Rockford '82 audio review...

Rockford, Illinois
December 31, 1982
Metro Centre


Introduction

A good show worth tracking down especially when considering the audio quality and the fact it is a slightly unusual setlist.


Background

The third date of the 52-date Creatures of the Night tour. The setlist would also be altered after this show with Strutter and Detroit Rock City being essentially flipped and this would be the last live performance of Rock and Roll Hell.


Audio Specifics

The listener can hear the occasional crowd comment or whistle but in general, this is a good quality audio especially considering the era. The audio quality is in the neighbourhood of 8 out 10.


The Show

Creatures of the Night- a decent opener played at a nice tempo.

Strutter- some nice bass work by Gene highlights this version, which is better then most of the versions on this tour. Prior to the next song, Paul says “ do you care what your parents think ? Do you care what the preachers think about us ? Who gives a good fuck ? ’’

Callin’ Dr. Love- a surprisingly decent version with better backing vocals then one might expect. Vinnie’s guitar work is ok except the solo seems out of place.

Firehouse- “ we’re gonna get this place so hot ’’. A crowd member can be overheard saying “ Hotter Then Hell ’’. A nice guess but unfortunately the wrong answer. Nothing really differentiates this version from any other version. The vocals are a tad low but not objectionably low.

I Love It Loud- Gene’s bass is way too high, which is distracting. This version contains the lyrics; No lies/No more alibis/Turn it up/Got me hypnotized/Rock on/I won't be tranquilized. These lines would be dropped (on a permanent basis) shortly after in an effort to (supposedly) improve the flow of the song. On occasion during the Convention tour in 1995, these lines would be added back to the song. During this song, Gene doesn’t seem to be encouraging the crowd as much as some later non-makeup versions.

Cold Gin- during Paul intro rap “ Southern Comfort ’’, a fan can be overheard saying “ it sucks ’’. A decent version and one of the better ones from this lineup.

War Machine- good drumming by Carr but Gene’s vocals sound rather tentative to me.

I Want You- a straightforward playing, which has minimum vocal flexing by Paul. Vinnie’s guitar solo is included here as well. You’ve been warned.

Rock and Roll Hell- interesting to hear but certainly the weakest of the Creatures tunes in a live setting.

Shout It Out Loud- “ anyone know what time it is ? ’’. The crowd responses “ 11:30 ’’. Like Rock and Roll All Nite, I run out of things to say about some songs and this is one of them. The vocals are rather buried in the mix so I guess I did have something to say about it.

I Still Love You- one of the better version from this lineup with especially good vocals by Paul.

God of Thunder- a faithful version book ended by Gene’s bass solo and Eric’s drum solo.

Love Gun- “ it’s fuckin’ New Years Eve. Do what you like, don’t listen to anyone too old. Do a lot of partyin’, do a lot of fuckin’, do what ever turns you on. ’’. Paul then segues into an airport security story, which leads into the song. A good version with some prominent bass work by Gene.

Black Diamond- “ we’ll come back and see you real soon ’’. An extended guitar intro by Paul leads into the song. Eric’s vocals are surprisingly decent.

Rock and Roll All Nite- Paul begins this song with a rant about newspapers and magazine writers. You’ve heard this song a million times before and nothing really differentiates this version outside of the audience participation section.

Detroit Rock City- a well played version especially the bass and drums.


Overall

A decent show worth tracking if for no other reason then to hear Rock and Roll Hell in its proper context instead of just an individual song on a " Rare Pieces " type of compilation album.

I easily recommend this show and should be one of your first few choices of shows on the Creatures of the Night tour.