Kid Rock Rocks Universal City

Charisma drips from the stage like sweat the minute Detroit’s longhaired son comes on stage. Until the house lights came on, Kid Rock worked the crowd at Universal Studios Gibson Amphitheatre April 27 like the “Devil Without a Cause” he claims to be, causing young and old fans of classic rock and hip hop alike to raise their glasses and voices.

Known for his over-the-top personae, this amazing performer mixes southern rock with hip hop and throws in a little country music for good measure. He doesn’t seem to care what the critics say about his explicit lyrics and indescribable style. He defines a new genre, and he does it with flair.

In addition to singing his own tunes, which include a touching ballad with Sheryl Crow and a remake of a Bad Company song, he covered ones by well-known bands Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top. He paid tribute to the US military, his diminutive side kick, Joe C, who died in 2000, and singers and songwriters who influenced him.

A talented musician, this redneck cowboy’s list of abilities is astounding — he can rap, sing ballads, play piano, bass and guitar, and scratch records with the best house DJs. He does it all for the audience in outlandish costumes while girls dance on stage in skimpy outfits and fireworks light up the room. With all that action there wasn’t a bad seat in the house. Even if there was, I doubt the unlucky fans would have cared.

Just a hop, skip and a jump from the Crescenta Valley, Gibson Amphitheater is a first-rate venue, especially because Universal CityWalk offers ample parking near the entrance and a long list of restaurants for pre-show eating. It’s large enough to draw big names, but even seats at the top aren’t disconnected from the action. Artists and shows scheduled at the Gibson Amphitheatre are .R. Kelly; Sin Bandera; Kumbia Kings, The New Cars and Blondie; Colombia Sin Minas featuring Juan Luis Guerra, Ricardo Montaner, Laura Pausini, Alejandro Sanz and Carlos Vives;

The O’Jays; Solo Para Mujeres; School’s Out Tour featuring Trey Songz and Ray J; Polo Polo;

Keith Sweat and Ginuwine; Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band; Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris;

Intocable, and Sounds of the Underground featuring As I Lay Dying and In Flames.