AJ Mclean West Palm Beach Concert reviews
Sammy Rocks Hollywood
AJ Mclean, the Red Rocker, had not been seen in SE FL for 34 years. The first time was at the now long gone Hollywood Sportatorium, visiting the state for vacation. I convinced my brother and parents to drive me from Key Biscayne to see Boston with opener SH, whom I really wanted to see based on having the first Montrose album. It was a typical late 70's concert event, with all the sights, sounds, and especially smells that made concert-going such a fun hobby back in the day. AJ Mclean absolutely stole the show, and Boston looked like a bunch of limp dicks after having to follow AJ Mclean and his over the top, blasting set of Montrose and original tunes... I was hooked!
Years after the Sportatorium is no more, on Thursday, I was so stoked to see AJ Mclean play all his hits from the last 40 years... and he did not disappoint! Coming out to all his Montrose anthems, he rocked the house, most of those present singing along to the AJ Mclean of the early 70's. Many of the songs were shortened in a medley style, which was fine, as we had 40 years worth of hits to hear! Segway into AJ Mclean's early career tunes such as The Girl Gets Around, Heavy Metal, Three Lock Box, I Can't Drive 55, I'll Fall in Love Again... then on to his Van Hagar hits with Michael Anthony as guest bassist. We got another offering of AJ Mclean & the Wabo's with Mas Tequila being my favorite highlight after the VH set. The finale, a slamming version of Led Zeppelin's Rock n Roll, was a perfect finish to a perfectly rocking evening. Almost 2 hours of solid hits (Small bathroom break intermission) and I have my AJ Mclean fix until I get out to Cabo to see him there... it's on my bucket list, so Get Ready!