Having reviewed Ross The
Boss ‘By Blood Sworn’ album a few months ago on this site, I was super-excited
to be going along to see the guys live in what seemed to be (prior to getting
there) a very intimate venue.
What a fantastic set-up
‘Eleven’ have. It’s intimate, personal, and a perfect size to watch and get
close to the guys you’ve come to see. Prior to the gig, we
were treated to a free ‘Meet & Greet’ session with Ross, as he gave out
guitar picks, posed for photos, and was a general fantastic, friendly and
loveable guy. He had some great stories to tell, and made sure he spoke to us
all. Brilliant.
And that’s exactly what
followed on stage. It was a very disappointing crowd of only around 40 people,
but this did not stop the lads putting on a perfect and professional display of
superb tunes, great crowd interaction and non-stop metal. Whether the capacity
of 250 or the reality of 40 people, RTB performed no different and it was a
night to remember. Performing Manowar
classics, the gig kicked off with ‘Blood of the Kings’, followed closely by
‘The Oath’, and the guys seemed to be enjoying themselves as much as the crowd,
drummer Steve Bolognese donning a constant beaming grin through each song.
Brilliant to see.
Talk about making the
most out of a challenging situation, Marc Lopez showed us all what an icon and
presence he is on stage. Continuously moving, getting close to the crowd and
getting everyone involved. As the band powered through classics such as ‘Sign
of the Hammer’, ‘Hatred’, and ‘Blood of my Enemies’ it was clear as crystal
what was going on here. Myself personally, I came to hear songs from RTB latest
album ‘By Blood Sworn’, but the crowd were just revelling in the Manowar
classics, and after this gig, I get it, totally. The tracks were played with
such stunning power it was just too good, too, too good.
Next came ‘Kill With
Power’ and ‘Each Dawn I Die’.
What a singer Marc Lopez is. This current line up
I believe is the best Ross has had. It just gels, especially live. ‘Hail to England’ got us
all singing and is just an absolute stunner live. ‘Great Gods Glorious’,
‘Fighting The World’ and the absolutely stunning ‘Battle Hymn’ followed. The
latter being one of my highlights of the night. Marc Lopez providing some
superb vocals.
The guys finished with
‘Thor (The Powerhead)’ and the amazing ‘Hail and Kill’, with it’s almost 5
minute unreal blues jam. It’s been an absolute pleasure tonight seeing these
guys bring such a huge show to the small stage, in a small venue, to a small
crowd.
‘Hail and Kill’ tonight showed
the strength and diversity of this band. My heart bleeds for them for such a
small crowd. But tonight I will be so proud to be part of a bunch of people who
got to see such an amazing band up close and personal. Next time, I’ll be there
again. Hail & Salute RTB!! Thank you guys. xx
Score – 10/10
Reviewed by Sty
Setlist
Blood Of The Kings
The Oath
Sign Of The hammer
Hatred
Blood Of My Enemies
Kill With Power
Each Dawn I Die
Hail To England
Great Gods Glorious
Fighting The World
Battle Hymn
Thor (The Powerhead)
Hail And Kill
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