Arts & Entertainment
 

Rock reps red, white, blue

'American badass' shows patriotism sans Super Bowl poncho

By Lindsey Bowers
The Daily Cougar

Eagles, fire, cowboy hats and rebel flags ... Fully living up to his "American badass" nickname, Kid Rock's Houston performance of the Rock 'n' Roll Pain Train 2004 Tour showed the artist's true colors -- red, white and blue.

The musical style of Kid Rock and the Twisted Brown Trucker Band is one that defies classification -- its brand of classic rock has influences of hip-hop and country. The band brings together two new members from Nashville on the guitar and bass, and old friends of Kid Rock's from Detroit.

Two of the band members that especially shine are Stephanie Eulinberg -- the female drummer and backup vocalist who sang Sheryl Crow's part in "Picture" and DJ Paradime (Uncle Kracker's replacement) -- an MC whose specialty lies in mixing fresh beats that provide a crowd-hyping introduction of the Truckers at the beginning of the show.

Memorable moments were a rocking rendition of Uncle Kracker's "Drift Away," a reflective and inspirational performance of "Only God Knows Why," and the tribute to late band member Joe C. that caused Kid Rock to pause and make the sign of the cross.

The Toyota Center was filled Saturday night with a variety of Kid Rock fans: scantily-clad girlies who looked like they belonged more at a club than a sweaty concert, young guys whose muscle mass couldn't have been natural and then there was, of course, the mullet-wearing cut T-shirt sporting couples who are die-hard Kid Rock fans.

Themes of patriotism and just about every American symbol except hot dogs and apple pie were displayed during the eclectic performance.

Kid Rock himself came out wearing boots, dark-wash jeans held up by a big belt buckle, a cowboy hat. Even a red handkerchief was tucked into his back pocket. But of course, he was soon stripped down to his signature wife-beater tank and black fedora.

Even the strippers were sporting U.S.A. colors. Both sides of the stage were adorned with elevated cages housing pole-dancing dames. The redemption of the shameless show of skin was that the five females chosen to dance were Houston natives. Amidst the reek of feminine deodorant spray surrounding the girls, the girls said they took the night off from their jobs at Hooters and other "entertainment venues" for the evening and were paid $100 to dance at the concert.

Anyone who listens to Kid Rock knows he loves strippers, and he'll quickly yell obscenities at anyone who criticizes his musical style, so it was only fitting that his concert illustrate such notions. In between the curse words, middle fingers and caged women, a feel of classic American music and trailblazing beats filled the ears of satisfied spectators.

Kid Rock

Toyota Center

The verdict: The cowboy from Detroit brought a little something for every American.

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