So, I saw Helloween Friday night in Worcester.
Let me just say how lucky and thankful I am to have done so. I consider Keepers Pts 1&2 to be fourth best albums I have ever heard. They were as influential in what I like musically as anything else.
With 7 North American dates (6 in the US), and Worcester's proximity to the 2 NYC shows, I still can't believe that Worcester made the list.
I'm a fogey, so I saw the original Keepers tour in 1987. I've spent the last 30 years basically accepting that I would never see Mickael Kiske live again. He is the best vocalist these ears have ever heard. Ever.
While I have all of the post Kiske Helloween albums, I am not all that fond of Andi Deris' voice. It's not that he's not Kiske. I just don't find him all that pleasurable to listen to. But he has commanded Helloween to a fantastic career over the last 25 years. I totally respect that.
The reunion also brings back Kai Hansen. Helloween was never the same after he left. I think Kai is one of the most underrated and brilliant musicians of our time.
Anyway, I have been watching videos of the band's performances since the tour started. What jumped out at me was the chemistry within the band, especially between Kiske and Deris. Kiske has said that they did not know each other beforehand, but they seem to get along great, something else that Kiske has stated. Watching them live, this was really evident. And it wasn't just the chemistry, but their voices really play off each other. Throw Kai in, and on a track like How Many Tears, where they all sing lead, it's really amazing.
Also, speaking of chemistry, I was watching Kai as he was playing the Deris Era material. He couldn't have been more gracious and endearing. He played those songs with pride and it really added to my enjoyment.
Anyway, the show. AMAZING! Beyond my hopes and extectations. The band seemed so joyful, and that made for a great experience. The place was packed and the crowd was INTO IT!
Halloween is such an amazing opening song. Loved the interplay between Kiske and Deris. Kiske sounded great. I was very happy to hear that.
Oddly, the part of the show I was most looking forward to didn't involve Kiske, it was the WOJ part with Kai singing. Holy shit, was that amazing. Such a memorable concert moment.
Also what was cool was the inclusion of the Ingo video during Dani Loble's solo. What an awesome thing. It was like Dani and Ingo were doing a drum duet. I'm glad they included Ingo in the "Pumpkins United" show. Classy.
And speaking of Dani Loble, man is that guy rock steady. He held the entire show together and for playing an 2:45 hour show, I thought he was incredible. I was really impressed.
It would be nice if Michael Weikath would smile once in a while. He's a wet fart. (just thought I'd throw that in there)
Two of my favorite Deris Era tracks are Power and Waiting For The Thunder. I'm glad they included them. And Perfect Gentleman was great. The entire band was so engaged during the song.
Lastly, the video screen was fantastic. the graphics were amazing. I could do without the Seth and Doc nonsense, but the video presentation was outstanding.
Anyway, I could ramble forever about this show.
Here are a few shots..
Topic: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United (Read 163181 times)
