I finally managed to catch SAVATAGE, this time at the Marquee and they were everything I expected and more. Jon Oliva has such spiteful vocals, as well as a most unexpected comical stage act.
Couple that to a show of superior quality both in terms of their ability to play live and a set list varied from Hall of the Mountain King through to current opus Streets: A Rock Opera, and the whole thing adds up to a grossly underrated band and a brilliant evening well worth the trip.
So, why did it end at 10 o'clock with everyone forcibly thrown out minutes later and the band themselves shoved out by 11 o'clock?
They were far from impressed by the whole attitude of everyone there, including security, who regarded all of us as worthless shit. And when signing autographs, the band told us they have no intention of playing there again when they return for a proper tour again next summer, and I don't blame them.
Is this typical of the treatment that rock fans receive there? The Marquee may be legendary, but not for the bands anymore, just for the staff's attitude - and it sucks!
Riff Raff
January 1992
I wrote this a long time ago and am amazed to see it again. I remember that show like yesterday too. Such a great band so much tragedy for Jon. Loved Savatage, love Jon and his projects since. Even though I am 33 years older now once a rocker always one
ReplyDeleteThis review is mine from years ago. Thank you for making it possible to have a copy again.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure. Glad you found it.
DeleteThank you for preserving the only truthful albeit heavily edited account that exists. Kerrangs doom goblin Xavier Russell waxed lyrical about Vicious Rumours and their set and they were not even there! Savatage performed 2 hours solid no break except quick cigarette ones and included almost the entire album of streets live as well. The only time known that is recorded that this happened. They were on fire individually and collectively. Unmissable, unstoppable, unforgettable and invincible. The best band I EVER saw in my entire life.
DeleteThis is heavily edited but nonetheless this my review and words. I really stuck up for the band and the way security treated them which doesnt really come across here and JET is my writing name being my initials my name being Elle J and most people then calling me by the J which was Judi. An R was included in the Baker in error.
DeleteSavatage were on fire that night individually and collectively. They played almost the entire streets album non stop back to back. The only known time it was performed like that live. They blew the roof off and most of the rock press were not even there to witness. Instead they snuck off to see Slayer at Hammersmith and used fabricated inane meandering ramblings waxing lyrical about Vicious Rumours set when Vicious Rumours were not even there and didnt play a note. Savatage did 2 hours solid with only cigarette breaks. They were unstoppable, invincible, unforgettable, unmissable and unmatched and without doubt the BEST BAND I EVER saw live and to this day listen to more than anyone else. Jon, Criss, Johnny Lee and Steve forever unconquered.