A Christmas Tradition Rocks Raleigh Again
After 25 years of being together and touring, attending a Trans-Siberian orchestra concert in December has become as synonymous with Christmas as drinking eggnog, eating fruitcake, and watching Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer on TV. The Classical-based Metal entourage split into two touring groups, continues to play along both coasts of the United States to millions of fans with two shows a night in most major cities!
This year the band was touting an “all-new show”. For long-time fans of the band and their music, this was exciting news. Once again the band hit Raleigh, North Carolina, USA on what Chris Caffery stated is one of their “off nights”, meaning a night where they only have one performance. It was an exceptionally warm December night in Raliegh and the band managed to pack in the Lenovo Center which hosts up to 19,500 attendees.
A One Night Stand!
Once again Raleigh was treated to TSO’s East Coast “division” which for the most part was the same line-up as last year. Any Metalheads in attendance had plenty to smile about as this touring group included three members of Savatage as well as one “Whitesnake”, and a Symphony X-er!
Unlike past shows tonight did not start off with Chris Caffery addressing the audience. The show started at 7:15 pm which is fair for a show billed for a 7 pm start. It really didn’t matter as the band played on for 2 hours and 15 minutes with no “real” intermission, other than a few short breaks to introduce the singers and then later the musicians.
Sit With Me As I Tell A (New) Tale, The Tale Of The Lost Christmas Eve
Following a similar pattern from last year’s show the band opened with a track taken off of Savatage’s 1997 album The Wake of Magellan. Last year they opened with “The Hourglass” and this year the track “Welcome”. The opening was once again lead by Savatage vocalist Zak Stevens, who originally sang on that album. His vocals, still sounding great, surely made the Savatage fans in attendance happy!
The 2+ hour show was once again split into two sets essentially. The first part was the story-telling portion and the last half is a collection of favorites and surprises. This year’s “new show” included many selections from the final album of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christmas trilogy albums, The Lost Christmas Eve. The chosen tracks were interlaced with live storytelling moments once again presented confidentially by Bryan Hicks. Bryan always presents in a calm, strong soothing voice akin to a Morgan Freeman. The story-telling set included several new video segment backdrops and beautiful colorful lighting as well as the usual indoor snow.
Notable vocal performances included a rousing rendition of “For The Sake Of Our Brother” by Kelsie Watts, which elicited a standing ovation from the crowd. It was also a fun, upbeat vibe delivered by Symphony X/Adenaline Mob frontman Russell Allen singing the more bluesy songs like “Christmas Nights In Blue”.
Kicking It Up And Adding Surprises!
The second half of the show continues to kick up the voltage, and fire, as the whole stage and light show experience is taken to “new heights”, literally! The last hour was adorned with ramps ascending into the air, over the main floor crowd, and guitarists playing on lifts. This half of the show is introduced by Chris Caffery and is designated “The Best Of TSO”. Chris also mentions some songs being included that we haven’t heard in a while, and he was right.
One of these rarities was a melody of “King Rurik” from Letters From The Labyrinth, “Mozart And Memories” from Night Castle, and “Tracers” a bonus track off Night Castle as well.
There was no lack of heavy music in this second set especially when it included epic classically induced Heavy Metal instrumentals like “A Mad Russian’s Christmas”, “First Snow” and arguably one of the heaviest classically inspired riffs EVER in the Beethoven-inspired, “Requiem (The Fifth)”.
The second half was also heightened with an outstanding performance of another Savatage cover in “When The Crowds Are Gone” which was a heartfelt performance dedicated to Trans-Siberian Orchestra visionary, Paul O’Neill (R.I.P.). The track is from Savatage’s 1989 album Gutter Ballet which was originally sung by Jon Oliva, who also was in attendance back by the soundboard! Also, one track was quietly dedicated to Ukrainian pianist and keyboardist Vitali Kupri who toured with TSO in the past. Sadly, Vitali passed away last February at the age of 49. Unfortunately, if you weren’t a hardcore fan or a progressive metal enthusiast this dedication might have been lost on you.
Musicians As Athletes
The stage presence and showmanship put forth by guitarists Chris Caffery (Savatage), Joel Hoekstra (ex-Night Ranger, Whitesnake), violinist Roddy Chong, and Tony Dickinson on bass can never be overstated. These guys cover the entirety of this enormous stage set running from end to end, up ramps, into the audience, and treating fans to classic Metal guitarist poses! Anyone who sees this show and can take the stance that musicians are not athletes needs to reconsider! It was also nice to see Jeff Plate from Savatage pounding out the drums and even being allowed a quick drum solo at one point. This isn’t to take away from any of the other performers including keyboardists, singers, string ensemble (which is supplied by local musicians), etc. You’d be hard-pressed to find talent here not worthy of your praise!
Having seen the band seven times since their debut in 1999, and back-to-back-to-back for the last three years, it can still be said that each performance, even if you’ve seen it before, still contains the energy, awe, and intensity of the first time seeing a Trans-Siberian Orchestra experience! Whether you’re a longtime fan, a newcomer, a Metal Head, a Senior Citizen, or even a young adult you’ll leave feeling entertained, ecstatic, and exhausted from what you’ve just witnessed! Still a highly recommended “must-see” experience even after twenty-five years and counting!
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