Bat Out of Hell music

set to rock Halloween

By SHIRLEY BROUN

EVEN Chocolate Starfish lead singer Adam Thompson agrees re-creating the sound of Meat Loaf’s Bat Out of Hell album is a big sing for any vocalist.

Chocolate Starfish frontman Adam Thompson.

“It’s a massive album to cover and a huge challenge vocally but I’m up for it,” said Adam as he and his fellow Chocolate Starfish members prepare for a special one-off Halloween concert in which they will perform the Bat Out of Hell album in its entirety.

“People are saying I am singing better than ever otherwise I couldn’t tackle this type of vocal. There are some big notes and it has to be done well.”

Why the Bat Out of Hell album you may ask? “I’ve always been a huge fan of Meatloaf and Bat Out of Hell fan but I didn’t realise the other band members felt the same until one night when we were mucking around with a couple of the songs at a gig. We suddenly realised the music meant something to all of us. We were all hooked on it and that’s when the idea to make a show around it first came up,” said Adam, who added the band’s signature antics and theatrics were ideally matched to the iconic music repertoire.

The album, which was originally released in 1977 and featured a collaboration between Meat Loaf and composer Jim Steinman, is one of the best-selling albums in recording music history with over 43 million sales worldwide. It was followed up with Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell in 1993 and Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster is Loose in 2006.

“The music needs plenty of energy and we still give heaps of that in our performances. Musically the songs are loud, full on with massive arrangements that require you to be on your game,” said Adam who is a reputed theatrical talent.

“We can really relate to the variety that an album like this can provide as a live experience from the energy charged Bat Out of Hell to the beautiful ballad of Heaven Can Wait.”

Chocolate Starfish, who have just completed a new (yet to be named) EP also plan to record a live album of the Halloween performance, the first for almost 20 years.

“I recorded a solo album in 2003 but this will be the first for the band since 1995.”

Chocolate Starfish, who are widely regarded as one of the best live bands on the scene, were formed in 1992 and split six years later. They had six top 40 singles and two top 10 albums on the Australian charts, gold and platinum record sales and an ARIA for Most Popular Band.

During the past year the band has launched themselves back onto the scene as part of the Red Hot Summer Tour alongside Jimmy Barnes, Baby Animals, Ian Moss and Dragon and things look to be heating up for later in 2014/2015.

“We’ve been invited as guest performers for the Great Southern Rail’s Indian Pacific Christmas run and while on board we will be filming a documentary. We will also be releasing a Christmas Song with money raised going to assist the Royal Flying Doctor Service. There is also a New Year’s Eve show in country Victoria.”

In the meantime, don’t miss Chocolate Starfish presenting their unique take on the Bats Out of Hell Album together with some of their hits at the Palms at Crown, Melbourne on October 31. They will be supported by world renowned Gothic illusionist Duck Cameron who will kick off the show. For tickets go to www.ticketek.com.au

Dressing up in the Halloween spirit is encouraged. One thing is certain, this is an event not to be missed.

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