It had been 34 years since I had seen Sammy, the Red Rocker, perform in SE FL. The first time was at the now long gone Hollywood Sportatorium, visiting the state for vacation. I convinced my parents to drive me & my brother from Key Biscayne to see Boston with opener SH, whom I really wanted to see based on having the first Montrose album.
It was a typical late 70's concert event, with all the sights, sounds and especially smells that made concert going such a fun hobby back in the day. Sammy absolutely stole the show, and Boston looked like a bunch of limp dicks after having to follow Sammy and his over the top, blasting set of Montrose and original tunes.... I was hooked!
So on Thursday, years after the Sportatorium is no more, I was so stoked to see Sammy play all his hits from the last 40 years... and he did not disappoint! Coming out to all his Montrose anthems, he rocked the house, most of those present singing along to the Sammy of the early 70's. Many of the songs were shortened in a medly style, which was fine, as we had 40 years worth of hits to hear! Segway into Sammy's early career tunes such as The Girl Gets Around, Heavy Metal, Three Lock Box, I Can't Drive 55, I'll Fall in Love Again... then on to his Van Hagar hits with Michael Anthony as guest bassist. After the VH set, we got another offering of Sammy & the Wabo's with Mas Tequila being my favorite highlight. The finale, a slamming verison of Led Zepplin's Rock n Roll was a perfect finish to a perfectly rocking evening. Almost 2 hours of solid hits (Small bathroom break intermission) and I have my Sammy Fix until I get out to Cabo to see him there... it's on my bucket list, so Get Ready!