TNT "Live in Madrid" is the second to last concert with Tony Harnell fronting TNT. Of course it's sad when the founding charismatic voice leaves the band.
However, after watching this DVD a couple of times and TNT's last studio effort "All the Way to the Sun" in mind I am not totally devastated.
This production of the DVD is professional with several cameras and angles. The sound is way too produced and the live nerve lack - just compare to the bonus segment taken from Sweden Rock festival, where the sound is much rawer and in-your-face. TNT is perfectionists, which is emphasized by their use of pre-recorded backing vocals. It comes off a bit ridiculous that bassist Victor Borge and guitarist Ronnie Le Tekro hardly moves away from their microphone stand and pretend to sing their hearts out.
The setlist consist of Rockers with
Fantasia Espanola as the only ballad. Even though this tour was in support of "All the Way from the Sun" the band only airs 2 songs off that album, which underlines that it wasn't their best effort.
A Fix never really gets going live. It s got a heavy groove with Diesel Dahl's double bass drumming but never takes off. The middle play on
Black Butterfly is TNT's attempt to experiment with tones very alike Led Zeppelin's
Whole Lotta Love.
The setlist proves that "My Religion" is the band's masterpiece in the later years since several songs are played off that album;
She Needs Me is introduced as one of Harnell's personal favorites.
Give Me a Sign is actually the song that gets the best response psychically from the audience who jumps around for this tune. The song is also the one that works best in a live situation and shows Harnell's range.
The guitar solo from Ronnie Le Tekro is pretty good since it based around a theme. Thanks to Victor Borge and Diesel Dahl the solo becomes more of an instrumental track that a decided guitar solo.
Harnell will be missed and this DVD is a good tribute to a magnificent singer. However, if you are unfamiliar with TNT then go buy "My Religion", which stands as Harnell's finest work.
Harnell's departure will certainly leave a void among the fans and the purpose of "Live in Madrid" is to heal that void
Rating: 6/10Written by
Michael Thursday, November 9, 2006
