Skid Row / Buckcherry – Treasure island Resort and Casino – Welch MN – September 22nd 2023

Skid Row Live at Treasure Island Resort & Casino – Welch, MN (Sept 22, 2023)

Review and photos by Kyle Hansen

Skid Row brought their raw energy and unforgettable classics to Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, Minnesota, for a night of full-throttle rock. With an iconic catalog of songs from their heyday in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, the band effortlessly connected with both old and new fans, proving they’re still as potent as ever.

Setlist Highlights:

The setlist was a perfect mix of Skid Row’s most beloved anthems and a few tracks from their latest album, The Gang’s All Here. The crowd went wild from the very first notes of “Youth Gone Wild,” with the unmistakable riff instantly igniting the venue. From there, it was a relentless blast of hard rock, including crowd-pleasers like “18 and Life,” “I Remember You,” and “Monkey Business,” which sent waves of nostalgia through the crowd.

But it wasn’t all about the hits. The newer songs, particularly The Gang’s All Here title track and “Time Bomb,” showed that the band still has an edge, with Erik Grönwall bringing a fresh energy to the stage. His powerful vocals earned him a lot of respect from the fans, many of whom were hearing his interpretation of the classic material for the first time.

Performance:

Erik Grönwall’s presence was undeniable. Taking over the role of lead singer after the departure of long-time frontman Sebastian Bach, Grönwall not only demonstrated impressive vocal chops but also exuded a genuine passion that resonated with the crowd. He was charismatic, engaging, and effortlessly hit the high notes that fans expected.

Guitarists Dave “Snake” Sabo and Scotti Hill were at the top of their game, showcasing their chemistry and ability to craft blistering solos. Snake’s guitar work was as intricate and fiery as ever, while Scotti’s signature riffs locked into the rhythm, providing the perfect foundation for the songs. They both got plenty of love from the audience, especially when they broke into their legendary solos during “Big Guns” and “Rattlesnake Shake.”

The rhythm section, including bassist Rachel Bolan and drummer Rob Hammersmith, was tight and thunderous, holding everything together with a solid backbone. Rachel Bolan’s stage presence was a highlight too—he’s the glue that holds the band’s sound together, and he had plenty of moments where he commanded attention.

Crowd Interaction:

Skid Row’s connection with the crowd was palpable throughout the show. From sharing stories about their early days on the road to expressing gratitude for the fans who’ve supported them for decades, there was a genuine sense of camaraderie. At one point, Erik took a moment to talk about the band’s history and how much they appreciate the ongoing love. The audience responded with chants and cheers, clearly loving the band’s authenticity.

The show felt like a celebration, and whether they were playing high-energy tracks or slowing it down with ballads like “I Remember You,” the fans were on board, singing along to every word.

Venue:

Treasure Island Resort & Casino proved to be an excellent venue for a rock show. The spacious auditorium had great sightlines, and while it wasn’t as massive as some of the larger arenas, the intimate setting allowed for a more personal connection between the band and the audience. The sound was crystal clear, and the lighting set the mood perfectly, shifting from bright, in-your-face colors during the rockers to darker tones during the ballads, enhancing the emotional vibe of the songs.

Final Thoughts:

Skid Row’s performance at Treasure Island was a reminder of why they’ve endured in the rock scene for over three decades. Despite lineup changes and evolving musical trends, they’ve stayed true to their roots—delivering high-energy, guitar-driven rock with raw emotion. With Grönwall now leading the charge, Skid Row is more than just a nostalgia act; they’re a band that’s still capable of making new fans while satisfying the old.

The crowd left buzzing, having been treated to a flawless blend of classic hits, new material, and a sense that Skid Row’s best days might still be ahead of them.

Rating: 8.5/10
A high-energy, nostalgia-filled night with a band that still knows how to rock hard.

