Anyone who thought that the Hard Tour is  just an 80’s Hair band revival had those misconceptions blown away after the first show in Vegas. 

The show went out live on Vegas hard rock radio station KOMP 92.3. Metal Edge magazine was in attendance to cover the event, as well as myself, and Rock n World Music Editor, Brian Aguliar.   

Pretty Boy Floyd opened the show, they were an hour late getting started, and played a 45 minute set. It was 45 minutes too long, if any band was a throw bank to the 80’s it was Pretty Boy Floyd. The Lead vocalist struggles in an  attempt to sound like Brett Michaels from Poison, and although Poison is a Glam band, they had one thing that Pretty Boy Floyd surely lacks, song writing ability. Pretty Boy Floyd  uses every hair band cliché’ in the book, like their song Leather Boys with Electric Toys. I know that this band constantly sells out clubs in Hollywood, but I guess I just don't get it. Maybe they are like some bands you either are in tune with their magic or not, to me they seemed like a cheap imitation of Poison. 

Bang Tango took the Stage next. If you have never seem them, the hard tour will most likely be your last chance because their lead singer just signed on with LA GUNS. Their sound was anything but Glam; they had a fine mix of funk and hard rock, very reminiscent of the later Suicidal Tendencies sound. 

They rocked, the crowd really seemed to get into the act, lead by strong vocals, great rhythm sections, and lead guitar, Bang Tango proved they could rock with the best of the newer crop of alternative bands. They brought the house down with their encore “Someone”. Many may remember this song from heavy radio airplay; one thing is for sure, Bang Tango has not lost their touch.

The third band was Enuff Z’nuff. Many of you may know them from their hits from 1990 New Thing and Fly High Michelle, or from the more recent coverage they receive here at Rock n World. (They are one of our favorite bands here, and it was from one of their songs we got the name for the site.) The Radio station DJ came out to introduce the band and Enuff Z’nuff bass player, Chip Z'nuff,  walked out on stage smoking a joint, and passed it to the DJ. It set the tone for a wild and energetic show. They opened with their hit New Thing, and played a short 40 minute set of mostly older tunes. The crowd really seemed to love the band; you couldn't move an inch on the dance floor in front of the stage. With a couple of Beatles tunes thrown in for good measure the high point of the set was Fly High Michelle, and the closer Revolution. 

As for the Headliners the Bullet Boys, they seem to have all the makings of a great band: solid musicianship, a great vocalist, but one thing is sorely, lacking the songs. Their music was good, but not great. The crowd did not seem to mind though, as they got as much attention as Enuff Z’nuff. My partner turned to me half way through the set and said, “You know these guys would be great if they could get someone else to write music for them, ‘Smooth up in you' was a fluke”. Maybe? But that very song was the biggest event of the whole show, as the crowd grooved to the nostalgic rhythm of the Bullet Boys well known hit. 

All in all the show was well worth the $10.00 admission. The chance to see Bang Tango and Enuff Z’nuff alone would have been worth the admission price. One thing is for sure with the exception of Pretty Boy Floyd all of these artists proved that they could rock with the Best of ‘em in the 90’s. So if they roll through your town do your self a favor; go check the show it.