Review by RMAC:
As I arrived at the United Palace Theater, I pondered why in the world was this venue selected in an area that has heavy traffic congestion and on every corner you turned there was a Bodega (Spanish translation – candy or corner store). In particular, driving to the venue and searching for parking turned out to be a mission. Thanks goodness I did my research and parked my large SUV in a parking facility on 177th Street and Broadway for $30.00. A small price to pay you think? Perhaps but the clock was ticking and the weather was bitterly cold. After walking into the theater and checking out the décor, I said to myself okay this might work.

From what I know of The United Palace Theater, it originally was known as the Loew's 175th Street Theatre, and it is described as one of the 3 Loew's Wonder Theaters in New York City. Located at 175th Street and Broadway in New York City (Manhattan), the theatre was designed for vaudeville and movies. When the theater opened in 1930, its auditorium was the third largest in the United States. Its architectural style has been described as (get ready) "Byzantine-Romanesque-Indo-Hindu-Sino- Moorish-Persian-Eclectic-Rococo-Deco" (whoa what a mouthful!). The historic theatre was restored and is still maintained for concerts, recitals, classes and lectures. Okay folks enough of the history lesson, let’s get to the good stuff.

I arrived a little after 8:00 p.m. missing the group Deadwood as the opening act for Meat Loaf. As I walked in, I asked someone, who was drinking beer at the time, if I missed Meat Loaf. I was told that Meat Loaf had not yet performed, but the opening act is kind of "edgy but okay". Not much more was said.

My seat for the show was ideal. I had orchestra seating second row center, and a fantastic view of everything. My iphone and I were ready to go to work. Just a little before 9:00 p.m., the lights dimmed and Meat Loaf and the band took center stage, including none other than Kasim Sulton. With the Casa de Carne drape in the background, I have to say the multi-colored lighting, acoustics and impressive effects were much better than the show I saw in Bath, U.K. Meat Loaf began with "I Want You So Hard", "If It Aint Broke", and "Fryng Pan". It seemed that Meat Loaf decided to change the format of the show. Smart move. One got the sense that the crowd was really into it. As usual, Meat Loaf appeared up front with his red satin scarf while holding the microphone shaking it feverishly as he performed. Meat Loaf’s voice was much better, clearer and more steady than before. You actually could have understood what the words were to the song.

Have no fear folks, I will now talk about Meat Loaf’s musical director. Kasim was dressed all in black and playing his signature KSulton bass. Kasim provided vibrant energy and direction for the rest of the band. Kasim appeared relaxed and ready to give a good show – and for sure he did. I have to say Kasim’s performance level and showmanship was definitely elevated a few notches more than from what I saw in Bath, U.K. With his smiling self, Kasim moved around stage frequently and made eye contact with the audience throughout the show while throwing guitar picks. A few times, Kasim walked forward to the stage playing his KSulton with great intensity that made for good photo opt. For sure my iphone caught those rare moments.

While Kasim was performing, I was observing the audience and got the sense that there were definitely Utopia fans in the house. Kasim’s voice was sharp, hypnotic and without a doubt appreciated by die-heart Utopia fans. I recall a gentleman sitting to my right who remarked that hearing Kasim’s voice again relived the Utopia days for him all over again. I can understand why. For all you devout Utopia aficionados, you too can understand why.

As the show continued, Meat Loaf went through several costume changes from redneck with a beer cooler, his signature tuxedo and long wig singing "Paradise By The Dashboard Light" along with Patti Russo and then into his dark long velour-type jacket as he sang "Disentience", "Paradise" and "Anything For Love". I must say that the duet between Meat Loaf and Patti is much more entertaining and heart felt especially as they both sang "Anything For Love". Meat Loaf even acknowledged Patti’s adroit skill of performing a side step clear across the stage. Definitely, the chemistry between the two of them was electric and convincing. There was one segment in the show which was very poignant where Meat Loaf is sitting on a bar stool with a solo spotlight as he sang a slow rendition of "Two Out Of Three Aint Bad". This truly captivated the audience so much so that you could have heard a pin drop.

Almost towards the end of the show, members of the audience were permitted to approach closer to the stage. Magically, the audience and Meat Loaf along with the band somehow were one mind as high fives and handshakes were exchanged. This was very cool from where I was sitting. In particular, I noticed Kasim was much more gregarious while acknowledging certain individuals and blowing kisses to the ladies. The remainder of the show elevated into a more fast-paced pitch with "Bat Out Of Hell", "Rock N’ Roll Dreams", "Roadhouse", "Why Don’t We Do It" and "Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth". Meat Loaf closed the show by saying to everyone in the theater to keep on rocking. I am sure everyone will heed that advice.

Overall, the show was exciting, entertaining and very touching especially since it just so happened that the final show was held in the city that never sleeps. Where else can you get a pizza at 3 o’clock in the morning. This time Meat Loaf hit the nail right on the head and right into the very hearts of the most skeptical critics in the world – New Yorkers! And you better believe we most certainly are. As I was walking out of the theater, a gentle snow shower gradually fell upon Metropolis. How appropriate for this time of the year. Happy Holidays!

Many thanks to RMAC for the review and all the photos on this page.

Meat Loaf 2008 Casa De Carne Tour