An inauspicious start to Great White's set Friday night at Scout Bar was a cause for concern among the approximately 300 in attendance. But for a band that has endured a smorgasbord of trials and tribulations, heartache and tragedy the past 25 years, it was seemingly just a bump in a long journey.

The '80s band from Los Angeles took to the stage with "Desert Moon" off the 1991 album Hooked. Opening with a song that original members Jack Russell (vocals), guitarist Mark Kendall, guitarist/keyboardist Michael Lardie and drummer Audie Desbrow swore they'd never perform again after the 2003 Rhode Island nightclub fire that claimed 100 lives (including guitarist Ty Longley) broke out during that tune was a bit of a surprise.

Great White reportedly resumed playing it in 2009, and Friday's rendition was another sign that they have faced their bad memories head-on. But it also provided another dark "Desert Moon" chapter.

Russell fell down.

While a roadie quickly came out and helped Russell to his feet and onto a chair, some dark and obvious thoughts crept into at least one man's head. However, Russell not only performed the song without interruption, but the band, including bassist Scott Snyder, followed up with one of my favorites, "Lady Red Light." Russell then introduced "Face The Day" with an apology and explanation.

"Sorry for falling down earlier," Russell said, adding that he recently underwent a couple of back surgeries -- a statement backed by the fact he had made his entrance with the aid of a cane and had a chair waiting for him center stage. "I'm supposed to be in a hospital recovering right now. But I said, 'F--- you. I've got a tour to get ready to do.' "

The crowd voiced its approval of Russell's defiance. And even though the sound pumping through Russell's mic and Kendall's amps was lacking at times, it didn't stop Great White from performing staples "Save Your Love," "Rock Me," "House Of Broken Love," "Mista Bone," 1984 classic "On Your Knees," and "Situation" off 2009 album Rising, or from ending with encores "Can't Shake It" and the obligatory "Once Bitten . . . Twice Shy."

Desbrow was a force behind the drums, and Kendall provided my most enjoyable time listening to a live guitarist in quite awhile.

Great White needs to be thanked on a few accounts: To Russell for an exclusive interview advancing the show, and to the rest of the band for taking the time to meet with me before the concert (although the photograph Lardie suggested we save for after the show never materialized). Great White also saved me potential harm from the bigger and taller (but friendly) man next to me who had warned that I was "gonna get hurt" if they were to play "Stick It."

He was half-joking. I think. But since they didn't play it, we'll never know. Afterwards, he told me it was the 11th consecutive time he'd seen Great White live where they didn't play his favorite song. It was obvious that he still holds out hope.

Also on the bill was Feel Never Real, an impressive up-and-coming trio that also performed that morning on KENS-TV's "Great Day S.A."

They were followed by Broken Teeth, the blistering band led by Dangerous Toys vocalist and Austin native Jason McMaster. Touring on the strength of their fourth studio album Viva la Rock, Fantastico, McMaster and Co. played a mix of songs dating back to their first album. Highlights were "Exploder" and the title track to Viva la Rock, Fantastico (how can you not like saying that?).

Broken Teeth also exemplified just how hard it is to make it in the business -- and that they're in it for the love of music. Despite releasing their self-titled debut back in 1999 -- and McMaster being on the scene since Dangerous Toys' self-titled debut in 1989 -- he and his bandmates set up their own gear before rocking the house.

The mix of old and new provided something for everyone at Scout Bar -- with those in attendance enjoying every bit of it. With the bands demonstrating that the show must go on despite sound gaffes, and physical ones, an appreciative crowd let them know their efforts were worth it.

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