POISON POTENT YEARS LATER.

Byline: Gerry Gittelson Staff Writer

One of the world's most popular rock bands a decade ago, Poison is no longer a factor on sales charts or on MTV. But the quartet provided a punch in concert Saturday at the packed Universal Amphitheatre.

Poison fans, still about 60 percent female, have grown up, of course. But the band - featuring originals Bret Michaels (vocals), C.C. DeVille (guitar), Bobby Dall (bass) and Rikki Rockett (drums) - hasn't changed a bit. Banking, as always, on a live strategy based more on energy than musical virtuosity, Poison tore through a well-received hour-plus set that prompted most of the room to stand for the duration.

The group even opened with ``Look What the Cat Dragged In,'' just as it did when the boys were earning a record deal with sold-out shows at the old Reseda Country Club in the late '80s. Poison quickly parlayed the momentum with early MTV hit ``Talk Dirty to Me,'' soon followed by ``Something to Believe In'' and ``Your Momma Don't Dance.''

Technically, Poison is touring in support of ``Hollyweird,'' which was released two weeks ago. The group played a few obligatory new tracks, including the title track and the Who cover ``Squeeze Box,'' both of which went over well.

But soon, Poison's nostalgic leanings kicked in once more with ``Every Rose Has Its Thorn,'' perhaps the group's most popular song.

Three opening acts - locals Faster Pussycat, followed by Winger and Cinderella - made for a five-hour evening of rock 'n' roll.

Cinderella, which might have been as popular as Poison during both groups' prime, delivered the strongest support set. The crowd loved ``Shake Me,'' ``Nobody's Fool'' and ``Gypsy Road.'' And frontman Tom Keifer looks, sounds - and dresses - exactly as he did years ago when Cinderella was headlining arenas.

Winger, touring for the first time in nine years, brought back memories - good and bad - with ``Headed for Heartbreak'' and ``Seventeen.'' Frontman Kip Winger, once the dream of so many adolescent girls, is still ruggedly handsome and physically fit. But the group's set grew tedious because of too many instrumental solos.

Faster Pussycat, whose singer, Taime Downe, looked as if he was uncomfortable performing while it was still light outside, played to an empty house but still showed spunk. ``Slip of the Tongue'' saw Downe and company in fine form, and ``House of Pain'' was the standout.