Queensryche’s Geoff Tate Yngwie Malmsteen Alice Cooper Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider

Not even the threat of Hurricane Gustav possibly coming their way could stop thousands of rockers from attending the first annual Rock the Bayou festival. Over 100 bands played on four stages built on what was once the historic AstroWorld fairgrounds. Tickets were sold in nine countries and 29 States. While there were a few bumps along the way, (as expected from a first time festival), this was one unforgettable Labor Day Weekend.

Day 1
After a late start, Jetboy took the mainstage. Things got back on track when former Guns N’ Roses guitarist, Gilby Clarke went on in place of the missing Faster Pussycat (they’d eventually play one of the sidestages). Ex-Dokken guitarist George Lynch reunited with original Lynch Mob vocalist Oni Logan for a killer set.
San Francisco’s Y&T followed with one of weekend’s best performances. Guitarist/ vocalist Dave Meniketti sounded every bit as good as he did in the 70’s and 80’s. Unfortunately for what’s left of Skid Row, they had to follow that. RATT turned in another solid performance. Newest member, ex-Quiet Riot guitarist, Carlos Cavazo fit right in. Queensryche came out with both guns blazing, opening with “Best I Can” and delivering a stellar set of their greatest hits. Easily one of their best shows ever!

Day 2
Little Caesar, Britny Fox, Bullet Boys and Enuff Z’nuff played the mainstage. Meanwhile, California’s killer all-female rock band, Cockpit, and Dallas’ own Revengence and Little Green Men, were tearing it up on the side stages. Main stage business picked up when Great White went on. Jack Russell still has one of the best voices in rock-n-roll. Don Dokken struggled with sound problems as did Lita Ford, who’s set wasn’t nearly as tight as at Rocklahoma. Still, it’s great to have Lita back! Vain’s excellent side stage set was better than some of the main stage acts. The Red Rocker, Sammy Hagar closed the show with a big Cabo Wabo party.

Day 3
Black ‘N Blue kicked things off with an awesome set. Lillian Axe sounded good, but they’re just not the same without Ron Taylor’s vocals. Austin’s Dangerous Toys kicked some serious ass. Tracii Guns’ L.A. Guns and Slaughter followed, while Houston’s Six Minute Century played a killer set on a side stage.
Guitar God, Yngwie Malmsteen tore it up on the main stage with new vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens. As Warrant struggled with an inebriated Jani Lane, two of Houston’s best, Krucible and Helstar, faced off on the side stages. Rock legend, Alice Cooper completely stole the show with THE performance of the weekend! Cooper’s combination rock/horror/magic show included everything, from him escaping a straightjacket to being hung onstage! [No… NOT that type of “hung” – Linda]

Day 4
Dangerous Toys frontman, Jason McMaster pulled double duty, opening the final day with Broken Teeth. Bang Tango was followed by a great performance from the underrated Pretty Boy Floyd. Cockpit played another great set (those girls rock!) on a side stage. KIX hit the main stage running, with the same energy and enthusiasm that helped them steal the show at Rocklahoma. Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider even joined KIX onstage for a chorus of “Cold Blood.” Jackyl kept the energy level high, but this night would belong to Twisted Sister! Dee Snider is one of the best frontmen in the world. Twisted Sister sounds just as good today as they did in the 80’s and (as Snider pointed out), they still have all their “original members.” KIX’ Steve Whiteman returned Snider’s earlier favor, singing a chorus of “We’re Not Gonna Take It” with the band. Bret Michaels did his best to follow, filming portions of his show for Rock of Love: Season Three, to end a spectacular Labor Day Weekend.