Instructing All About How To Throw A Proper Party
On December 15th 2005 somewhere in New York a certain record label was throwing a not so quiet 25th anniversary party, one that would soon become an unquestionable “you had to be there” moment. For those lucky enough to bear witness, ‘Roadrunner United: The Concert’ was a night that saw 39 musicians from 25 different Roadrunner bands play a 25 song concert with the added bonus of past label mates and other musicians joining in the fun. And yet this was no spontaneous-let’s-turn-up-for-the-booze affair, this was a serious gig in which each artist on the bill took pride in performing at, and one which has gone on to become one of the most talked about nights in metal history. From the almost regimented rehearsals that took place relentlessly before the event to the exuberant performances of the night, this was a birthday bash to be remembered and now finally, it’s been captured for all to enjoy, giving everyone a chance to see just what an amazing night it was.
Covering two discs, the concert itself and an in depth documentary following the bands preparation before hand, ‘Roadrunner United: The Concert’ leaves no element missing. As Hatebreed’s Jamey Jasta ushers in proceedings, this undeniably unique concert dives head first into an intensive glimpse of the history of Roadrunner as hardcore classics are boldly paraded alongside one guest appearance after another to truly make you drool.
And drool you will as highlight after highlight is dangled in front of you; from former Killswitch Engage lead singer Jesse Leach reunited with his old band alongside current KsE singer Howard Jones for a stunning rendition of ‘My Last Serenade’, to Corey Taylor’s duet of ‘Bother’ with Life Of Agony’s Keith Caputo, providing yet another “wow” aspect to the event. But wait, ‘Roadrunner United: The Concert’ still hasn’t thrown in the towel yet. Guest appearances from H.I.M’s Ville Valo and Anthrax’s Scott Ian add a nice touch, proving what an impact the label has had on the metal scene itself, whilst the blatant fun all the artists are having just reinforces the fact that this was a night to be remembered, and as Corey Taylor so honestly states at the end of the documentary disc, it was undoubtedly a night for the fans.
Change discs and suddenly a whole new aspect of ‘Roadrunner United: The Concert’ is unearthed as a 75 minute documentary unfolds. Here we get to see the bands getting ready for the concert, rehearsing unbelievably hard for what supposedly is a fun event, and talking about what the night and the label means to them. Littered with banter, jokes and some hilarious moments throughout, this is a welcome addition to the DVD, giving us the chance to see how the event actually came together and supplying a great insight into how determined the bands were to make sure this was a night no one forgot, all whilst having a good time of course.
From the reuniting of bands to the sheer unique partnerships that were struck up on stage, ‘Roadrunner United: The Concert’ captures brilliantly an unbelievable once a in a lifetime concert that every metal fan will not want to miss second time round.