MEATLOAF - Three Bat Tour
M.E.N.
Arena
Manchester
Saturday 12th May 2007
 |
Three Bat Tour
Live
In Concert
2007
There was an air of expectation in the huge auditorium as the packed house
excitedly awaited the arrival of (and I don’t say this lightly)
one of the greatest entertainers in music – Meatloaf. He is in the
UK as part of a much larger world tour, returning to the UK in October
and November 2007. The tour is a celebration of the trilogy of Bat Out
Of Hell albums.
Typical of the great man he kept the fans waiting just a little bit as
his highly gifted band and backing singers belted out ‘All Revved
Up With No Place to Go’ accompanied by a backdrop of images
of Meatloaf in his early days, long hair and all.
Suddenly, the crowd gasped as surprisingly for
those who have seen Meatloaf before the chords for ‘Paradise
by Dashboard Light’ were struck. This came as a surprise
as this is normally performed much later in the set. More surprisingly
was Meatloaf himself who arrived on stage sporting a large red handkerchief
and very long hair, a very early Meatloaf look indeed. He was very well
accompanied by Aspen Miller, who appears to have stepped into the shoes
of Patti Russo very comfortably indeed. By the end of the night the
crowd had really taken to her.
After losing the wig, we were subjected to two and a half hours of magnificent music. As usual all songs were performed with great gusto, his voice may croak a bit a times, but who cares? A Meatloaf concert is truly worthy of the title of ROCK OPERA. Although there was a little dip in the atmosphere when songs from Bat III were played - not all fans are up to speed on the words – the show was a superb success.
Highlights of the night were stunning performances of; Out Of The Frying Pan And Into The Fire, Objects In The Rear View Mirror…, In The Land Of The Pig, The Butcher Is King and not surprisingly ’Bat Out Of Hell. Another high spot came when Meatloaf was joined on stage by the support act, Marion Raven, to sing the Celine Dion classic, It’s All Coming Back To Me Now. I predict a great future ahead for this very talented young lady.
What next for Meatloaf? Well based on this concert many more please! If you have never enjoyed the ‘Meatloaf Experience’ then I recommend that you book a ticket for one of his shows this year, sit back and enjoy the ride, it really is very good.
Martin Maloney
8/10
break the rules as I see fit.” - Chris High 2003.