Meat Loaf — 20/20 World Tour 1987

Europe

U.S.A.

Canada

Australia and New Zealand

Japan

20/20 Vision
by Dave Dickson

Like a bat out of hell / I’ll be gone when the morning comes…

These almost proved to be prophetic words sung by the man-mountain of rock, Meat Loaf, in 1977. The song, of course, was ‘Bat Out of Hell’ and at that stage it marked the crowning glory in Meat’s career. Both the song and the album of the same name epitomised the outrageous Meat Loaf as he struck the increasing turgid field of rock ‘n’ roll like an attack of napalm: big, dramatic, ostentatious, over-powering! But, oh, those words: I’ll be gone when the morning comes…

When the cold light of day finally burst the Meat Loaf bubble he found himself embroiled in legal and managerial hassles that threatened to bury even one of his weighty stature!

Seven years and two albums later Meat Loaf finally manages to cast aside the shackles that have prevented his career advancing further and at last he is a free agent. In that time he has been the subject of no less than 22 separate lawsuits amounting to $85 million! He has lost his voice (at one time it was feared that he would never sing again), his recording contract, every penny he earned from his multi-platinum success of ‘Bat Out of Hell’, his house, all his possessions and very nearly the friendship of the man who guided his career for eight years, Jim Steinman. Even the two albums he released, ‘Dead Ringer’ and ‘Midnight at the Lost and Found’, fail to make much impression either with the critics or the public (Meat Loaf even describes ‘Midnight…’ as a "joke!"), despite the former LP relinquishing a hit single in the form of ‘Dead Ringer for Love’, a duet with Cher that went top 5 in the UK.

So what would you do? After an unsuccessful attempt at a comeback without Steinman in ‘Midnight at the Lost and Found’ and a subsequent tour that, while Meat still proved he could pack them in around the stadiums of Europe, more than anything showed that all was not well in the Loaf camp—Meat Loaf quietly faded away. The morning had come and Meat had well and truly gone.

But not for long! That isn’t what rock ‘n’ roll heroes are made of!

It would be two long years before Meat Loaf would reappear, but when he did… he made damn sure he came out with all guns blazing, shooting from the hip and taking no prisoners!!

Meat had signed a new deal with Arista Records and put the wilderness days well and truly behind him with his first release for his new company, ‘Modern Girl’, a chart smash that paved the way for both the follow up singles, ‘Nowhere Fast’ and ‘Piece of the Action’ and the album, ‘Bad Attitude’. Meat Loaf at once silenced his critics and established his return both to form and prominence. Riding on the back of his success (not to mention a custom-modelled Suzuki!) Meat Loaf hit the boards once again for a sold-out tour.

Meat had renewed his acquaintance with Paul Jacobs (a contender for keyboard player in the original Neverland Express) who, along with his fiancee Sandy Durkee, had penned ‘Priscilla’ on ‘Midnight at the Lost & Found’. Jacobs composed a string of hit songs for ‘Bad Attitude’, including the ground-breaking ‘Modern Girl’, as well as co-producing the album with Meat and Queen producer, Mack. Former Balance guitarist Bob Kulick (whose brother Bruce is now in Kiss) added extra muscle to the attack and the Neverland Express, revamped and slimded down, hit the fast-track running.

So what would you do? Just when everyone has written you off you smash back into the forefront of rock ‘n’ roll with a hit single, a hit album and a red-hot band to deliver the goods live. So what do you do, having been to the very edge of the abyss, stared deep into the black pit of obscurity and bankruptcy only then to turn round and fight your way back to the top all over again? What do you do now that safety and security beckon with a proven winning formula? Well, if you’re Meat Loaf you throw it all away and look around you for a brand new challenge, a whole new mountain to climb and conquer.

