|
Walls Came Down Black Maria Open My eyes Lunatic Fringe I Saw The Light Mad Afraid Mercenary Gun Courage Weakness Strike Pissin Today Bardo Mountaintop Panic Manup
Couldn't I just Tell You 
Review by RMAC:
While in a cab on a Sunday night in Central London, the traffic was a bit congested considering the rain and brief snow shower that fell throughout the weekend. Upon approaching The Forum on Highgate Road, just 15 minutes from the Hilton Hotel in Upper Woburn, a line was forming around the venue with excited Todd fans. While getting on line, I could overhear a few people who were and some I recognized from the previous show at The Waterfront in Norwich. One person remarked that even though it was a “bloody” long drive, it was worth seeing Todd again in back-to-back shows. In case you wonder, travel time from Norwich to Central London is approximately three hours of endless road. I had the fortunate opportunity to attend the Norwich show as well. A very kind person gave me a lift to and from the venue as it snowed – Thanks Sue. What luck! Having the great fortune of being at both Todd shows in the U.K. in one weekend especially since this was the final leg of the European Tour was sheer golden. Indeed, it was truly an experience not to be missed! Luckily, I was in the U.K. on business and somehow the scheduling fell into place.
As I entered The Forum, it reminded me of The Beacon Theater in New York City. The Forum is very architectural and not a bad seat in the house (I had a Todd After Show pass and a comfortable front row balcony seat waiting for me). However, I gladly gave up my balcony seat and went where the action was – Up Front with the cool crowd to enjoy the Todd Ride.
To start things off, Eugene Francis, Jr. appeared and performed for approximately 35-40 minutes singing songs that kind of made sense and other songs that made one wanted that second pint of Guinness to take the edge off. Go figure.
As the lights dimmed, a metallic haze filled the stage and as it traveled throughout the standing audience, the crowd knew the wait would soon be over. One by one Rachel, Prairie, Jesse, Kasim and finally Todd took center stage. Todd and the band began with Love in Action, Walls Came Down, Black Maria, Lunatic Fringe and Open My Eyes in perfect harmony. Kasim was at keyboard, and appeared in good spirits and right on with the rest of the band.
At one point of the show and to my surprise, Kasim and I made eye contact. I had attended other Kasim solo gigs and Meat Loaf shows, but I thought perhaps he would have recognized me. Guess what folks? He did. On stage with a dramatic spotlight behind him, Kasim in a rocker stance was dressed in a cool black Dolce & Gabana ensemble. While taking jpegs with my iphone, Kasim stood still and was kind enough to pose for a picture that I caught with my iphone. I could tell Kasim appreciated that I came clear across the Atlantic to support the band. Picture this -- Kasim standing by the microphone smiling in my direction with guitar in hand and with a facial expression that I interpreted as all is right with the world and nothing would disrupt his groove. Believe me -- My iphone was working mega time throughout the night.
Kasim continued to alternate between keyboard, guitar, back up vocals and percussion. Kasim’s voice was as I would describe as “rapid quick fire, on target and smooth as silk”. While performing, Kasim continued to throw a few guitar picks at the audience whenever possible. It appeared Kasim’s aim has improved. He did not try to take out anyone’s eye.
During the course of the show, Todd was experiencing a little trouble with the sound and tried adjusting the amplifier a bit in order to continue. Todd mentioned to the audience that he would sing another song and then deal with the sound issue later. As the show continued, the sound seemed to fix itself fine and all was in perfect harmonious sync. Regardless, true Todd and Kasim fans did not care about the sound so long as Todd was belting out tunes – a few old (Black Maria and I Saw The Light) but mostly new songs from the Arena album, and Kasim was providing his usual showmanship of cool, style and vocal excellence that every fan in the house truly hold dear to their hearts. The Utopia Days were back and can never die but live on forever! What more can anyone ask for? This was a rare happening for all to witness in Britannia.
At one point in the show, Todd was so into a song that he lost his balance and fell backwards. But Todd being the great showman, he quickly got up and continued on without skipping a beat. As the show continued, Todd provided comic relief and poked fun at the U.K.’s conception of football and slowly gravitated into his sharing crop days with his friends (Ha ha!). The best part of the show was when Todd urged audience participation during the Strike song with everyone thrusting one arm straight up and not in any other direction. By this, Todd hoped that certain muscle parts would not atrophy. With pleasure, everyone gladly went along with the groove of the song and the aerobic exercise seemed to work.
Overall the show was a hit and a fantastic finale! Great acoustics, great venue and cool tunes. Now on to America! Next stop for Kasim – Meat Loaf Tour. Stay tuned and Happy Holidays to Todd and Kasim fans around the world!
By the way, the Todd After Show was a big bonus! To be able to meet with Todd and Kasim in person, talk with them, having them sign items and take jpegs was the best early Christmas present any fan could have received. As Todd was signing CDs, T-shirts and the like, I recollect Todd saying that it made his heart feel full of joy to know that people appreciated his work throughout the years and the message that his songs deliver. The best thing that Todd did to make the tour even more complete was having Kasim on board. God bless!
Other websites:
 Many thanks to RMAC for all the photos on this page. All Rights Reserved |