Meatloaf Live at the Wolf Trap

This was my first Meatloaf concert, though I have been a major fan since junior high. I love the power and truth of the lyrics, the passion that Meatloaf puts into Jim Steinman's (and others') songs, his strong, rich voice, and the intensity of the whole combination. It's incredible music.

The Wolf Trap Filene Center is a beautiful outdoor concert area. Concerts go on rain or shine, with the stage and a fair amount of seating under a large wooden canopy, including a balcony section, but most of us were outside sitting on the grassy hill. Many others were beyond the hill, beyond actual site of the stage, but still, the place was packed. I heard it was sold out. We arrived at 5:00 pm for an 8:00 performance, not wanting to be beyond the hill where we couldn't see him. This is his last world tour, so my T-shirt verifies, and I wasn't taking any chances. We weren't the only ones waiting that long. But we did have a good spot on the grass. When I say we, I mean my husband and I took both of our children, as they are both fans, as well. In fact, there is only one artist my 10-yr-old son likes more than Meatloaf. And he is very much into music, even at his age. He always has been.

We had a great time at the concert. The evening was perfect, barely requiring a light jacket as it headed toward 10:00. And Meatloaf has a wonderful sense of humor, even joking about the makeshift stage extender giving out from underneath him, causing him to fall into the audience. But he threw it into the act of "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" (he does act the songs out on stage). His band was wonderful! Super talent there. In fact, I think - should think about a solo career. What an incredible voice!! Also, the stage show was exciting and well-done, barring a few small technical problems that had no effect on the overall show. I'm very glad I was finally able to see him live. However, I wouldn't go again.

The problem was ... he did very little singing. Most of the songs he yelled/talked through. The passion and intensity were there, as on the cds, but not the voice. We wanted to hear him sing and were disappointed in how much he DIDN'T sing. Occasionally, he did. There were truly wonderful moments when his voice was spectacular - strong, definitely on key, and beautiful. Unfortunately, those moments were too limited. He did the great songs along with a few from the new CD - "I Couldn't Have Said It Better" - but I got to the point where, hearing a song start that I especially love was really a let-down because I knew he would just end up talking or yelling it instead of singing it, anyway.

A poster on his official fan site stated that she didn't expect singers to always be on key for performances and in fact doesn't like the ones who do perfect shows. Well, maybe I'm funny, but yes, when I go to a show, I expect the singer to actually sing and to sing on-key. Neither of the other 2 major talents I have seen in the last year and a half sang off-key at any point. There were also comments about the lawn not having good acoustics. Regardless of where the seats were, if he had been singing, that would have been obvious. Everyone else who sang, including his opening act, sounded just fine. It had nothing to do with acoustics. And I've just talked with someone who saw him several years ago - not at Wolf Trap - and she said the same thing. In fact, she won't even listen to his music anymore because she was so unhappy with the performance. I won't go that far. I absolutely love the music and will continue to buy it as long as the cds retain their quality. But I wouldn't go to another show even if he did come my way again.

For those who go just to see him and have the experience, go and have a lot of fun! But if you're looking for good quality music, stick with the cds.

Sep 9, 2003