‘Blind Before I Stop’ became that new challenge. Just under two years in the making, ‘Blind…’ retains al the essential elements that have contributed to the Meat Loaf legend in the past: the drama, the intensity, the strong leanings toward heavy metal—and adding to them a far more contemporary sound to produce a powerful and yet more intimate album. ‘Blind…’ takes us closer to the real Meat Loaf than we have ever been permitted before.

Meat exiled himself to Germany for the recording of the new album, employing largely local talent for the musicianship along with Frank Farian at the production desk. But there were also some old friends along for the ride…

Most notable among Meat’s collaborators on ‘Blind…’ is John Parr who was finally lifted out of obscurity with the smash hit ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’ a couple of years back. John actually wrote two songs for ‘Bad Attitude’, ‘Cheatin’ on Your Dreams’ and ‘Don’t Leave Your Mark on Me’ but this time it was his vocal talents that were called into play as he and Meat belted it out on ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Mercenaries’, much as Meat and Roger Daltrey had done with ‘Bad Attitude’’s title cut.

‘Mercenaries’ and ‘Execution Day’ (a collaboration between Meat and former Lou Reed and Alice Cooper guitarist Dick Wagner, who’d also appeared on ‘Midnight…’) proved that Meat could still rock out with the best of them, but then that had never really been in doubt. They were strident chest beaters, the kind of track that Meat Loaf could cope with in his sleep. But the true magic of ‘Blind…’ only began to make itself obvious as Meat moved on to other territories.

Tracks like ‘Getting Away With Murder’, ‘Burning Down’ and ‘Standing on the Outside’ showed Meat stretching the boundaries on his accepted rock province. Sure, he was still the rock ‘n’ roll hero but now he was willing to admit to a deeper, more reflective aspect to both his work and his character. It was as if Meat, having built a career on this larger-than-life, barn-storming version of the Loaf now wanted to prove there was some compassion behind the bravura, some genuine depth and sensitivity beneath the surface of the dead ringer, that no matter how revved up this boy was he definitely had a place to go this time.

The move was daring, certainly, and took everyone by surprise. After all, who’d have believed there could have been more to Meat Loaf than already met the eye? But tonight you’ll have the opportunity to witness every aspect of Meat Loaf, live and in the flesh. Tonight you’ll see drama, cabaret, romance and danger acted out before a backing of music comprising every shade and hue. You’ll be witness to Meat Loaf at his most courageous, and the same Meat Loaf at his most vulnerable. Ladies and gentlemen, you are gathered here to witness nothing less than an event!

Tonight, ladies and gentlemen, you will share in the dreams of the rock ‘n’ roll hero… but will they be gone when the morning comes? Well, just remember the watchword from Meat Loaf this time round: I’ll go blind before I stop!

This time, the rock ‘n’ roll hero is here to stay…

Lyrics

The Band

Bob Kulick Lead Guitar

Bob Kulick has been a well known guitarist for over ten years. With credits reading like a who’s who of rock & roll, including, Alice Cooper, Lou Reed, Kiss, Diana Ross, John Cale, Michael Bolton, Spys, LaBelle, Janis Ian, Tim Curry, his own band Balance, and of course, Meat Loaf.

Bob has worked with Meat Loaf since the original "Bat Out of Hell" band. He has appeared live with Meat Loaf in 1977, 1978, 1983 and 1984 and was featured on the "Bad Attitude" album.

Bob also does studio work out of New York and Los Angeles. He has also played on many film soundtracks and R.V. commercials. Bob is also a fine composer having written songs for Kiss, Balance, Tim Curry, Ricky Sgvier, and Black Jack.

Bob is currently living with moviestar Stella Stevens of "Flamingo Road", "Nutty Professor", "Poseidon Adventure", "Fame", etc. His brother Bruce is the current guitarist in Kiss, having been introduced to the band by Bob.

Steve Buslowe Bass Guitar, Vocals

Steve Buslowe, bass guitarist and background vocalist with the original Meat Loaf touring band in 1977, and with subsequent bands until 1984, returns after a two year hiatus. He played on the "Dead Ringer", "Bad Attitude" and "Midnight at the Lost and Found" albums, co-writing four songs on the latter.

