DORO - A Little Chinese Takeout

DORO - A Little Chinese Takeout



By Mark Gromen

In preparation for her return engagement in China, DORO PESCH kicked off the first of only three US dates in New Jersey on October 1 at The Pennant in Brooklawn. Actually, it was something of a mini German invasion this week, as compatriots ACCEPT (whom she hung with at their NYC show) touched down in the Garden State the previous weekend. The Pennant East has housed sporadic national acts during their weekly original night, but noone of the stature of metal's long reigning queen. Truth be told, if bassist Nick Douglas and drummer Johnny Dee were not from the south Jersey/Philly area, there wouldn't be any shows, they'd undoubtedly fly right on to Asia. Having sold almost 100 tickets to fans who attend their shows religiously, FAITH FACTOR, the outfit fronted by former DEADLY BLESSING singer Ski, opened. About mid-way through Doro's set (which was edited on the fly, given what was initially proposed), those people were out the door, adding to the defections caused by an older crowd and the headliner's late start time. When will learn they can't keep patrons hostage and expect them to come back regularly!




With no barricade, the fans were pressed right against the stage, Ms. Pesch singing right in their faces, at least those that weren't too busy documenting the evening on their cell phone cameras, which must need to be held overhead in order to work, thereby ruining everyone else's view, to say nothing of dissipating their own enjoyment and/or enthusiasm. Doro kicked off with 'I Rule The Ruins', quickly backed with 'Earthshaker Rock'. Jumping Nick Flash, the Tigger of metal, bounced all over the stage. Fists were thrust into the air during a slower, 'Running From The Devil' as the pace and crowd frenzy waned. Focusing heavily on her Fear No Evil and Warrior Soul albums, both of which were afforded limited (at best) availability domestically, the assemblage was generally unfamiliar with large portions of the set. 'Burning The Witches' saw the call and response game answered by the crowd. 'Night Of The Warlock', complete with pre-recorded intro, saw the now shirtless Dee stand and attempt to get fans clapping along. Failing that, he made a sleeping gesture, laying his head into his hands instead.

'True Of Steel' was well received, as was a cover of Dio's 'Egypt (the Chains Are On)' dedicated to the fallen, former tourmate. 'Burn It Up' was followed by 'Haunted Heart', the latter leading into Dee's drum solo. Hand to his ear, he checked an invisible wrist watch, somewhat annoyed at the lackadaisical homecoming. After finishing with a windmilling flourish by Douglas, Doro introduced the band, including the bassist, who has been by her side for 21 years now! A speedy 'Metal Racer' had Pesch headbanging, exerting more energy than most of her contemporaries in the crowd, many of whom required bar stools to make it through the evening. Talking to her fans, one male fan expressed his love for Doro since the 8th grade ("Did you rub one out?" asked Dee.) 'Breaking The Law' followed 'Unholy Love', the Judas Priest classic including a duet with Ski. The nearly a cappella begun version allows the drummer a brief rest. Afterwards, she thanked Ski (and Deadly Blessing) for allowing her to (steal) Douglas, "Otherwise we wouldn't have our bass player. The keyboard begun 'Love Me In Black' was supposed to be the final number of the evening. It was dedicated to area native and the late, former touring guitarist Mario Parillo.




'All We Are' allowed some of the remaining fans to sing (off key) the titular phrase. The DJ threatened to play some more vintage 80s metal tunes, but Doro asked the fans what they wanted to hear (the original set list, posted on the floor, aside the monitors, mentioned about a half dozen "encores," but the lame response turned this into a glorified practice for China. So it was 'Fight For Rock' and then, despite having already taken the group bow, Dee joining everyone else at the front of the stage, it was the (to this point) forgotten 'Fur Immer'.

Guess tonight served the band's purpose and those down front had a good time, but it was a difficult crowd overall, not that Doro didn't give her all, as she always does.

A BraveWords.com Photo Gallery can be found here.