Photo by Lawrence Fung

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra rolled into town this month and not a moment too soon. They came just in time for the Christmas holidays. This was the first time I ever attended this show and with all the hype it had it’s moments. Technically these guys were great. An impressive approx. 30 piece band rocking and riffing away on Christmas carols and famous classical scores in a heavy metal style.

The first half of the show was solely dedicated to the Christmas theme along with narration with set the tone for most of the entire show. The second half the orchestra rocked out to classical symphonies that would of made their original composers proud. The show itself was impressive, the use of LED backgrounds, lasers zapping all over the place, lights, a floating platform, fog machines and pyro was absolutely stunning. I’ve never seen so much attention grabbing visuals that could take your mind off of the show or keep your mind in the show depending how you look at it .

Now let me get straight to the point, I attended the show with a friend of mine who’s an avid heavy metal lover and well even though the TSO performance was absolutely, technically perfect… We both had to agree that there is something about mixing heavy metal guitars with classical melodies together, somethings just shouldn’t be mixed together. Overall no matter how you put it into the mix, mixing the two added a slight layer of cheese throughout the evening. And before everyone is up at arms, let me say it again “I NEVER SAID THESE GUYS WE’RE BAD, ON THE CONTRARY THESE GUYS WERE TECHNICALLY AMAZING, BUT MIXING HEAVY GUITARS WITH CLASSICAL MUSIC IS A LITTLE CHEESY.” It is what it is and I’m pretty sure the sold out crown at the Bell Center would disagree. Personally it was like listening to Yngwie Malmsteen all night, Yngwie is a technically perfect guitarist. Listening to him for two hours straight and I just want to pull the hair out of my roots… I think you guys get my drift. Now Megadeath… these guys did it right . As mentioned earlier the show itself was honestly an incredible array of lights and lasers flickering all over the place. With this said the show should of came with a warning sign and I’m absolutely serious… or maybe there was one and I missed it amongst the flashing lights. There was so much flickering, and flashing of lasers and lights anyone sensitive to this would of definitely of had a problem.

Overall these guys definitely put on an impressive show, was it my cup of tea? Not really, maybe this is something that i have to get use to… For me heavy metal guitars go great with I dunno… heavy metal music. But the TSO will definitely cater to an audience who want  to listen to Christmas carols and classical hits repackaged and presented in a totally different manner. These guys perform their show every year close to the holiday season, spreading the message holiday joy; as they should and I have no doubt that they will be spreading it once again to sold out crowds where ever they decide to play.

To end this review, at least I can agree with the TSO on one thing; may everyone have a great Christmas and holiday season with joy and two cups of eggnog filled with rum. Best wishes to all of you and along with the TSO, I hope to see you guys in the New Year .

Written by,
CAS Admin

Photo by Jason DeCrow/Associated Press

A few days ago I had the absolute pleasure of watching a Canadian icon perform on stage at Montreal’s Bell Center. No, no… I’m not talking about Bryan Adams, Celine Dion or The Bare Naked Ladies for that matter. I am talking about an artist a step above everyone else, the icon I’m referring to is without a doubt, Neil Young.

As the lights went down after opening act Wilco, Neil stepped out on stage… never dressing up for the moment, always seeming to dress down. Wearing what seemed to be an old paint splattered sports jacket and his hair brushed back he came out and gave what only a legendary performer can give. An absolute legendary preformance from the heart. It’s not about glits and glamour with Young. He’s RAW. His music is RAW, his playing is RAW and no one else can pull off a “RAWER” performance than himself.

Am I a fan of Neil, you bet…Do I love his music, you’re damn right I do,  am i blowing smoke up his a**? Absolutely not… What sets Neil apart from every other artist is his drive to change the world with his music and for that alone; EVERYONE should admire. He’s not here to sing pop songs, he’s here to sing messages of peace, love and prosperity. He’s telling you a story of the innocence lost in all of us. He’s sending us a message of hope. If only most people can tell the difference between beautifully written poetry and poorly stringed lyrics that make no sense; perhaps this world would be a better place. It’s been his life’s work to create change through music and even though many of us listen to Neil, unfortunately not enough of us are willing to follow his message. Well for us music and peace lovers, let’s help Neil out by spreading his message of hope so he doesn’t have to do it alone.

Thank You Neil for a wonderful performance and we all hope to see you back in town real soon!
By the way “Keep on Rock’in in the Free World”.

Written by,
CAS Admin

http://www.neilyoung.com/