Back in Holland what better way to start the new year than going to a show in Musicon. This evening was not going to be easy as from the start things went slightly pear-shaped. Imperador Belial played here before and two years ago they stayed at my place. So I was looking forward to seeing them again. In 2017 they toured together with their countrymen of Luxuria de Lillith, which meant we got two short sets of old school black metal. This time the support was to be local, but original planned support cancelled. Strangely noone wanted to step in. Result we were depending on Imperador Belial alone for the evening. Due to family circumstance the bass player could not join this tour and two potential substitutes both living in Germany also had work obligations. So a bassless show it was, with some effects to cover up the loss.
At 22:00 a short intro announced the start of the emperor. They played ten songs from their discography. Now they do not write very long prog epics really, so after some 35 minutes we learned the set was over. Circumstances on both band and support therefore made this not really a full evening of live music. What we did get was sounding good though, where to me the lack of bass player was overcome rather well. The not so big crowd present this evening seemed to like their performance as well and in the end we did get a kick ass old school show.
When Imperador Belial finished, the news of the passing away of Neil Peart came in. Soon my Whatsapp and Facebook where all about this sad news. So herewith I want to share one of my favorite Neal Peart memories as well. Rotterdam Ahoy I believe it was the Roll the Bones tour. Hans and I went together thinking we had arena free standing tickets. Upon arrival it turned out all seated and our place was way at the stands in the back at the side. After initial complaints by us and all around us it soon turned out that sitting at the side, next to a bar with no queues do to the all-seater had its advantages. And then we got what was one of the most beautiful arena shows I ever witnessed, with of course a long drum solo by the Professor. He really was next to Cozy Powell the only drummer that managed to get me emotional over a drum solo. Today all genres seem to be saddened by this loss which proves he and Rush were without any doubt an inspiration to many.
After the show I also learned that Imperador Belial's sleeping plans being basically not present, so I put my address in their navigation system and welcomed them at home for some final drinks. Turned out that Tiago's efforts to not clean the house properly became a plus, with mattrasses already waiting for a band crashing onto them. The Beast did return and good luck on the road to them.
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