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“I want you to know there’s no tape recorder here tonight, no backing tracks,” Kid Rock told the crowd of mock-Playboy bunnies, spaghetti-western cowboys, Singerjohnlegendaglvd C-list celebrities Thursday night at Los Angeles’ Gibson Amphitheater. “This isn’t American Idol. This is American badass!” Indeed.

Earlier, before Rock entered the amphitheater, some words appeared on the jumbotron screen behind the band: “Where’s Kid?” Thus launching us on a mini-search party. Is Kid in the tour bus with the strippers? Nope! Is Kid outside? Don’t see him. Is Kid in the Waffle House? Certainly not. So where’s Kid? Cue Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” on the house speakers — it’s the, “born and raised in South Detroit” line that appeals here — and Rock bounds onstage in a glorious white jumpsuit that would make Madonna jealous.

Opening with country-rap hybrid “Rock N Roll Jesus,” Rock darted down the catwalk, his microphone spending equal time tucked into his pants as in his hands, allowing him to raise his arms and taunt the already enthusiastic crowd with come-hither fingers. On songs like “All Summer Long” and “Cowboy,” little coaxing is necessary — the audience is already squealing and sweating.