Steve’s work as a New York session player included recording with such diverse artists as Bonnie Tyler ("Total Eclipse of the Heart"), Air Supply ("Making Love Out of Nothing at All"), Barbra Streisand, Neil Sedaka, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Jim Steinman, Aldo Nova, Paul Stanley (of Kiss), Ian Lloyd, Blackjack (Michael Bolton) and the soundtrack for "Streets of Fire".

In addition to touring with Meat Loaf, he has performed with Bonnie Tyler, Flo and Eddie, Ian Lloyd, and the German group "Craaft", opening for Queen on their 1986 European tour.

Alan Merill Guitar

Whether you know it or not, you’ve heard Alan Merill’s work before. As a songwriter, he penned Joan Jett’s No. 1 platinum hit "I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll". As a musician/vocalist he’s worked with Rick Derringer, Todd Rundgren, Dan Hartman, Ian Hunter, Ted Nugent, Johnny and Edgar Winter, Karla DeVito and Bonnie Tyler; and he’s even charted with his own groups, The Arrows and Runner. Still as a upfront star, most of Alan Merill’s success so far has been over in England, Europe and Japan.

Over the last two years, Alan has been perfecting his songs for the debut Polydor/Porcelain/Polygram LP. Appearing on the brand new Merill produced LP are such celebrated musicians as Mick Taylor, Steve Winwood, Dallas Taylor, Rick Derringer, Steve Gould, plus Trevor Spencer and Alan Tarney.

Amy & Elain Goff Vocals

Amy and Elain Goff are new members of the Meat Loaf band. They met Meat in March of 1986 in Germany and began recording the "Blind Before I Stop" L.P. in April. The girls have been living and working in Frankfurt, Germany for 5 years, where they have done extensive studio work for various European artists.

Meat Loaf has been their first American project. Their session work has included the German groups: Hubert Kah, Boney M. and Far Corporation and they have also had projects of their own. Their most recent group was Blind Date which had a top 20 hit in 1985.

Frank Doyle Keyboards

Frank Doyle has established himself as a leader in new music technology. His explorations with synthesizers and computer music spans fifteen years and includes numerous composition awards and performances in classical arenas such as Carnegie Recital Hall and Lincoln Center.

Training as a classical pianist, Frank took a leave of absence from his doctoral studies in 1982 to begin applying his technical expertise to his rock & roll roots. Moving quickly into the producer/arranger chair, he produced a no. 1 gold album for Japanese pop star, Imoto Sano on CBS Records. He has since produced numerous projects for the Japanese market, including the soundtrack to the film "Dancin’ Dreams", and the KDD television spots.

After working with artists Jimmy Webb, Tramain, Omar Hakim and Michael W. Smith, Frank designed "Midi Impact" at New York’s Media Sound Studios, one of the first state-of-the-art recording facilities designed for computer music production.

Frank has published over 50 articles on the subject of creative uses of synthesizers and computers in new music.

As a New York studio musician, Frank has played and arranged music for numerous recordings and television spots.

Chuck Burgi Drums

Chuck’s predigious musical talents were demonstrated quite early in his career when, to delight of his parents, he was able to duplicate the intricate and exotic rhythms from Gene Krupa’s now famous "Drum Boogie-Woogie", a personal favorite of his father’s.

Chuck easily made the transition from swing to classic pop, choosing to emulate Ringo Starr in his early teens and later to diversify his tastes in drummers and music including everyone from Krupa to Tony Williams. His first professional tour was with jazz fusion guitarist Al DiMeola for his "Elegant Gypsy" album. Quickly followed by a stint in the English fusion group Brand X, taking the place of Phil Collins for a year, recording and touring for the album "Masques".