Buckcherry brought their hard-hitting, high-octane rock to Treasure Island Resort & Casino for a night that was as gritty and intense as their music. With a sound rooted in classic rock, but with a modern edge, the band delivered a show that was as unapologetically loud and energetic as their reputation suggests. The intimate setting of the venue allowed fans to get up close and personal, which only amplified the raw energy of the performance.

Setlist Highlights:

The band wasted no time getting the crowd fired up with the opening notes of “Crazy Bitch,” which had the crowd on their feet, singing and dancing right from the first riff. The hit song, known for its fiery lyrics and electrifying guitar work, set the tone for the entire show.

Buckcherry’s set was a perfect blend of their best-known tracks and newer material. Alongside crowd favorites like “Lit Up,” “Sorry,” and “Ridin’,” they peppered in a few tracks from their most recent album, Vol. 10. New songs like “This and That” and “Good Time” fit seamlessly into the set, proving that Buckcherry is still capable of writing tunes that get people moving, even years into their career.

There was also a nice mix of slower, more heartfelt songs like “Everything” and “Guilty,” giving the audience a brief breather before diving back into the high-energy rock anthems that the band is known for. The combination of rockers and ballads created a dynamic flow to the set, keeping the energy levels high and the crowd fully engaged.

Performance:

Josh Todd, the band’s charismatic frontman, owned the stage from the moment he stepped out. Known for his raspy, gritty vocals, Todd’s voice was in top form, hitting every note with the same raw intensity that’s made him one of rock’s most distinct singers. His stage presence was magnetic, constantly engaging with the crowd, cracking jokes, and creating moments of genuine connection.

The rest of the band—guitarists Billy Rowe and Stevie D., bassist Kelly LeMieux, and drummer Francis Ruiz—was tight and in sync, delivering riff after riff with the kind of precision that only seasoned musicians can pull off. Billy Rowe’s guitar work, in particular, was a highlight of the show. His solos were sharp and blistering, while Stevie D. added an extra layer of flair with his energetic moves and impressive skill.

Buckcherry’s rhythm section was solid, with Kelly LeMieux holding down the bass and Francis Ruiz keeping the beats tight and heavy. The band’s sound was fuller than ever, and the chemistry between all of them was evident—each member knew their role, and it showed in the performance.

Crowd Interaction:

One thing Buckcherry does really well is connecting with their audience, and this show was no different. Josh Todd took time between songs to chat with the crowd, thanking them for their support and reflecting on the band’s long career. There was a sense of camaraderie in the air, especially when the crowd sang along with the band during the more anthemic tracks.

The crowd at Treasure Island was a mix of long-time Buckcherry fans and newcomers, but everyone was united in their love for the music. There were moments where Josh encouraged the crowd to sing louder, and they delivered—especially during “Sorry” and “Crazy Bitch,” where the entire venue seemed to join in unison.

Venue:

Treasure Island Resort & Casino’s event center proved to be a great venue for Buckcherry’s live performance. The space felt intimate yet spacious, giving fans a chance to get close to the stage but still enjoy the show from different parts of the venue. The acoustics were strong, with every guitar riff and snare hit coming through crystal clear. The lighting design added to the high-energy vibe, with vibrant lights complementing the fast-paced rock anthems and dimmer tones for the slower songs, setting a more emotional tone when needed.

Final Thoughts:

Buckcherry’s show at Treasure Island was everything fans could want from a hard rock concert: loud, fast, and full of attitude. Josh Todd and his bandmates brought their A-game, delivering a no-frills, high-energy performance that showcased both their classic hits and their newer material. If you were a fan of Buckcherry’s raw, unapologetic rock ‘n’ roll sound, this show was a reminder that the band is still at the top of their game.

For newer fans or those who haven’t seen Buckcherry live before, it was a perfect introduction to a band that’s never slowed down. With their gritty sound and undeniable stage presence, Buckcherry once again proved they’re one of the best in the business when it comes to delivering a killer live show.

Rating: 8.5/10
A high-energy rock show that delivered all the hits and more, leaving fans with a night to remember.