Laser-Tastic
Guinness used to advertise that good things come to those who wait so after 18 years of waiting, the UK finally got to experience the Trans-Siberian Orchestra live show for the first time and was it worth the wait? Well, quite frankly I'm now annoyed we had to wait so long, it was just pure and simple an amazing show.
For those that may not be aware of who TSO are, their shows are a mix of Broadway meets a rock gig with a classical twist. The show they presented on this inaugural European tour is from their album "Beethoven's Last Night", a rock opera that tells a story about, well Beethoven's last night and his battle with the devil to save his lifetimes work.
Even before we start with the classy musicianship and singers, the show is a pure spectacle in itself with the electronic backdrop, light show, lasers and enough fire to keep any Rammstein fan happy. You had to feel sorry for Jeff Plate on drums who must have felt he was being slow roasted with all those flames around him but he continued to play his expansive drum kit like it was a stroll in the park. If this was a scaled down production, God knows what the full "budget be damned" version looks like.
The Broadway elements of the show included having Bryan Hicks narrate with his dulcet tones between tracks to hold the story together while having a singers like Rob Evan, whose singing is described as being like "A Tank" by composer Paul O'Neill. Through alongside him former Journey and Yngwie Malmsteen singer, Jeff Scott Soto, and this is just the start of the talent. Add in Vitaly Kupry on keyboards, Al Pitrelli on guitar and the awesome craziness of Roddy Chong on Violin. Special mention has to go to Georgia Napolitano, a Londoner who was busy being born when TSO were created, sang beautifully and got a big cheer from a certain section of the venue full of her friends.
In the past people have complained about the show being over choreographed, well yes it is true it is but you really have to view this as being part of the Broadway theatre spectacle part of the show. Do people attend Les Miserables and complain about it being choreographed? No, of course not and TSO are taking that aspect to their live shows.
Following the finish of the Beethoven story TSO played a mix of tracks from their recent production "Night Castle" along with a few other bits and bobs, including a nice little Beatles number. Paul O'Neill, one of the creative forces behind TSO, came out to say hello and to say how much he loved to be here in the UK as his influences were Emerson Lake Palmer, Pink Floyd and The Who all very British.
The show itself lasted for two and a half hours non stop, no encores just pure entertainment throughout. What was more amazing was the cross section of the audience, mix of rockers young and old, families and people dressed for the theatre but the one thing that united them all was the smiles on each and every face thanks to the show.
Just like that pint of Guinness, when you are finished you want the next one. Barman, another Trans-Siberian Orchestra tour please.