Meat Loaf / Pearl

Trent FM Arena, Nottingham on Wed 9th Jul 2008

Last time Meat Loaf was scheduled to play at the Trent FM Arena, he had to cancel due to health problems. Thankfully this time around everything went to plan. His Casa De Carne Tour - literally translated as 'House of Meat' was all systems go this time around.

His daughter Pearl was the opening act, and even though it would be easy to say she is using her father's fame to launch her own music career, it would be completely unfair to assume that.

Pearl

Sure he might have opened a few doors for her. But after seeing her perform live, she well and truly deserves to be on an arena stage playing to big crowds. Her music is vibrant, emotional, and above all enjoyable to listen to. Also in her band is her husband Scott Ian (Anthrax guitarist) who has the ability to hit notes at high speed with laser precision.

Meat Loaf was given a real heroes welcome when he strolled onto the stage, a volcanic cheer from the audience to acknowledge they were pleased to see him perform for the first time at Trent FM arena.

There is no denying that Meat Loaf's age has slowly caught up with him as he paced from each side of the stage. He was clearly not as fit as he once was, and I really hope he retires whilst he is still regarded as one of the best live acts around. But on a personal note I can only wish that I have his stamina and energy when I'm 60.

Meat Loaf

Being the ultimate professional that he is, he managed to keep the audience entertained for a full two hours with his blend of rock/opera vocals entwined with pure stage theatrics, which made it more of a show than a performance. But that is exactly what you expect from a Meat Loaf show.

Due to previous health problems, Meat Loaf's vocal ability was tested to its limits on the high notes, and he just falls short of the mark. But this is just a small problem, as it doesn't ruin the flow of the show. The stage theatrics and legendary anthemic rock tracks more than make up for the minor vocal problems.

Meat Loaf


Meat Loaf's been around for decades and so it goes without saying that he's never going to be able to do a setlist that caters for everyone due to his extensive back catalogue of songs.

Setlist:

I Want You So Hard (Boy's Bad News) (Eagles of Death Metal cover)
If It Ain't Broke (Break It)
Out Of The Frying Pan (And Into The Fire)
Life Is A Lemon And I Want My Money Back
Bad For Good
Dead Ringer For Love
45 Seconds Of Ecstasy
Amnesty Is Granted
Bring Me A Bible And A Beer (Patti Russo song)
Blind As A Bat
Disentience" (instrumental)
Paradise By The Dashboard Light
I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)
Bat Out Of Hell

Encore

Rock And Roll Dreams Come Through
Roadhouse Blues (The Doors cover)
Why Don't We Do It In The Road (The Beatles cover)

Despite his age Meat Loaf demonstrated that he is still able to cut it when it comes to a live performance, and let's be honest anyone who can keep selling out arenas after thirty years in the music industry deserves to be respected. Without a doubt it is easy to see why he is worthy of being put in the 'legend' section in the annuals of rock music.

Meat Loaf

article by: Luke Seagrave

photos by: Luke Seagrave

published: 11/07/2008 13:30



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