Meatloaf: Bat out of Hell
This is yet another one of those Rockenplast releases from the famous show in Germany. Unlike many shows in the U.K., it seems like the German channels kept every single gig they every recorded whether good or not. This is probably one of the shortest DVDs you will be ever find, with only seven songs in total, from the original Bat Out of Hell release. Meatloaf as you have seen, in the videos to the songs on MTV, is a bloated and sweaty mess most of the time, but able to blast the songs in a way few can muster.
I am not quite sure what the attraction is to this DVD. Granted it's amusing to see Jim Steinman interview, with Meatloaf, by a German TV host. There is little that might suggest his future “eccentric” mannerisms. Steinman plays keys on the tour and sings backing vocals to many of the tracks. You probably know all these tracks to heart and maybe even subjected others to your own butchered versions in some drunken karaoke here or there.
This is one for the most hard-core of hard-core Meatloaf fan. This music exists in a better form in so many different places. A curiosity, for sure, but not sure it’s worth buying.
Billy Idol: In Super Overdrive
Another short and sweet, no frills live DVD. This time it's Billy Idol back in his great old form with his ole’ sparring partner Steve Stevens on guitar. Idol’s music really deserves the flamboyant fiery licks that Stevens produces. It's good to see them back working together. It’s a tight band that gives the back to the sneer merchant that he really needs.
Of course, as you no doubt expect and demand, he plays all his 80s heyday hits including “White Wedding” and the ode to self-pleasure in the form of “Dancing with Myself”. I was fortunate enough to get the Blu-ray version for review and it does impress with the quality of sound and vision. Those wondering what he has been up to of late get to hear a few tracks from his recently released, and welcomed, album The Devil’s Playground. He even includes a cover of Lita Ford’s “Kiss me Deadly,” which I found most surprising.
Article comments
1 - Louis
The original guitarist and primary songwriter for Kansas is Kerry Livgren not Kevin Livgen. (smile)
2 - Paul Roy
Little tough on ol' Creed aren't we? I've got the DVD sitting under my Christmas tree so I'll have to wait until then. If it is half as good as the Alter Bridge DVD it will be worth the money.