Blind Guardian

The gig was amazing but it is about time for Blind Guardian to drop Valhala from the setlist and play more of the better songs. Big bummer: Script for my Requiem did not make the setlist...

The best show ever of epic proportions! Everything was perfection!

Blind Guardian is a band you can't use words to describe other than, "You just have to come." I've seen them twice, I wish they toured more because I'd see them again, and again, and again. They play their music flawlessly and give off the feeling that they're genuine about their music. They don't need a big stage show, they don't need anything big, just a stage and fans and they absolutely deliver. Hansi talks to the crowd, he knows we're listening. He doesn't talk at the crowd. The rest of the band is awesome, make eye contact while they're playing/singing, they encourage the crowd (like we need anymore encouragement!) and are all around excellent performers of themselves and their music.

They played several of my favorites, including Mirror Mirror and Time Stands Still. I would have liked to have heard Dead Sound of Misery as well, but what they did play was excellent. The sound quality was significantly better than during previous concerts I have been to at that venue.

I have loved Blind Guardian for years. I was really looking forward to seeing them in the US for the first time in years and they did not disappoint. Hansi knows how to please a crowd and he was energetic, humorous and awesome. If you are a fan, you must go see them because you never know when they will come back to the US again.

Nothing else can be said expect is was a great show. I greatly enjoyed the opening bands and Blind Guardian was just supreme. I hope to see them again when they come to the US.

A truly great rock show in a wondeful venue. I hope they come back soon -- I'd love to see them again.

Great show! Blind Guardian sounds very good live - the choral parts of the songs really come alive when the audience is participating. The set list was good, consisting of many classics and a few tracks from the new album.

It was well worth the wait. They played a lot of gems. Majesty, Born in a Mourning Hall, Welcome to Dying!! I was fantastically pleased, and will be going to see them again at one of their other dates. Woohoo!

Fantastic. Blind Guardian provided a great performance. I cannot wait to see them again.

The Bards return to America, kicking off their tour in Philadelphia. Last tour for A Twist in the Myth was their first time in Philadelphia, and it was quite the show to behold; however, their were some qualms to be had, probably because it was their first time at the venue plus Frederik was new to the band so perhaps that explains why he wasn't high in the mix. This time around, the sound was perfect. Not only that, but the song selection was superb! Last tour, the setlist was pretty safe, pretty much following Imaginations Through the Looking Glass' formula. Two nights ago, they included a bunch of songs from A Twist, the new album, classic songs like Valhalla and Majesty, amongst other goodies! Plus, Hansi constantly was getting the crowd involved. It was lively, epic, and of course the Bards performed perfectly. Andre can still hit every note perfectly after all these years, and Hansi still has amazing range on stage. If you haven't bought a ticket for a show later on in the tour, get one NOW! Don't miss out on the Bard's return to North America. PS: I typically don't expect much from opening bands unless I know them, and this held tried and true for the first act, Seven Kingdoms, who weren't very good at all. Pretty generic power metal with poppy female vocals. However, Holy Grail turned out to be surprisingly good. I checked their music out online after the show, and the vocalist doesn't sing in quite high of a pitch as he does live, which is slightly disappointing, but they were very entertaining live, and obviously have a lot of skill and talent. Certainly not the worst opening couplet I have seen.

The concert was absolutely amazing. The two opening bands were good, but I'm going to talk about Blind Guardian. BG is one of my top two bands, depending on what mood ism in, and I wasn't even expecting them to sound that good. The instruments, the vocals, everything was dead on. Some bands don't sound as good live, and Blind Guardian is not one of them. Even the parts of the songs where Hansi overlaps his vocals to get the chorus effect sounded great because the audience became the chorus. And man, The Bard Song, he basically starts and finishes it and lets the audience carry a good bit of the song, very great experience. I drove 2 hours for this and it was worth every minute and every penny. Will definitely be going to see them again next time they are in my area.

Blind Guardian played a fantastic show. The set list included a retrospect of their music from the last 25 years. The most exiting was Majesty which the band played at the request of the chanting crowd. Their sound board tech really did his homework. All of the levels were balanced perfectly for the small venue. No one element over powered any other as sometimes happens when big bands play small venues. Blind Guardian s technical skills live really does match what you here on the albums. They get up on that stage, and for two hours just blow you away. Don t miss out on this tour; they don t come to America that often

Blind Guardian rocked, they're always a lot of fun to jam out to. We were right up in front, getting our ears blasted out (bring earplugs! we forgot!) They did a pretty standard show with a very formulaic setlist, I would've liked to see some lesser known material, and they didn't play any requests. The opening bands were pretty uninteresting. Seven Kingdoms was a very contrived sort of girly power-metal. Holy Grail was more entertaining, they ripped it up and got the crowd pumped, but still nothing new. It was a fucking killer show and I'd go again in a heartbeat. (But I'd skip the Opener)

This was my first Metal concert, and Blind Guardian deffinately is a band that impresses. Their songs are all original, and they're some of the most skilled artists I've ever had the priveledge of listening to and seeing live. They're fun and love the audience, and they ROCK. Plus Hansi's German accent is awesome to hear, especially live.

