The enormous on-stage screen allowed flames to rise nearly to the ceiling height behind Benny Israel and his band.
Meet Loaf: The Ultimate Tribute turned up the heat at their Savannah Center premiere recently.
A grand piano with a gothic candelabrum and a fiery video set the tone for an extravagant, theatrical rock & roll performance.
With an impassioned rendition of “I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That),” Israel and co-lead vocalist Ariel Eva upped the showmanship.
Scott Curry (lead guitar), David Currey (bass), Cecilia Roy (keyboards, piano, vocals) and Eddie Gresely (drums) joined them for other hits such as “Dead Ringer for Love,” “Rock And Roll Dreams Come Through” and “Time Warp.” Head thumping and scarf waving were added to the showmanship.
The Meat Loaf is a favorite of Bethany and Richard Contatore of the Village of St. Catherine.
“His shows are great. His music is fantastic and always has a great story,” Bethany said of Meat Loaf. “His songs are the story.”
“The real Meat Loaf had a very dynamic vocal range that a lot of (musicians) don’t, so that made him unique,” Richard added.
Israel demonstrated his own range with a scream at the end of “Bat Out of Hell” and the sweeter “Heaven Can Wait.” Eva was able to hold her own with the high notes and harmonies.
The audience certainly got it when they reprised the entrance to “You Took The Words Right Out of Mouth (Hot Summer Night).”
“It’s my music – it’s the memories I have of this time of my life listening to all this music,” Village of Calumet Grove resident Beth Amitai said. (“I hope they recreate) being with friends and listening to his music and dancing.”