Two platinum albums and a year and a half of touring with pop sensations, Daryll Hall and John Oates, were next. From Hall and Oates came an offer to join Bob Kulick’s group, Balance, and a record followed. Chuck also found himself recording with other artists like Aldo Nova, John Bon Jovi and Diana Ross, to name a few. A stint in Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow followed, recording "Bent Out of Shape" and touring for the album. Since Rainbow, Chuck has been busy producing and composing and still found the time to record with Roger Glover, Joe Lynn Turner, and Glenn Burtnick and Zeno.

Credits

The Band

Meat Loaf — Vocals
Bob Kulick — Lead Guitar
Steve Buslowe — Bass
Chuck Burgi — Drums
Alan Merrill — Guitar
Frank Doyle — Piano & Keyboards
Amy Goff — Vocals
Elaine Goff — Vocals

Touring Personnel

John Ross — Tour Manager
John Gallagher — Assistant Tour Manager
Tommy Edmonds — Sound Engineer, Monitor Engineer
Simon Touchner — Lighting Designer
Tommy Morrongielo — Guitar Technician
Eric Anderson — Drum Technician
Joe Wirsing — Keyboard Engineer
Gordon Adams — Stage Manager
Allan Spriggs — Production Manager
Cheryl Bergman — Wardrobe Mistress
Leslie Aday — Costume Coordinator

Management

New York Office:
Robert "Gonzo" Ellis — Manager
Sheira "Bonzo" Rees-Davis — Personal Assistant
Mimi "Fonzo" Gicnac — Secretary

European Representatives

John Giddings — Solo Booking Agency
Carol Murray — Assistant
Samantha — Assistant
U.K. Promotors — Danny Betesh & Andrew Miller Entertainments
England Promotors — Kennedy Street Enterprises & Andrew Miller Entertainments
Germany Promotors — Peter Reiger
Scandinavia Promotors — Flemming Schmidt
Switserland Promotors — Andre Bechir
Tony English — Legal Representative
Tony Russell — Legal Representative

Sound

Supplied by Pete Edmonds & Field Services
Buses supplied by Berryhurst Coaches
Trucking by M.L. Trucks
Executive Merchandising — Bravado Merchandising Service Limited

Companies

Air Freight — Rock It Cargo
Costumes by Lenny NYC
Leather by Tracy Issacs
Publicist — Norman Winter & Associates
Pearl — Drums
Guild — Guitar Strings
Jackson — Guitars

Special Thanks

Ahmet Ertegun, Sheldon Vogel, Doug Morris, Dave Glew, Vince Faraci, Judy Libow, Lou Sicurezza, Danny Buch, Andrea Ganis, Perry Cooper, Bob Kaus, Patti Conte, Diane Gilmour, Renee Schreiber, Dominique Leomporra, Tunc Erim, Mark Schulman, Shelley Cooper, Marsha Green, Bob Defrin, Airleen Giddings, Gary Baker, Sal Uterano, Tony Mandich, Paul Cooper, Kathy Acquaviva, Joe Kiener, Chrissie Harwood, Jeff Gilbert, Nick Rowe, Brian Yates, Julie Denton, John Parr, Jim Steinman, Ray Dong Chong, Rick Derringer, Jonathan King, John Wolfe, George Gilbert, Dick Allen, Joan Hyler, John Marks, Frank Farian, Ingrid Seigeth, janet Flora, Jim Chory, Rosey Rose, Fran Defayo, Jim Walker, Burt Paddell, Earl Shuman, Matthew & Janet Hiscock, Ed Edmonds, Terry Coen, Gail Coen, Bernard Kenny, Gloria Fogel

Last but not least… Pearl and Amanda Aday

And to everyone at Arista, U.K., and Chrysalis Music and Atlantic Records in the U.S.A.

Photography

Simon Fowler, Tim Jarvis, Bob Leaffe, Trevor Rogers, Doug Vann

Meat Loaf Fan Club

P.O. Box 68
Cheshire, England

The almost complete Meat Loaf & Jim Steinman lyric archive