By: Rob Cavuoto
Meat Loaf on stage
Meat Loaf had to be “well done” while performing at Quick Chek Festival of Ballooning at Solberg Airport in NJ on one of the hottest summer days this past Sunday. Dress in black from head-to-toe, the 63 year old singer hit the stage at 4:00 pm with his 7 piece band, including guitarists Paul Crook and Randy Flowers. When most people were looking for shade or dousing themselves with water, Meat was cooking on the sun-drenched stage and rockin’ out. He gave a high energy performance that would rival musicians half his age. Somehow, he managed to overcome the heat and scorching sun without missing a beat considering, just a few days prior he had fainted on stage during a Pittsburgh show.
I had the chance to talk to Meat the night before the NJ show and he expressed a concern about the heat. He asked me whether the stage configuration provided any shade. Unfortunately no, I told him, by the time you hit the stage at 4:00pm, the sun will be in your face. Meat looked me dead in the eyes and said, “Well I’ll just have to drink plenty of Pedialyte,” and laughed.
Meat is a true showman who won over the steamy audience by playing a 2 hour set with a combination of new and classic songs including a few from his 1977 hit LP, Bat Out of Hell, like the title track, “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” and “Paradise by the Dashboard Lights.” He even opened with “Hot Patootie” from the Rocky Horror Picture Show, in which he played Eddie—the ex-delivery boy.
The show was sold out and the lawn was packed to capacity with everyone up on their feet dancing and enjoying the show. It was great to see Meat Loaf and the ascension of Hot Air Balloons right after his set. He is currently on tour supporting his 2010 release, Hang Cool Teddy Bear. Meat Loaf and balloons, what more can you ask for?
Meat Loaf
Meat Loaf's guitarists, Paul Crook and Randy Flowers
