When he ordered the crowd to
clap - they clapped! When he ordered the crowd to sing - they sang!
When he ordered them to stop - they stopped! Hoffmann is one of heavy metal's
most underrated guitar players. His classically influenced leads, precise
rhythms and on cue low range backing vocals are always a highlight of any
live ACCEPT show. Even after all this time he still looks like he is
having as much fun onstage as when he first formed the band some 30+ years ago.
Judging from the crowd response, "Shadow Soliders" should be a set
staple for years to come. The song is Hoffmann's personal favorite
from the latest "Stalingrad" album and has the sound and feel of
pre-"Restless And Wild"-era ACCEPT. It's slower tempo provides a nice
contrast and mixes in well with the heavier numbers. With the set
loaded with a healthy selection of some of the greatest songs written of
all-time from the Udo years, it's ironic pre-encore set closer "Teutonic
Terror" from the band's more recent "Blood Of The Nations" album
generates the biggest and loudest fan response of the evening. It's a
true testament to ACCEPT's current songwriting abilities and fan's acceptance
(no pun intended) of vocalist Mark Tornillo to create a song that already ranks
with the best of anything from their past catalog. The band hasn't missed a
beat in recent years and tonight's show more than sends this message home loud
and clear. Encores "Fast As A Shark" and "Balls To The
Wall" leave the crowd in a frenzy, closing out a near perfect evening,
sans a sorely missing Hoffmann guitar solo and a rarity or two for the diehards
from the band's extensive back catalog. ACCEPT are a tough act to follow. ...