LIVE: Trans-Siberian Orchestra – December 23, 2017

Venue: Little Caesars Arena

City: Detroit, MI

Date: December 23, 2017

Review and Photographs by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur (http://www.toddstarphotography.com)

Forget everything you have come to think about Christmas or Holiday music.  When it comes to Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s take on the genre and putting on a holiday, there is no comparison.  The rock music, twisted and combined with the classical, gives you a new lease on the sounds of the holiday and takes you to another place… and that is before you consider the visual aspects of the show.  From the moment the lights dimmed inside Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena, the energy in the air was unmistakable.  Once the music kicked in and the crowd was able to start absorbing the music and the show as a total package, all bets were off.

Whether instrumentals or full-blown tracks with lyrics, you are encompassed by music from artists that are masters in their individual crafts as well as playing as a team from start to finish.  The background choirs and singers added punch – musically and visually through out, as did the occasional spoken parts from the storyteller.  The  musicians all shined in their individual moments with solos and moments in the spotlight, as well as the cohesive sound created by the multitude of guitarists and the rhythm section that anchored the show from track to track.  The visual aspect of the show was as phenomenal as the musical journey.  With screens, flames, risers, and a killer light show all coming together, it was as if they were additional members of the band, contributing to the mood and show as a whole package.  Witnessing this show, you couldn’t help but leave in a better mood and feeling the holiday spirit within you.  This is a show to not be missed in the future – and you can bet I will be there year after year, to experience not only the great music, musicianship, and showmanship, but also to see what this killer group can do to tops itself time after time.

Setlist: Time and Distance (The Dash) – Winter Palace – The Lost Christmas Eve – The Ghosts of Christmas Eve – O Come All Ye Faithful/O Holy Night – Good King Joy – Christmas Dreams – Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24) – Christmas Canon Rock – What Child Is This? – Music Box Blues – First Snow – Promises to Keep – This Christmas Day – Siberian Sleigh Ride – Christmas Nights in Blue – A Mad Russian’s Christmas – For the Sake of Our Brother – Wizards in Winter – Madness of Men – Beethoven – Carmina Burana – The Safest Way Into Tomorrow – The Night Conceives – The Mountain – Find Our Way Home – Requiem (The Fifth) – Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24) (Reprise)

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Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries