Shiny Dancer

It would be easy to dismiss Winger as just another late '80s hair metal band trying to jump on the sequin-and-spandex bandwagon driven by Poison and Ratt. They had all the ingredients for a glam cocktail: tight pants, power ballads, etc. But what most people don't realize is lead singer...

By John Freeman

March 8, 2007

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It would be easy to dismiss Winger as just another late '80s hair metal band trying to jump on the sequin-and-spandex bandwagon driven by Poison and Ratt. They had all the ingredients for a glam cocktail: tight pants, power ballads, etc. But what most people don't realize is lead singer and bassist, Kip Winger, was a classically trained musician and ballet dancer. Evidence of his sordid past can be seen in the video for their 1988 ode to jailbait, "Seventeen." In this masterpiece, Kip barely even touches his bass, opting instead to flaunt his training with a stunning array of pirouettes and grand jetés, making Poison's monitor-humping antics seem pathetic by comparison. And their two big hits, the aforementioned "Seventeen" and "Headed for a Heartbreak," epitomize the catchiness of those guilty-pleasure-filled days before grunge came along and ruined everything. Come witness the majesty once more 7 p.m. Thursday at the Palladium Ballroom, 1135 S. Lamar St.. Tickets are $23.50. Call 214-373-8000 or visit ticketmaster.com.
Thu., March 8, 7 p.m.

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