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Jacqueline 03:40 am UTC 07/24/07 |
| In reply to: | "Meat Loaf a little more gristly, but still tasty" - daveake 02:41 am UTC 07/24/07 |
http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=608242&category=ARTS&newsdate=7/23/2007 Meat Loaf has fans wanting seconds By DAVID MALACHOWSKI, Special to the Times Union First published: Monday, July 23, 2007 review SARATOGA SPRINGS -- The former Marvin Lee Aday, aka Meat Loaf, brought his "Bat Out Of Hell III: Three Bats Tour" to SPAC Sunday night for an over-the-top show that had his hard-core fans in heaven. Bat Out of Hell Three? Did we miss Bat Out Of Hell Two? (No, that was a few years ago) The 59-year-old Dallas native's career had included musical theater, film and stints in bands before he teamed up with composer Jim Steinman for 1977's "Bat Out Of Hell" (produced by Todd Rundgren), which was a runaway smash hit. At SPAC, the somewhat svelte Meat Loaf (down from his 300-pound heyday) had short hair, but otherwise looked the same. After the strong six-piece band pounded out some huge chords, Meat Loaf and two high-boot-wearing backup singers hit the ground running with "All Revved Up With No Place to Go." Meat Loaf was in fine voice as he prowled around the stage with a glare, in constant motion. Often he would walk over to a guitarist, and prod him (literally), with a big smile on his face. "You Took the Words Right Out Of My Mouth (Summer Night)" got the everyone's blood pumping, as did a pulverizing "Bad For Good," while an ominous "In the Land of the Pig, the Butcher Is King" was a nice change of pace. With "I'll Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)," the band was solid and the backing vocals spot on (hopefully they were real) as they were all night. Sure, at times -- actually, most the time -- it was cheesy, but good, expensive, well-aged cheese. What Meat Loaf presented was a classic, picture-perfect, late-'70s rock concert (albeit with better sound and lights) and that's exactly what this crowd wanted. Though it was nostalgic in nature, Meat Loaf played it as if the retro sound was just his style, regardless of the year. That said, it didn't stop them all from donning '70s gear (Meat Loaf sported a long-haired wig) for the epic show-stopping signature song "Paradise By the Dashboard Light." The sexual banter, overwrought theatrics and even a bit of ad-libbing were huge fun. Insults were exchanged, looks that could kill were given, and the final insult was Meat Loaf having his wig yanked off near the end of the tune. With hardly a breath, Meat Loaf hit "Bat Out Of Hell" like there was no tomorrow. A wicked "Black Betty" followed, and with the expansive Stones cover "Gimme Shelter," it was all over. Bat Out Of Hell Four, anyone? David Malachowski is a local freelance writer from Woodstock and a regular contributor to the Times Union. MEAT LOAF When: 8 p.m. Sunday Where: SPAC, Route 50, Saratoga Springs Length: 2 hours, 15 minutes The crowd: about 6,000 Highlights: "Paradise By the Dashboard Light," "Bat Out Of Hell," "In the Land Of the Pig, The Butcher is King" | |
| URL: | http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=608242&category=ARTS&newsdate=7/23/2007 |
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