When it comes to showmanship AVANTASIA have that and much more as seen on their UK only show at the London Forum where the band would perform a three hour long set of material spanning the bands entire discography, not many bands have the power to pull off a performance of this magnitude but then again this is AVANTASIA we're talking here folks.

We see AVANTASIA open with two new songs off of the latest record "Ghostlights", opening with the tracks "Mystery of a Blood Red Rose" and ghost lights we see fans excited and prepared for an evening of incredible music and some of the most talented musicians in the business. Compared to the band's last UK show, which was the Bloodstock festival we see the band pulling out all the stops with their stage set which is a complete replica of the album cover for "Ghostlights". Seeing this actually gives me a lot of hope for the show as it shows how dedicated the band are to creating an experience that will surely never be forgotten by fans. What impressed me the most about tonight's show is the fact that the band have prepared a set of songs that has been built around the band's entire career, going into albums that they haven't played in a long time as well as bringing them to life in a way which is an incredible sight, to be sure.

"The Great Mystery" is, of course, a track that many fans have been looking forward to hearing since it features Mr. Bob Catley on vocals, bringing with him (as always) a stunning performance and stage presence that through the night, shimmers bright. However, my favourite moment of Mr. Catley's performance has to be "The Story Ain't Over", a truly a beautiful song and honestly a very epic track to sing along to with hundreds of fans backing behind it. It's incredible to say the least, as with this type of show we have a selection of some of rock and metal's most legendary names bringing their power and grace onto the stage as well as giving fans something unique to treasure for the rest of their lives. It is easy to say that when it comes to London shows we never really get anything like this to come our way but when it does it is always spectacular and incredible to witness.

Throughout the night you could see that a lot of fans had been waiting for this moment to see AVANTASIA return to the UK with an actual tour, though with it only being a London exclusive it goes to show you that many had traveled far just to get a glimpse of this bands live performance in action. As the evening continues we find that the show on that night had sold out during the bands set, which is always a good sign. I can't really say I've ever seen this happen before, but when you're there and in the moment, it's almost exciting just knowing you're at what could be a show for the history books.

Being at this show was more than just an experience for me, though; I felt that the band pulled out all the stops and brought a show that represents their love for the fans that have supported them through the years. It is rare to find a band like AVANTASIA really as there are no bands like them in the world with as much energy and imagination, what AVANTASIA bring to their live shows is something unique which stands out as well as being a mesmerizing act to boot, truly tonight has showcased a talent of musicians with such incredible ideas and such an incredible stage presence that really it would be quite hard to beat.

What made this show for me was the first AVANTASIA track I ever listened to, titled "Farewell"; this song speaks to me as a fan in many ways and always brings me to tears; tonight no was different, ladies and gentlemen. It is the type of song that moves the emotions of those whom listen to it and it just makes you want to cheer along with it which is just what happened at tonight's show; such a passionate crowd I have to say.

Tonight we have been greeted by such names as Tobias Sammet, Bob Catley, Amanda Somerville, Ronnie Atkins and many more, really this has been an incredible moment for London and surely it won't be the last with any hope. AVANTASIA remain a band that packs in everything and more for the price you pay while bringing more surprises along the way.

Setlist:
1. Mystery of a Blood Red Rose
2. Ghostlights (with Michael Kiske)
3. Invoke the Machine (with Ronnie Atkins)
4. Unchain the Light (with Ronnie Atkins and Michael Kiske)
5. A Restless Heart and Obsidian Skies (with Bob Catley)
6. The Great Mystery (with Bob Catley)
7. The Scarecrow (with Jørn Lande)
8. Lucifer (with Jørn Lande)
9. The Watchmakers' Dream (with Oliver Hartmann)
10. What's Left of Me (with Eric Martin)
11. The Wicked Symphony (with Oliver Hartmann, Jørn… more )
12. Draconian Love (with Herbie Langhans)
13. Farewell (with Amanda Somerville and Michael Kiske)
14. Stargazers (with Michael Kiske, Jørn… more )
15. Shelter from the Rain (with Michael Kiske and Bob Catley)
16. The Story Ain't Over (with Bob Catley)
17. Let the Storm Descend Upon You (with Jørn Lande and Ronnie Atkins)
18. Promised Land (with Jørn Lande)
Prelude
19. Reach Out for the Light (with Michael Kiske)
20. Avantasia (with Michael Kiske)
21. Twisted Mind (with Eric Martin and Ronnie… more )
22. Dying for an Angel (with Eric Martin)
Encore:
23. Lost in Space (with Amanda Somerville)
24. Sign of the Cross / The Seven Angels (with everyone on stage)