Motley Crue – ‘On With The Show’ (1988) – Bootleg Review
In the realm of rare and eclectic music finds, an intriguing piece has surfaced: a bootleg recording capturing the electric energy of a Motley Crue concert from 1986. This particular bootleg, released in 1988 by Toasted Records in Australia, presents a blend of recordings purportedly from shows in Fresno and Boston. However, the true origins are a little murkier. Despite the bootleg being labeled as a product of 1986, the copyrights stamped on the two vinyl records date back to 1985. In fact, the set contains tracks from a Fresno concert on November 25, 1985, coupled with segments from a Boston performance that can be traced to 1984. It’s not uncommon for bootlegs to feature inaccuracies, and even a glance at the cover artwork reveals that the images used are from the ‘Girls, Girls, Girls’ era of 1987, alongside a back image that likely links to the ‘Shout at the Devil’ period.
Diving into the audio experience, the first LP is anchored in the Fresno show. It begins with the thundering intro of “Looks That Kill.” There’s a raw edge, with heavy guitar riffs and prominent drums, although Vince Neil’s vocals reveal signs of strain; he often mumbles through passages, perhaps forgetting the lyrics entirely. Following this, “Too Young To Fall in Love” beams with energy, showcasing a fierce guitar presence, though Vince’s voice occasionally skews high-pitched. As the show progresses, “Shout at the Devil” disappoints due to a flat sound and lackluster vocal performance. Conversely, the closing track on Side One, “City Boy Blues,” falls flat as well, lacking the expected vibrancy.
Side Two brings a jolt of energy with “Louder Than Hell,” but there’s an undeniable sense that the band is merely going through the motions. “Knock ‘Em Dead Kid” features an impressive solo from Mick Mars, even if Vince’s vocals leave something to be desired. However, the beloved ballad “Home Sweet Home” is executed flawlessly, with Vince delivering a noteworthy performance. Wrapping up LP One is the high-octane “Live Wire,” serving as a reminder of the power that can be harnessed in their live performances.
Moving to LP Two, the first two tracks are derived from the legendary US Festival of 1983, while the rest features performances from the Orpheum Theatre in Boston, MA, in 1984. Kicking off Side Three is “Take Me To The Top,” which opens with a spine-chilling organ sound followed by Vince’s scream. Although the sound quality dips slightly here, he shows promise with his vocal delivery. Next, the cover of The Beatles’ “Helter Skelter” uplifts the experience, benefiting from a more vibrant and engaging vocal performance from Vince.
As we transition to the Boston performance, the energy noticeably heightens with tracks like “Bastard” and “10 Seconds to Love.” The sound enhances significantly, displaying better low-end presence. The audience’s enthusiasm adds further life to the tracks, elevating the overall vibe. Among the highlights is “Piece Of Your Action,” showcasing Tommy Lee’s drumming skills and a compelling double bass kick before launching into an electrifying guitar solo from Mick Mars.
Concluding the bootleg is “Smokin’ in the Boys Room.” Here, the audio shifts back to the Fresno quality, pulling the listener away from the previously upbeat energy. The drawn-out intro seems to lose steam, despite the fun spirit of the song itself and a standout harmonica segment.
Overall, while this bootleg may not top the list of perfect live recordings, it presents a fascinating glimpse into the early years of Motley Crue. The Boston show emerges as a standout, and the hope remains that a cleaned-up version will see the light of day. With a score of 3.5 out of 5 stars, this collection serves as a valuable addition for dedicated fans of the band. Regardless of their controversies, there remains a consistent affection for the raw energy that defined Motley Crue’s legacy.
