Cinderella, Skid Row, L.A. Guns and Pop Evil - 2012

BAY CITY —

Sue Goik has loved Skid Row since they started making music, but the connection she shared with current drummer Rob Hammersmith Friday night made that love just a little more personal.

"He looked right at me, pointed and threw it to me," the 35-year-old Bay City resident said, referring to a drumstick the rocker had thrown into the crowd after Skid Row's performance at the Dow Bay City River Roar Concert. "This is the first time I've ever seen them live. They were awesome, and this is awesome."

Skid Row joined fellow hair metal bands Cinderella and L.A. Guns for a concert in Bay City's Veterans Memorial Park Friday as part of the Dow Bay City River Roar celebrations. Locals and visitors alike packed the outdoor venue to see the three rock groups.

Although all three of the bands saw their initial popularity in the late 80s and early 90s, fans of all ages populated both the VIP tent nearest the stage and the grassy lawn where viewers could enjoy the bands from afar.

Bay City resident Rod Laney, 18, and two of his friends attended the concert in part because they wanted to hear from musicians that have stuck around for a long period of time. Although the boys came across the music of Skid Row and Cinderella long after they initially became popular, Laney said he enjoys the music and hoped to learn from the bands he was able to see live Friday night. "We all play instruments, so we partly came to the show looking for inspiration," Laney said. "They were all really great."

Regardless of the bands that play, Bay City residents Jim Dieter, his daughter Rebecca and Tanya Goulet of Standish said they would come to the River Roar concert for the atmosphere and the quality of the bands that come through each year.

But the chance to see longtime favorite bands put this year's River Roar concert on par or above most of the others Goulet has been to.

"I honestly idolized these bands when I was younger," Goulet said. "As long as they keep on bringing the bands I love through, I'll keep coming."

Music fans will have another chance to rock out at River Roar events 6:30 p.m. Saturday with a concert featuring Michigan bands Pop Evil, The Product, Wayland and Essexville-based band Finding Clyde. The show is held in conjunction with the River Roar Drivers Party for boaters participating in weekend races.