One of the most authentic tribute act make their Carlisle debut

I entered The Brickyard with a sense of anticipation, which is strange as it's a feeling I don't normally get from tribute acts. As a big fan of Mötley Crüe during my formative years and seeing them live a couple of times, I already knew I was likely going to enjoy this evening.

Straight from the start there was a different feel to this show as I walked though the doors half an hour before the show. Bathed in a red glow from the house lights, the already half full venue had a buzz to it, like everyone knew something special was about to happen but at the same time not quite knowing what exactly it was. 1980's glam rock gently cuts through the vibrant chatter with a sense of excitement growing. It was the little things I noticed that gave this show a different feel, like the stage being completely clear of any people or equipment with only the drums sitting on stage shrouded by a black cover also having merch for sale which is unusual for tribute acts. This all gave an immense feel of a professional operation.

The backdrop screen came to life counting down 3...2...1... and instantaneously Mötley Crüde exploded onto the stage ripping straight into 'Live Wire' and my god they are live wires. Formed in 2015 'The Crüde' are celebrating 10 years with their 'Decade of Decadence' tour, crowned the winners of the most authentic Mötley Crüe tribute band, you can immediately see why, from the costumes and the sound, it is a truly authentic portrayal. Anyone can dress and look like a band but going that extra step in copying mannerisms from Tommy (Lee) on the drums or to the way Vince (Neal) runs on stage. Its the little things that separate the great from the good.

The band hammer through the set list one hit after the next with the same energy and intensity that the real Mötley Crüe were famous for, on and off the stage. Playing songs from the most celebrated and iconic 'Crüe' albums; Shout at the Devil, Theatre of Pain, Girls, Girls Girls, and Dr Feelgood, the mammoth two hour, 23 song setlist is chocked full of unmissable songs that receive high praise early and often. Speaking of the crowd I haven't heard or seen a crowd this lively and appreciative at the Brickyard in quite some time. Everywhere you turned there was bodies moving, heads banging and voices singing, not stopping all night, growing more intense as the night rolled on.

As for the band, the sound was fantastic. The guitar work was exceptional. The vocals, unreal, hitting and holding all the high notes and wails. The bass and drums locked tight together. You could close your eyes and be transported back to the sunset strip in its heyday. From the wildness and intensity of 'Looks Could Kill', 'Wild Side' and 'Girls,Girls, Girls' to the more ballad orientated songs of 'If I Die Tomorrow' and the MTV favourite 'Home Sweet Home's shows this band has the range and skill to nail the emotions of each of these songs flawlessly.

Everything felt like the previous 9 years had been leading up to this moment. This night. They made you feel like you are the only crowd they care about and the only crowd in the world. That is something extremely special and extremely difficult to pull off. The showmanship, crowd interaction, a general desire and want to provide the best show they absolutely can goes to prove that they are one of the best tribute acts I have seen ever!

Maybe better than the real thing. Who knows, I will leave that decision up to you. I know my answer and it was playing tonight.