Meat Loaf @ LG Arena 5th December

Meatloaf @ LG Arena 05/12/10

As Imelda May took to the stage, to maybe an unknowing audience, I was certain that she, if anyone, could win over such a dedicated fan base as Meat Loaf has. And she sure did just that. Giving her take on rockabilly to a packed house, hits such as Psycho and Mayhem rang out in triumph.

Imelda May @ LG Arena 05/12/10

Although the band suffered mild technical difficulties with the bass, a double bass may I add, the speed and technique with which it was played was great. Ending with Jonny Got a Boom Boom, I can honestly say there was no-one in the audience at least not tapping along.

As if by magic, the lights go down to a loud, imposing and slightly scary intro piece which showed the stage in all its glory. With four skulls in each corner, a gigantic screen and stairs all around the stage, it was apparent that tonight would be more of a show than a gig. And the man, Meat Loaf took the stage, applause worthy of a god, was what greeted him, prowling the stage like an ill demented church priest he began his sermon.

Meatloaf @ LG Arena 05/12/10

Opening with Hot Patootie, the stage was illuminated by a gigantic screen portraying Meat’s own version of The Rocky Horror Show. Cheesy? My life, yes. As he reminds us afterwards, being able to slot Bat out Of Hell, accompanied by a terrorising blow up bat, must mean he has enough hits and enough energy with which to carry it off.

Telling the story of latest album Hang Cool Teddy Bear, which was given free at the door, Meat Loaf played the first three songs off of it in succession, and it doesn’t sound half bad. Took The Words and Anything For Love are further moments of wonder, with his voice holding out and still being entertaining.

But from there, in my opinion we started to see a different side to the man. Swearing repeatedly at the audience, fellow band members and being very sexually driven came as quite a shock, as I didn’t know he was like this. Paradise on the Dashboard was accompanied by a blow up couple, but from there…oh dear. Erupting out with sausages wearing condoms, shooting t-shirts in the air, sure it’s a novelty but it’s really quite cringy.

Meatloaf @ LG Arena 05/12/10

And as Dead Ringer for Love starts to end the evening, we leave without much care for a man who may stand out from the crowd, but fails to impress when it comes to his sense of performance.

Setlist.
1. Hot Patootie – Bless My Soul
2. If It Ain’t Broke (Break It)
3. Bat Out Of Hell
4. Peace On Earth
5. Living On The Outside
6. Los Angeloser
7. You Took The Words Right Outta My Mouth (Hot Summer Night)
8. Song Of Madness
9. Rock & Roll Dreams Come Through
10. I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That)
11. Two Outta Three Ain’t Bad
12. Paradise By The Dashboard Light
13. Boneyard
14. All Revved Up With No Place To Go
15. Dead Ringer For Love

Review – Dan Earl
Photos – Kat Page

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