DORO PESCH

The Stafford Palace Theater
Stafford Springs, Connecticut
September 30, 2016

Photos & Review by Dan Wenc

On a rainy fall New England evening, a gathering of metal fans took place at The Stafford Palace Theater to marvel at heavy metal/rock legend Doro Pesch for a night of Doro/Warlock classics and music from her most recent album Strong and Proud. Stafford Springs Connecticut marked one of a limited number of DORO tour dates in the Northeastern United States for the fall of 2016.

The Stafford Palace Theater is a great place to see a show. It is a smaller venue which gives fans the opportunity to see some of their favorite bands up close in an intimate setting. As a matter of fact, the Stafford Palace Theater hosts many of the favorite bands of the 80’s rock era. Check out their webpage for more info on their upcoming shows.

The night started off with two opening bands, Sinners Inc. and Obsidian. Then it was time for Doro and company to hit the stage. The crowd was instantly energized at the sight of the band taking the stage. Once there first note was struck there was no turning back, everyone in the room was in for a great night of classic hard rocking Doro. The night started off with “Earthshaker Rock”. The night continued strong with many Doro/Warlock favorites.

Doro brought instant energy to the room. Doro’s band was as equally entertaining. You could tell this band was having a great time on that stage. Doro’s band is Bas Maas (Guitar), Luca Princiotta (Guitar), Nick Douglas (Bass) and Johnny Dee (Drums). There was instant connection between the band and the fans that lined the edge of the stage, as they threw horns up and pumped their fists throughout the show.

Between each set Doro would take a few moments to talk with the crowd and praise them as she loves her fans. And the fans definitely love her too. Doro took time out to call out a few fans by name and recognize a birthday in the audience.

What is a rock show without an drum solo? Johnny Dee, also of Britny Fox, took the crowd on roller coaster ride of a drum solo experience that lasted several minutes, with sporadic crowd interactions. Johnny Dee is definitely an entertainer and great drummer. At the tail end of his drum solo he blasted out a bit of KISS “I Love It Loud” to keep the momentum going.

Doro and the band took the stage and on came the band intros. Nick Douglas, Luca Princiotta and Bas Maas were all equally entertaining and really into the music. It is great to see a band perform live and everyone on stage looks like they are having the time of their life.

And then it was into “We Are The Metalheads,” followed up with “Love’s Gone To Hell” from the Strong and Proud. Doro talked with the crowd about her first tour with Judas Priest, and started off with a lighter version of Judas Priest’s “Breaking the Law”. Midway in the song, the rest of the band kicked in with a full scale metal style Judas Priest/Doro style “Breaking the Law”.

Just about when you thought it was over, Doro continued with “All We Are” and a couple more tunes before the night concluded. Doro spoke words of reassurance to the crowd that night when she said that there would be no farewell tours, and that she will continue to be out there for her fans as long as she can, as she is celebrating her 30 years of music.

Be sure to take in a Doro show if she comes to a city near you. This show is must for any metal music fan. And if you have seen her live, you know that all ready.

Check out the photo gallery below: