Concert Review: Doro Pesch – February 2, 2013 – Atlanta, GA

Doro Pesch
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Atlanta, GA
Masquerade (Hell)

I have been a fan of Doro Pesch ever since hearing Warlock’s Triumph and Agony album back in 1987. “All We Are” was a metal anthem that I (along with countless other outcast metal kids) found an instant connection with. As big of a fan as I’ve been through the years, I never had the opportunity to see Warlock or Doro Pesch in concert. On Saturday, February 2nd, 2013 the stars and planets finally aligned and after 25 years I was finally getting to see Doro Pesch live. To make it even sweeter, after our interview at the end of last year, Doro herself invited me to be her guest. This was going to be a night to remember but I was worried. Would this show meet the expectations I had set for it?

Hell at The Masquerade was about ¾ full this night but I could feel the excitement and electricity of the crowd. This may not have been a sold out house but all who were here were here for one reason: to praise the heavy metal queen herself and to show our appreciation for 30 years of solid, uncompromising heavy metal classics. Doro’s band took the stage and right away kicked into the Warlock classic “Earthshaker Rock” and as Doro herself took the stage, the crowd roared so loudly that my earplugs vibrated. Right off the bat I was so blown away at how amazing she looked and sounded. She has totally aged gracefully physically and musically and I knew that this was going to be an epic evening. Doro addressed the crowd and humbly thanked us for all the years of support. Doro and co. then proceeded to slam us with the one two punch of Warlock classics ‘I Rule the Ruins” and “Burning the Witches.” You couldn’t have kicked the smile off my face as I threw my horns in the air, sang long at the top of my lungs, and just basked in the vibe.

Doro and her band were absolutely amazing. They played with so much fire and enthusiasm as they delivered and arena, stadium, and/or festival worthy performance. Ya know? I’ve talked about this before. It’s one thing to go up on stage and “act” like you’re playing to thousands and it’s another thing to be an act that has played to thousands and believe in giving that same performance to a few hundred. Doro and her band were literally leaving it all on the stage and then some as they performed an anthology of songs spanning 30 heavy years. “Raise Your Fist in the Air” from her latest album Raise Your Fist totally blew my mind and drew a huge response from the crowd but it was “Fur Immur”, her dedication to the fans that truly took my breath away. There is such a sincere appreciation and passion from Doro when singing these songs and this one really touched me.

The chemistry between Doro and her band is a strong one as they seem to truly enjoy each other and seem to be having an amazing time on stage. Doro captivates an audience with a Ronnie James Dio like presence which makes her five times bigger than her small physical frame. The way she connects with her fans is truly something magical to behold. Doro continued on by dedicating the song “Hero” to her long time friend and hero Ronnie James Dio which once again had my heartstrings being tugged at.

Doro’s marathon 18 song set clocked in at nearly two hours and also featured an amazing cover of Judas Priest’s “Breaking the Law”, the Warlock anthem “All We Are”, and the set closer “Hellbound.” After delivering a face melting two song encore of “Love Me In Black” and “Fight for Rock”, the band took their bows and bid everyone a good night and thank you. The lights came up, the PA music came up and then I saw something I had never seen before. I watched this crowd chant, “DORO! DORO! DORO!” to which Doro asked, “Can we do one more?” Before she could even get the sentence out fully, the lights went back out and the music went off. Doro polled the crowd for what song to do and then settled on killing everyone’s faces with the Warlock classic “East Meets West.” The band killed us all one more time and then off they were.

This was without a doubt a night that I will never forget. Did the show meet those expectations I had set? Abso-fucking-lutely. 26 years. 26 years I waited for the opportunity to see Doro Pesch live. 26 years of waiting were wrapped up in less than two hours and with a smile on my face and my metal heart all warmed and fuzzy I smiled ear to ear. Good things really do come to those who wait. Doro Pesch’s best years are still ahead of her and in my opinion; I’ve seen her in her prime.

DORO PESCH SETLIST
Earthshaker Rock, I Rule the Ruins, Burning the Witches, Running From the Devil, Stay Hard, Raise Your Fist in the Air, Metal Racer, Drum Solo, Fur Immur, Hero, Unholy Love, Breaking the Law, All We Are, Revenge, Metal Tango. Hellbound

Encore I:
Love Me in Black, Fight for Rock

Encore II:
East Meets West

Special thanks to Shawn Evans for his awesome photographs. Go check out Shawn’s Facebook Page and like the hell outta it! Sonic Visions Photography

About The Author

Don

I have been running this blog since 2009. AKA as the Great Southern Brainfart, Southeast of Heaven is my baby now and forever. I’ve had my ups and downs with bands over the years but they are all great experiences and memories. My Swedish friend Charlie said once, “Don is known for being one of the meanest bastards in American rock journalism.” It’s nice to be loved.

I also once took a shit in Anthrax’s dressing room toilet and didn’t flush.

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