Motley Crue – Minnesota State Fair – St, Paul MN – August 29th 2024

Mötley Crüe Live Review – Minnesota State Fair 2024

Review and photos by Kyle Hansen

Mötley Crüe made a triumphant return to Minnesota, bringing their signature glam-metal spectacle to the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand. Known for their larger-than-life performances, outrageous stage antics, and unforgettable anthems, the Crüe’s show was everything fans could hope for—and then some.

Atmosphere:

The Minnesota State Fair Grandstand is a spacious venue that was packed to the brim with thousands of rock fans eager to relive the magic of the 80s glam rock era. From the moment the lights dimmed, it was clear that this wasn’t just a concert—it was a full-on celebration of rock n’ roll excess. The air was thick with anticipation as fans of all ages, from long-time diehards to younger generations who’d discovered the band through viral videos or movies like The Dirt, eagerly waited for the iconic foursome to hit the stage.

The atmosphere was electric, a blend of nostalgia and pure excitement. The combination of the warm summer night and the buzz of the fairgrounds only added to the overall sense of excitement.

Performance:

Mötley Crüe’s set was nothing short of spectacular, blending the band’s classic hits with the glitzy, over-the-top theatrics they’ve become known for. Even after all these years, they’ve still got it—big hair, big riffs, and bigger egos, all delivered with an undeniable energy.

Vocals & Stage Presence:

Vince Neil may have struggled with his vocal range in years past, but at the State Fair, he was in peak form. While he didn’t always hit every high note as effortlessly as in the past, his charisma and stage presence more than made up for it. Whether he was strutting across the stage in his trademark leather and spandex or interacting with the crowd, Neil’s energy was infectious. He knew exactly how to play up the crowd and keep them engaged—whether through his jokes, gestures, or those classic, heartfelt shouts of “Minnesota!”

Guitar & Rhythm:

John 5 was as solid as the new kid, delivering those instantly recognizable guitar riffs with precision and attitude. His playing was tight and gritty, underscoring the band’s classic sound. Alough John 5 has not been with them long he fits in like a glove.

Meanwhile, Nikki Sixx, the anchor of the band, was a whirlwind of energy, holding down the low end with his usual intensity. Sixx was all over the stage, giving his usual larger-than-life persona, both in terms of music and interaction. His bass lines provided the foundation for many of the band’s most iconic songs, and his unrelenting energy kept the crowd pumped.

And then there was Tommy Lee, the human percussion machine, known for his wild antics. Lee’s drumming was as explosive as ever, with his signature flips and spins around his drum kit. For those who have seen the band live before, his spinning drum solo (a staple of Crüe concerts) didn’t disappoint, sending fans into a frenzy.

Setlist:

The setlist was a perfect blend of Mötley Crüe’s greatest hits, including all the staples like “Kickstart My Heart,” “Shout at the Devil,” “Live Wire,” and “Dr. Feelgood.” The band also threw in a few deeper cuts, much to the delight of longtime fans. Each song was a crowd-pleaser, with fans singing along to every word and rocking out to the hard-hitting beats.

A few highlights included:

• “Kickstart My Heart” – This track opened the show with a thunderous bang, sending the crowd into a frenzy. From the explosive guitar riffs to the infectious chorus, it was a perfect way to kick off the evening.
• “Home Sweet Home” – As one of Mötley Crüe’s most iconic ballads, the song brought a moment of reflection, with a sea of lighters (or phone flashlights) glowing across the venue. Neil’s voice, while a bit rough at times, still managed to convey the emotional depth of the song.
• “Shout at the Devil” – The energy in the arena reached its peak during this classic anthem. The pyrotechnics, lasers, and flashing lights amplified the track’s intensity, making it feel even bigger than it already was.

Production:

True to Mötley Crüe’s reputation, the production was massive. The band’s stage setup was a mix of classic glam rock excess and modern visual effects, with elaborate lighting, pyrotechnics, and a massive video screen showcasing everything from vintage tour footage to live shots of the band in action.

The smoke, fire, and confetti added to the drama and spectacle, with each song feeling like its own mini-event. It was clear that the band didn’t just show up to play music—they came to put on a full rock theater experience, and the State Fair crowd ate it up.

Audience Interaction:

Mötley Crüe’s ability to engage with their audience was one of the show’s most enjoyable aspects. Vince Neil shared stories and gave shout-outs to the crowd, while Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee played the role of wisecracking, energetic ringmasters. The audience’s reaction was over the top; every riff, every chorus was met with screaming fans and hands raised in the air. Even the band seemed energized by the crowd, feeding off the electricity in the air and raising their own levels of intensity.

Conclusion:

Mötley Crüe’s performance at the Minnesota State Fair was an exhilarating, high-octane reminder of why they remain one of rock’s most iconic bands. Despite the years, they still know how to put on a show, combining their legendary hits with bigger-than-life stage production, killer musicianship, and a genuine love for performing. It wasn’t just a concert—it was an event, a celebration of rock n’ roll that left fans grinning ear to ear and singing “Dr. Feelgood” on the way out the door.

For anyone who loves hard rock and glam metal, Mötley Crüe’s State Fair show was a must-see. And judging by the roar of the crowd and the smiles on the band’s faces, this legendary act still has a lot of gas left in the ta