After more than a decade of waiting in anticipation Metal fans across North America and Canada were finally appeased this summer when legendary Metal Queen Doro Pesch returned to the U.S. for a full fledged headlining tour. Having only toured the states minimally with Ronnie James Dio in 2001, Doro and band are extremely overdue for a return visit where they are the primary focus. Doro is currently touring in support of her latest DVD release 20 Years: A Warrior Soul. Support for the trek was provided by Savatage/Trans Siberian Orchestra guitarist Chris Caffery and his solo band. Chris also served as Doro’s guitarist for the tour. I managed to catch the show when the band hit the west coast at the world famous Whisky.

After a grueling length of time where I was subjected to the tortures of the additional local support on the bill I was way ready for the good stuff to kick in. I will however give credit to Chaos Blade and Rattlehead who performed decent sets and actually fit in with the Metal theme of the night; which is more than I can say for others appearing. It seems like the promoters are willing to book any crappy band regardless of what style of music they are as long as they can sell their allotment of tickets. Ok I’m done venting now; on with the show. Chris Caffery was not what I expected at all and although he played like a pro I wasn’t all that impressed with his arrangements. There were quite a few times that the Savatage or TSO sound peaked through but in all honesty I’d just as soon heard the Savatage and TSO material instead. Again, Chris is a great guitar player but doesn’t exactly play music that compliments my particular taste.

Doro… and it goes without saying was fantastic in every facet of her performance and conveyed an enormously impacting attack to all those present. This woman knows how to work a crowd and had the audience singing praises the whole set. Playing an assortment of hits from her Warlock days to present she was truly captivating and full of Heavy Metal resolve. Included in her set were such innovative accomplishments as “I Rule The Ruins”, “Metal Tango”, “Love Me In Black”, “Burning The Witches”, “Earthshaker Rock”, “Fight”, “True As Steel”, “Warrior Soul” and of course her grand opus “All We Are”. The sound was pretty crisp but the guy running lights for the club should be fired as they were dimly lit and I am a real stickler for decent lighting.

Doro has come a long way through fire and flame and suffered considerable anguish in her life and career including the loss of a dear band member and her own deadly bout with tuberculosis at an early age.  After years of dedicated service to the Metal kingdom it is great to see that Doro is still worthy of her title as the Metal Queen. She is and always will be a warrior soul and her beauty and majesty both in music, physical appearance and genuine compassion for her loyal subjects is a testimony to us all. Long live Doro and long live the Queen.

-Priest