The Final Tour Returns

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All Photos by Lisa Legz Photography LLC

Is this it? Are they really done? Due to the numerous bands that have called it quits over the years, only to return again - and again - the majority of us are wondering if this will be the last MOTLEY CRUE tour. One thing is for sure, they definitely use a tour’s worth of pyro each night. They leveled Phoenix with numerous thunderous bangs, a flaming pentagram, flames shooting out of the stage in every which direction, a burning mic stand hanging center stage and even Nikki Sixx had a flame-throwing bass. Tommy Lee’s roller coaster drum set spewed its share of fireworks while letting the skinsman once again fly out over the crowd’s heads during his solo (this roller coaster would get stuck upside down at the Dec. 31st, 2015 show at Staple’s in Los Angeles).

While this was the Crüe’s second romp through Phoenix on the Farewell tour, the more things change the more they stay the same: Intro music at both shows (previous show being in 2014 at the Ak-Chin Pavilion) was the recording of "So Long, Farewell", from The Sound of Music. Once again the band ended the shows in the middle of the venue, performing "Home Sweet Home" and then fading to black as Frank Sinatra filled the venue with "And now, the end is near and so I face the final curtain".

They changed the setlist up, dropping "On with the Show" among others, but still had the typical crowd pleasers "Girls Girls Girls", "Wild Side", "Primal Scream", "Same Ol’ Situation (S.O.S.)", "Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)", a medley of "Smokin' In The Boys Room" and "Rock And Roll" (GLITTER’s tune) before launching in to a heavy "Looks That Kill" and "Mutherfucker Of The Year". While the band touched on the usual, it’s kind of surprising they didn’t do more from Too Fast... or modern versions of "Stick To Your Guns"/"Toast Of The Town", songs that really got the band started. I guess you can't get them all when wrapping up 30+ years. Watch for the DVD release of the final show from L.A.

ALICE COOPER had the crowd bursting at the seams for the duration of his set, all the while using his typical trademark theatrical approach to the event. Cooper appeared amid a shower of sparklers raining down from the lighting rig, and dressed in a cape, he played to the cameras, as he always does. One of the many things Coop can teach other bands (Crüe included, though it might not matter now) is that the photographer is your friend.

He hit his usual signatures, with the crowd on their feet the whole time. Wardrobe changes included bloody lab coats, straitjackets, etc. Props included dollar bills and his beloved python.

Simply put, you know what you’re getting with Cooper, and you always beg for more.

Check out a few photos from the show!
All Photos by Lisa Legz Photography LLC