Meat Loaf - Seize the Night Live

Very few things are certain in this life: death and taxes come to mind. But one other aspect is certain take if from me, if you're fortunate enough to see Meat Loaf live you're going to have a blast - no ifs, ands or buts. Pulling from over 3 decades of hits, Loaf live is a marathon show that keeps going and going like the Energizer bunny. The man just doesn't stop, not for a moment. No matter which tour you may catch him on your bound to be hit right between the eyes with wonderful tunes and memories to go along with them. A tight band and backing vocalists Meat's show is a full blown rock-and-roll extravaganza attach on the senses. If you're not a dancer, your toes will be tapping. If you're a 'rock metal head,' at some point your fist will be high in the air. If you're a power ballad rocker, there will be a soft spot in the show for you. There is something for everyone.

Nothing could dampen the spirits of the over 3000 people crowd despite the rain and muddy field conditions (yes, an outdoor venue) accept for possibly one thing that came 30 minutes into the set. More of that a little later. From the get go Meat's "Bat Out Of Hell III - Seize The Night Tour" was obviously going to be a 'greatest hits' set. The backdrop included huge canvas covers from the trilogy "Bat Out Of Hell," releases, mini screens running Meat video vignettes and images. Coming on to the stage with a rousing rendition of "All Revved Up With No Place To Go", the crowd already on their feet the usual encore staple came next: "Paradise By The Dashboard Light." Another crowd pleasure and surprise, so what else would Mr. Loaf have up his jacket sleeve? Starting with tunes from the original "Bat," release he cruised effortlessly into "Out Of The Frying Pan Into The Fire," from "Bat II," and began one of my personal favorites, "Life Is A Lemon (And I Want My Money Back)". As it turned out this was the 30 minute mark.

The anthem part of the song back, "I want my money back, I want my money back." The band was tight, the backup female singers were hot, Meat began to chime in, and then, hold your breath, exited stage left. The entire stage set went black. Of course, those of us in the crowd naturally assumed they blew a fuse. But time began to tick away until finally the announcement came from Meat's guitarist. Loaf had been and was ill with the flue and couldn't go on with the rest of the set, vowing Meat would come back and make it up to the Loaf maniacs. Admittedly disappointed and crushed we all began to file out. I've seen Loaf half a dozen times and had the pleasure of meeting him once. He's not the kind of performer who just cancels a show or walks off because he's not in the mood. So, the upswing if there really is one, I arrived home wet and in time to catch C.S.I.: Crime Scene Investigation. But make no mistake, when Meat arrives once again in Boca, I'll be there with my ticket stub in hand, my tapping shoes on, my fist raised in the air, and my sentimentality on my sleeve. Hopefully next time around life won't be a lemon and the skies won't open up again. Feel better Meat. I'll be seeing you again August 30. To be continued...