An end of a era, some would say. 

Back in the winter of 1981, the Sunset Strip spawned a band called Motley Crue and my best friend Kari introduced me to an album called Too Fast For Love. My taste in music was never the same.  

Kari and I hit our first Crue show in the spring of 1984, the Shout At The Devil Tour, (opener: RATT). Over the next several years, I saw tours for Theater Of Pain, Girls, Girls, Girls and Dr. Feelgood (although, none as good as the Shout tour, in my opinion) 

Grunge came along and made a mess of music and I lost my way for a little while. When a reunion was announced in 2004 I was thrilled, and it played a little part in the creation of Retro Active (so, Thanks, Motley Crue!! for the inspiration). 

My friend Leann and I coughed up $400.00 for the platinum meet & greet package so we met the band and had our first front row

experience. 

Fast forward 10 years to August 2014, I am off to see the show in Virginia Beach, (same place I met the band in 2005), and it was worth the 6 hour drive each way. I have heard differing reviews of the shows, but I can honestly say I saw a great show. Two full hours of my favorite songs and what a production it was too. Most bands just don't do this anymore.  

The final song was Home Sweet Home, and it was bitter sweet. The video screen showed the history of the band. It made us all a little sad that this would be the last time to see this group play together on stage. The Motley family is breaking up, and there is nothing we can do about it.  

Vince, Nikki, Tommy and Mick played a big part in some great concert memories and I, for one, will miss them. 

While the final tour will last another 12-18 months, seeming endless to some, I truly believe that Motley Crue will not tour again once this tour is finished. I don't believe there will be anymore "farewell" tours ala Kiss. 

So, in closing, I just want to say...If you are a Crue fan, don't miss your last chance to see this band live. They are still bringing it to the stage. Yes, they are older and maybe a little slower, but aren't we all? 

Let them Kick Start Your Heart one more time!