8/30/98 Concert Review

I just attended the DEEP PURPLE / ELP / DREAM THEATER show at the Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles last night, and I had to give a concert review. Basically, I can sum it all up by saying "It kicked ass!!". On paper, it looked like a great lineup and the show itself certainly did live up to the high expectations. Where should I begin, perhaps from the top?

Dream Theater: 7:45p - 8:30p. I knew most people would choose to miss this band, so my friend Holger and I had no problems finding empty seats at the front of the orchestra section. I can sum up this band in one word: TIGHT. I would definitely call Dream Theater one of THE BEST progressive rock/metal acts around. They play with such power and precision, very much on the same caliber as RUSH and YES.

Unfortunately, their set was only 45 minutes, I think they could have easily gone another hour. I think if this was 1987, Dream Theater would be headlining their own show at Universal (Dammit, if Disco and Swing can make a comeback, Metal definitely should!!). Hopefully someday they will headline their own arena tour because they definitely have a very large volume of strong material.

ELP: 8:45p - 10:05p. What can I say about these guys? All three guys (especially Keith) were at the top their forms. I really can't believe these guys are in their 50s! By the way, I love Tarkus; it was well worth the price of admission just to see them do that song in its entirety.

Keith's solos were in short unbelievable. To all the guys who say he is self-indulgent I would say, "Of course he is" but that is what the fans want right? Carl Palmer on his drum solos was also incredible - love that double bass.

DEEP PURPLE: 10:20p - 12:05a. Well these guys definitely had a tough act to follow, but they did not disappoint. Holger and I once again tried our luck sneaking up front for their set. If you had front row orchestra seats and didn't bother sitting in them, I would like to say "Thanks". I couldn't believe there were actually empty seats in the front row of the orchestra but we made sure they were kept warm!

Their set list was basically a condensed version of the LA House of Blues shows with the addition of Lazy, and of course the new songs. See below for the set list (I'm not sure if the order is correct):

Ted the Mechanic; Strange Kind Of Woman; Woman From Tokyo; Almost Human; Bloodsucker; Guitar Solo; Watching the Sky; Any Fule Kno That; Smoke On The Water; Lazy; Perfect Strangers; Speed King
encore: Hush; Highway Star

These guys genuinely appeared to be having a great time. Steve of course was all smiles, so were Ian and Roger. Ian takes his voice to absolute limit, how long can he keep it up? I could tell he was coughing a few times between screams, but hell I could hardly be able to sing like that for one night let alone for the past 30 fucking years!! Although Jon really had a tough act to follow, his duel soloing with Steve was great as always. Ian's and Steve's dueling was a bit off, but very entertaining. I never met Gillan personally, but I would bet he has a great sense of humor.

In all honesty, I would have to say the House of Blues show was a better set (it was about 5 or 6 songs longer). However, their performance was no less energetic and enthusiastic.

As a whole last night's show kicked some serious ass. All three bands were awesome. Who ever put this whole thing together deserves a high five. Oddly enough, the only criticism I could give the show was that it was too short - Yeah you heard me correct. I didn't want any band to stop playing, but I really can't complain about four hours of top quality musical entertainment.

Sincerely,
Eric Hokenson

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