Edition Ninety-Six- Week Ninety-Six:
Written by: Mercedes Barreto
What inspired the tribute bands initiation and their start? What is the significance here?
“An appreciation for “I’d Do Anything for Love” (written by Jim Steinman and performed by Meet Loaf), by lead singer, Benny Resonance, serving as a doorway to the rest of both Steinman and Meet’s catalogues. There was also a recognition of Benny’s eerily similar-sounding tone, power, and delivery to Marvin Lee Aday, prompting the recording of a demo track, which was then used to recruit the initial lineup of band members. The rest is history.”
Where are some notable venues the band has played?
“Some notable venues include but are not limited to:
– Blue Gate Performing Arts Center (Shipshewana. Indiana
– Turning Stone Resort and Casino (Verona, NY)
– Del Lago Resort & Casino (Waterloo, NY)
– Savannah Center (The Villages, FL)
Upcoming:
– Parker Playhouse (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
– Maltz Jupiter Theater (Jupiter, FL).”
What do you believe is the song that people resonate with most? Why do people resonate with this kind of music?
“Paradise by the Dashboard Light – It’s nostalgic and taps into the passion, intensity, and angst felt in our demographic’s adolescence. This time in their lives was exciting and monumental; this song is relevant on a deep level and transports them back to this era, enlivening them in a similar way, once again. This song tends to have been the wedding song of many of our demographic’s couples, resonating because it pokes fun and highlights the ups and downs of a long-lasting marriage. As such, this song is a highlight of the Meet Loaf show, as well.”
Is there a particular routine the band has or follows on and off the set?
“Routine is Rest, Rejuvenate, and Live as much as possible. Lead singer, Benny Resonance, and co-singer, Ariel Resonance, are both co-owners of Rock and Roll Dreams LLC, married to each other, and tour year-round with their 4-year-old daughter, Harmony Riot. They strive for living in a state of balance between work and play, ensuring that they live a life of wild adventure, cherishing the magic in the mundane between show weekends, and living in an eternal state of gratitude for it all.”
Where do the band members come from and what do each of them do?
“Meet Loaf’s band members mostly reign from South Florida and are each full-time musicians, having committed their lives to the art of performing, composing, arranging, and teaching.”
Where can we learn more about the band, and why should we? What makes you an iconic tribute band?
“You can learn more about “Meet Loaf: The Ultimate Tribute to Meet Loaf and the music of Jim Steinman” (a Rock and Roll Dreams LLC production) at www.meetloaftribute.com. This national act is not just a concert, it’s a SHOW and it’s worth witnessing if you get the opportunity. Hundreds of detailed 5-star reviews featured on Meet Loaf’s Facebook page speak for themselves. The show pays homage to both Meet Loaf and Jim Steinman, doing them both tremendous justice. The energy brought to the stage is electrifying, transporting audience members back to the glory days of 1977 Meet and Steinman in their prolific prime. Husband and wife duo bring their real-life relationship to their own personal “Rock and Roll Dream” onstage, pouring their hearts and souls into each and every performance, as if it were their last. The theatrics displayed move audience members to tears – as if they were witnessing a Broadway show – taking them on the most unimaginable emotional rollercoaster one can only ever dream of when attending a live performance. Each band member brings with them their own degree of passion and pizazz, contributing to the overall magic felt by audiences in the touring stage production. Meet Loaf is not a show to miss.”
Anything to add here?
“In the immortal words of Meet himself, “Keep rockin’!””
Questions for Joe Mack:
Do you recommend people go see this band at all their shows?
“I highly recommend anyone that loves live music attend a show by Meet Loaf Trib Band. They are excellent musicians, have amazing vocals, and are very interactive between the singers. When I photograph a band, I look for interaction, animation, and emotion and these guys hit on all these attributes.”
What is it like to take their pictures and be in the presence of such an incredible tribute band?
“Typically, when I shoot a band, I work all the angles shooting from different positions in the room. I started to do that with this band but soon realized all the action takes place center stage with their focus on the center of the crowd. I found a spot dead center and stayed there and got some very good photos. The singers play off of each other and are very animated and I couldn’t stop hitting the shutter release taking way more photos than I typically would in a 30 min session. I saw the real Meet Loaf on his first tour and these guys did a great job of capturing the essence of his show.”
