CONCERT REVIEW
by Jared Curtis
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Wells Fargo Arena — Dec. 22
As a whole, the concept of Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) — the traveling rock opera/Christmas spectacle that has virtually displaced eggnog and Christmas cards as December traditions for concertgoers — really isn’t that unique. Thousands of lights, plumes of fire and other mindless seizure-inducing goodies? Try KISS, circa 1978. A rock band backed by an orchestra? Check out Metallica’s ridiculous teaming with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra for 1999’s “S&M.” For TSO, however, these rock-killing combinations seem to work, as their popularity has continued to grow since the release of their 1996 debut, “Christmas Eve and Other Stories.” Their show at Wells Fargo Arena proved just how far they’ve come. Numerous audience members had their grandchildren seated on one side and their 40-year-old offspring on the other.
Al Pitrelli and his cohorts, which included another rock vet, vocalist Jeff Scott Soto (Talisman, Yngwie Malmsteen, Journey), went through the paces early with Christmas staples “Oh, Holy Night,” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” and the instrumental “First Snow.” It wasn’t until Tommy Farese took to the stage with his familiar, raspy vocals and Bronx-born demeanor to bring “Ornament” to life; and Bart Shatto, dressed as a homeless man, delivered “Old City Bar,” accompanied only by Pitrelli on \acoustic guitar, that the talent began to shine through. Eventually the lights came back on, though. After all, for TSO, Christmas is their business — and business is good. CV — Darren Tromblay
 Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Wells Fargo Arena Photos by Darren Tromblay |
 Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Wells Fargo Arena Photos by Darren Tromblay |
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