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Did it happen to you before, that you went to a concert with not much of an expectation and you did think for a long while whether actually to go there or not. And then you almost fell from the Mount Everest, because it had been so brilliant. Well tonight I'm not just here for fun, but following a photocall. Otherwise who knows, whether I'd have pulled myself up from the couch to leave the house for this. (my couch at home gets neclected anyway all the time) 
However, - James Rivera ain't no unknown to us, is he? He showed up in the past in our country with the bands Seven Witches, Helstar and alos Vicious Rumours live on stage. But this time it's none of them but a Black Sabbath - Judas Priest tribute project. - Well I guess, I have to go more into details on that. This group here comes from Slowenia and is named Metal Steel. And their oldest member is just about 22 years young. So this kids could easily be Mr.Rivera's children. They are not, but a band on their own. And as I later on get to know, they are all what we call Wunderkinder - natural talents, who started playing music at the age of 13. - Metal Steel don't own an individual reputation so far, exept maybe in Slowenia. But they are trying hard on it, - now for instance with the help of James River, who definately is a name in Metal circles, to catch a little echo abroad.. 

On the other hand, the name Rivera ain't that big, that you fall with flying wings out of your castle - as we say. Hope you know what I mean by that. - Anyway the reason for this Sabbath-Priest-Sabbath project is simple explained as a hole filler, when Mr.Rivera ain't working and on tour with his other band Helstar. 

The idea to combine both of his fave acts in one tribute thing came over night, he explains. And his backing band here has got everything, what is needed for this. The prove follows shortly. 

Supportband Diamond Rose I did miss most of it, as I've still been sitting with James  backstage to discuss the sense of a musician's life. Because of that, I can't really do a live review on them. But in each case, Diamond Rose are a bavarian local Cross Over Rockband, who is on their way since 2003. I myself have not heard of them so far, but you can't know everything, can you? Whoever wants to know more about this outfit, can do so by clickiing on their official website
http://www.diamond-rose.de 

10 p.m. is showtime for a colourful Potpourri made of well known Judas Priest tunes and Black Sabbath /Dio era) songs, performed by a overwhelming singer and four, as I said before - miracle kids....


Let me describe this so: I have hardly experienced that musicians provide such a great sound condition in this place here. Usually there is always a lack on that. And most of all, it's the way, this individual interpretation of all these Sabbath and Priest tracks, giving this show a special note. I have to say, I'm usually not a big fan of tribute- and Coverbands and I do prefer the originals. But exeptions prove the rules, as we say so over here. And all I can say is: this here is simply great. 

And some other and much older bands could take an example on this kids, who are playing up there like Zeus in a pleasuredome. They are young and full of ambitions, and despite their young age, they are already good musicians. the only girl in the band sits handles the drums. She is small and very slim but develops an animal power on her instrument.

But of course it's James Rivera beeing the centerpoint of this happening here, who pays tribute to Ronnie James Dio  as his big mentor and starts of with Dio's probably biggest hit 'Holy Diver', while the contact to the small audiance here is just perfect. 


And that one again is very grateful and (I'd call it - standing ovations, - but we stand anyway) they ask for more and more and more. James does 'em this favour and plays not only one more song, including Hellstar tunes as well as 2 songs by his backing band Metal Steel and another Dio classic 'Don't talk To Strangers'. But at one point every gig is finished eventually, because otherwise, according to James: "I won't get any tune out of my mouth anymore, and I'm literatualy really hanging down the bar".

Very nice indeed, who would have thought that. Huge vocal art meets brilliant new talents, spiced with lot's of enthusiasm and pleasure to play. With this recepie there can't go anything wrong really, exept the way it gets promoted and the needed reputation.
Anyway, we get the feeling tonight, easterbunny has already delivered the surprise egg, though christmas haven't been yet. 

http://www.myspace.com/jamesrivera   http://www.helstar.com/   http://www.myspace.com/metalsteel


Click
Diary for some Off Stage Snapshots