Meat Loaf’s landmark 1977 debut record Bat Out of Hell is one of the best-selling albums in history. Australian rock band Chocolate Starfish have been performing it in full across the country, and are bringing the show to The Wedge in Sale.
The exhilarating show features the full Bat Out Of Hell album, plus classic songs by songwriter Jim Steinman, then capped off with Chocolate Starfish hits and other surprises. ‘I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)’ off the Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell record will also be included.
Chocolate Starfish singer Adam Thompson says that in revisiting the full album show, he hopes to share the impact the Bat Out Of Hell album had on him with audiences.
“The first time I heard Bat Out Of Hell, I was 13 and had little musical influence outside a conservative regional radio station,” he said.
“Bat Out Of Hell songs and Meat Loaf’s voice transported me out of that country isolation and into a fantasy world of sonic ear candy I didn’t know existed. Soaring hook-laden melodies, and adjective-filled lyrics around life, death, girls, cars and motorbikes, was everything a trapped teenaged boy could imagine outside his small world.
“On top of that, each song was an epic of dynamic proportions, and it shaped the theatrical and dynamic way I looked at songwriting and performance ever since.”
Mr Thompson said the most difficult aspects of performing songs from the album were its complex arrangements and the vocal range.
“I have to really be on my game with the band to deliver this with integrity because it is such a special album in the hearts of many rock and roll fans, so it’s important for me to give it the kudos it deserves,” Mr Thompson said.
Mr Thompson said he was looking forward to performing for Gippsland audiences once again, after paying tribute to Queen last time.
“I performed Bohemian Rhapsody early 2020 at The Wedge in Sale to a sold-out audience, so I am glad to be back in the Gippsland heartland again, to offer a show that I know will leave a lasting memory on all who attend,” he said.
The late Jim Steinman wrote the Bat Out of Hell record and collaborated with the late singer Meat Loaf for decades. Mr Steinman died in 2021, as did Meat Loaf the following year.
Mr Thompson said he was deeply affected by Mr Steinman and Meat Loaf’s deaths.
“Personally it hit me hard when (Meatloaf) passed in particular,” he said. “We had several physical interactions over the years and this album shaped much of who I became as a performer so it is like your mentor passing.”
Chocolate Starfish powered on to the Australian music scene in the early 1990s and quickly established themselves as an influential force with their cover of Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain”, original hit “Mountain” and perennial favourite “Four Letter Word”. With a new album in tow and plenty of fuel in the tank, the ‘Fish show no signs of slowing down.
The Bat Out Of Hell Tour promises audiences what they know and love about a Chocolate Starfish show – pure, unadulterated entertainment…and, as always, a few surprises.
The show is on Friday, February 3 at The Wedge.
