hitting the stage and what a treat. He may have only played for just short of an hour but he sure does love a costume change or three and has some great props. How does he fit it all in you ask? With great enthusiasm. 

We are treated to No More Mr Nice Guy, I'm Eighteen, the fabulous Poison, and Welcome to My Nightmare. The stage set up is very Rocky Horror-esque. There are straightjackets, nurses and monsters. There is a guillotine and a beheading. Feed my Frankenstein is a highlight and School's Out rounds out the set in all its glam glory. The guys and Nita are looking great (fab jacket Beasto) - at one point they all hang out together in a row playing their hearts out while Alice struts around them.

Alice introduces the band during the last song - Ryan, Beasto, Nita, Tommy, Glen and playing Alice Cooper, he says, Me. That's entertainment my friends. Thank you and good night Alice. What a hard act to follow...

And then, for the first time in NZ, the Motley Crue boys hit the stage with a rounding version of Saints of Los Angeles. Mick stands to one side in that great hat, hammering away on his guitar. Nikki grins and plays that bass way down low and our chum Tommy sits back and PLAYS those drums while Vince belts out the tunes.

It might not be the full stage show they are touring in other parts of the world (no Cruecifly this time Tommy?) but whatever. Most of us have never seen the boys live before so we will make do with what we can.

Smokin' in the Boys' Room, Shout at the Devil, Kickstart My Heart and one of my faves, Don't Go Away Mad. They're all there. And we're all singing along. We are treated to a fabulous version of Anarchy in the UK (nice one Vince) and good old Girls, Girls, Girls. Speaking of which, those dancing girls sure were enjoying themselves on stage.

And then it's nearly over. And for the encore, the lads retire to a mini stage in the middle of the arena (luckily right in front of where I was standing). And Tommy plays the opening notes to Home Sweet Home on piano before switching to his drums. "You know I'm a dreamer," croons Vince, "but my heart's of gold"... Oh. My. God.

What a night. Alice Cooper and Motley Crue. You guys sure know how to rock. Seems a shame that the Crue are hanging up their hats at the end of this year. But hey, thanks for coming out to NZ this time so we finally got to see the show. And come back soon Alice. We will be waiting.