Bret Michaels, lead singer of the ’80s hair-band Poison, played to a questionably enthusiastic crowd Wednesday night at Promowest Pavillion.

The concert scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. eventually got underway around 8 p.m.

Michaels’ opening act was the creatively titled group American Anthem, from, fittingly, Hollywood, Calif. The band played some original songs from its new album, as well as some cover tunes.

Anthem’s pick-of-the-litter cover songs included Thin Lizzy’s “The Boys are Back in Town,” the Beatles’ “Help” and the Rolling Stones’ “Satisfaction.”

Once the opening act finished, the audience was forced to entertain themselves for a long time while waiting for Michaels to show up. The wait proved ideal for the bar staff. The bar attracted the bored, thirsty Poison fans which allowed said fans to get drunk enough to amuse each other by lip syncing AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses.

The audience’s performance seemed to actually receive a better crowd response than American Anthem’s opening set.

Shortly after 10 p.m., American Anthem took the stage once again. This time as Mr. Hair-Metal himself, Bret Michaels’ backing band.

Michaels’ “Songs of Life” tour, ironically titled given the survival rate of Michaels’ hair metal colleagues, was presented by VH1 Classics and provided a mix of old and new material. The audience seemed not to care either way.

Michael’s performed songs from his newest album, “Songs of Life,” as well as some Poison classics.

He opened the concert singing a new song that seemed reflective of his current place in life.

“Girls used to talk dirty to me, now it really hurts when I pee,” he sang.

He quickly followed up with “Nothing but a Good Time” by Poison.

Other Poison songs included “Good Love” and “Skinny Bop.” Michaels later brought out his softer side, acoustic guitar and all, for love ballads “Something to Believe In” and “Every Rose Has its Thorn.”

His new songs included “Straight Sensation,” “Loaded Gun” and “Rain,” which was written about his daughter’s birth.

Michaels repeatedly thanked the crowd in “Buckeye territory,” for all the support over the years.

“I am by no means leaving Poison,” he said. “These are just good friends (American Anthem) and my solo band.”

Although Michaels’ personal style has not changed much since his years in Poison, his personality was a little more tame.

Michaels came across as genuinely happy to be performing again, years after his original success and first liver.