Despite the fact that Doro has been on the Metal scene for 25 years I have watched her at a live concert the times she has visited Greece,;and that is only once. So, it does not require Quantum Physics knowledge to understand that as soon as DORO announced the North American tour I booked myself a place in the front rows at The Pearl Room club. I had also the honor to schedule an interview with the Metal Queen thanks to the kind help of the band's drummer Johnny Dee (you will read the interview in the following days).

So, right on time me and almost 300 metalheads watched the beautiful Kristy Rose and her band STILL FALLEN taking over the stage. Kristy despite her young age she has played at numerous shows where she gained precious experience that was proven that night. The band performed some cover songs with a Rock meets Punk sound that was warmly accepted by the audience. The young band also played some songs of their own like Weeping Windon and Hells' Angels. After almost half an hour Kristy and co left us with some very good impressions.

Next, on the billing was A.D.D. a band that I had already seen during their opening act on W.A.S.P.'s latest show at the same place. This time I really enjoyed them since I knew most of the songs from last time. A.D.D. were in a top mood and gave a solid performance greatly helped by the loud and clear sound. Of course, the distinct and beautiful presence of Margaret Young drew most of our attention not only with her looks but with her harsh and melodic vocals. Some songs that hit me that night were The Path, Maybe, Bridges Burning and Can't Breathe.

After A.D.D. was FATAL SMILE that I also watched in the W.A.S.P. concert at The Pearl Room. The Swedes came with the same party mood and were really relentless and sweaty on-stage, in their attempt to warm the rather numb audience. I really don't know what is wrong with FATAL SMILE because despite the fact they did good that night in some degree they failed to earn the audience apart from some ladies in the front rows. Fortunately, during the middle of their performance Blade and his ala Coverdale attitude, Alx's powerful ala Nikki Sixx bass guitar style, Y with the solid guitar leads and Zteff with his steady drumming managed to satisfy the difficult for them audience. Personally, I had a wonderful time with S.O.B., Learn - Love - Hate, Primed & Ready presenting their Sleazy Rock with the distinct MOTLEY CRUE influences.

The time was almost 22:30 and as Johnny told me DORO came on-stage with an excellent sound and a top mood despite their long trip from Detroit where they kicked off their North American tour. Moments after the band's entry Doro came on stage looking absolutely great. The band surprised us with an old school triplet featuring Burning The Witches, I Rule The Ruins and the Epic True As Steel. Doro immediately approached the front rows underlining her warm and honest relations to all the WARLOCK / DORO fans. I can assure that this lady is totally forgotten by time; her looks, voice and general presence has been absolutely unaffected by the 25 years that Doro has been in the Metal scene. Things got more crazy with You're My Family, Metal Racer and the melodic break with Above The Ashes. The audience proved their love to Doro by joining her with their voices completely synchronized with the band's groove.

The band performed their cover version on JUDAS PRIEST's Breaking The Law (yes, it was headbanging time) that was followed by the heavy groove of Hellraiser. After the short and kind of loud drum solo where Johnny sweated his ass off pounding his drum kit the band returned with Earthshaker Rock, Only You(KISS cover) and the sing-along East Meets West where Doro was giving the fans the microphone during the chorus lines. Fur Immer was the final melodic break that night that was followed by All We Are and Metal Tango raising the temperature a few more degrees. After two encores, Love Me In Black was the perfect ending to this perfect live performance from a band who respects its fans and is fronted by ours Metal Queen. Thank you Doro!

(photos by me)

STILL FALLEN

A.D.D.

FATAL SMILE

DORO