When fans come from all corners of a region to see a show, you know you have something major on your hands. Last night showed just that, fans were lined up as early as 3pm, two and a half hours before the usual 5:30 open.
Acts in the third and final night of the Charlottetown SummerFest included rock legend Meat Loaf, as well as PEI’s own Haywire and The Meds.
As gates opened at exactly 5:30, thousands of Meat Loaf fans ran to secure their spot for the big night. Upon seeing the initial crowd, I noted that many more had showed up, signalling a much bigger interest in the opening acts.
Once 6pm rolled around, The Meds were on stage for what was quite a small set. The Meds appeared to have more of a modern rock sound, rather than embracing the sounds of the land they came from, as some bands in the previous nights have done.
By 7pm, the crowd became even larger as Haywire was preparing to hit the SummerFest stage. The band came out to a huge applause from the crowd playing its such as “Bad, Bad Boy”, “Dance Desire”, “Fire” and, “Operator Central”.
After you see these guys live, it becomes quickly apparent that despite their many years in music, as well as aging, they can still perform a set as though they were in their 20s.
At the end of the set, lead singer Paul MacAusland had the crowd cheering “MEAT LOAF! MEAT LOAF! MEAT LOAF!” in anticipation of what was to follow.
As soon as Haywire came off the stage, music lovers went to grab that one last hamburger or beer before the big rock extravaganza began.
At 8:50, it happened, Meat Loaf hit the stage to thousands of screaming and chanting fans. As he went through his hour and forty five minute set, music lovers sang along to tunes such as “Bat Out of Hell”, “Peace on Earth”, “I’d Do Anything for Love”, “Two out of Three Aint Bad” and “Paradise By the Dashboard light.
Needless to say, the only word I could use to descibe Meat Loaf’s show was – spectacular. If you missed this show, you may have missed one of the greatest shows ever to hit PEI, so lets hope Meat Loaf makes a return soon.
Meat Loaf was part of the three day Charlottetown SummerFest which also included Eddie Money & The Tragically Hip.
ACR will again be in PEI for the Cavendish Beach Music Festival, see you there!
So, who do you want to see in 2012 at SummerFest?