Chickenfoot steps into Mohegan Sun

The idea of a supergroup - where really famous musicians leave the bands that made them famous to join together with other famous musicians to become even more famous - probably originated with Cream. Well, Cream was greater than the sum of its original parts.

Not sure how that's working out with Chickenfoot, though, who headline the Mohegan Sun Arena Saturday on their "Different Devil" tour.

The 'foot includes iconic shred-meister Joe Satriani, ex-Montrose/Van Halen singer Sammy Hagar, ex-VH bassist Michael Anthony and touring drummer Kenny Aronoff, who's seemingly played with every rock band in history except Cream.

On paper, it's a compelling unit (the studio stuff features drummer Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers). Alas, over the course of two albums, the material largely consists of Big Dumb Riffs and Big Dumb Screeched Lyrics. In concert? There's plenty of energy and instrumental firepower, so it'll probably be fun in spite of mediocre songs.

- RICK KOSTER

Chickenfoot, 8 p.m. Saturday, Mohegan Sun Arena; $25; mohegansun.com.