This was by far one of the best shows I have seen in a very long time. There was a double encore at the show, because even though the number was small in size I saw the most and loudest participation come from a croud. Blind Guardian is also without a doubt the most humble and gracious bands I have ever seen, I could actually see the reverance in their eyes at the loyalty of their fans. Without a doubt one of the most moving shows I have ever seen!

This show was probably the best financial decision I've ever made in my entire life ever. My boyfriend showed me them and at first I was very hesitant about them, I'd been on a 70's rock binge for a little over two years by then, and so you can't blame my ears for being scrambled by power metal. How ignorant I was. On a whim, I decided to buy us two tickets to view them live as my idea of an early Christmas present for my beloved. Getting there was a pain as we are from Sacramento and San Francisco is usually a hassle for the driver. We waited in the freezing cold rain for the show to begin. Seven Kingdoms opened and what glory it was. We had only heard one song from their latest CD the previous night. They set the bar fairly high for the rest of the night. Unfortunately, we grew bored of Holy Grail and left the ballroom to find a place to sit and talk. As Blind Guardian entered the stage, I could feel every nerve in my body vibrating with their awesomeness. If you even have a doubt about buying these tickets, GET RID OF IT. THE BATTLE OF MIDDLE EARTH IS NOWHERE NEAR AS EPIC AS SEEING THEM LIVE. Although it would have been nice to see more girls there.

Opening bands: seven kingdoms was one of the best openers I've seen live and would recommend them to anyone who likes power metal. Holy Grail was on the other hand one of the worst bands I've seen opening at a metal or any genre concert. Blind gaurdian as always put on an amazing show and would reccomend them to anyone! The music box is great venue and I would see another show there!

BLIND GUARDIAN WAS INCREDIBLE... Absolutely killed it! Although they didn't play all the songs I was expecting, each song they did perform was packed with extreme energy for the crowd to dwell in. We'll be waiting for their return where Hansi promised us they would play Majesty! Holy Grail had great energy on stage and really pumped the crowd. Musically they where on their game and I was very impressed with them. Seven Kingdoms had a great sound, but my only problem was the lead singer. She has some pipes on her, but her stage presence is a bit akward.. she seemed a little out of place from time to time. Anyways... BLIND GUARDIAN FTW!!!!

So I think the last time these guys came to the states was a few years ago my hardcore fan friends say..I had never seen them before and knew little of their music. However, this band is really really good live, I mean they've been around since like 1985 or something ridiculous haha. But seriously great band, epic does not say it enough. From their galloping versus, to thundering choruses and beautifully melodic interludes going on for some 14 minute songs, I loved it. The crowd was VERY into them. The place was packed and everyone was active. Big pit, lots of movement, chanting after almost every song...it was amazing.

Blond Guardians set was awesome. Most likely one the best sets I've seen. But the first two bands were horrible. Seven kingdoms was the worst, their instrumental was mediocre at best, and their vocals just outright sucked. Holy grail was a little better but not by much. But I was not there to see them, I was there to see Blind Guardian.

Phenomenal show at a stellar venue. The crowd was way into it, and Blind Guardian were not only spot-on performance-wise, but incredibly gracious to their fans (they even played a crowd-requested song). I love how close you are to the stage at the Showbox Market no matter where you are standing, and the PA system doesn't rip your ears off. Overall, one of the best concerts I've seen, ever.

The two opening bands took a while, but they were both very energetic and the audience seemed to enjoy them, once the bards came on stage the show took off, and never slowed down, the songs were incredible, the audience was incredible and everything about the show just bled quality and effort, and the encore was absolutely amazing, I cannot recommended this concert highly enough or even have the correct words to describe this magical night of music

Show was incredible. Was my first concert of Blind Guardian since 2006. Seven Kingdoms did an excellent job at the start. Their first song was a little lukewarm on the reception, but the audience warmed up to them quickly and it turned into an outstanding opening act. By the end of their set, they had nearly everyone getting into it. Holy Grail on the other hand, stank out loud. They seemed absolutely convinced that they must have been the main event, turned their guitars up to 12 and proceeded to issue forth the most cacophonous, unintelligible noise I have ever encountered from a metal band. Normally, I like metal, but these guys almost made me change my mind. They could probably be decent if they work on getting their act together, but I'm not sure if they have what it takes to do that. They sounded good in the studio, but I'm not sure they're any good at all live. Their effect was almost instant, turning a rapt audience downright hostile and bored. Eventually, a mosh pit formed, likely due to a desperate attempt to dull the auditory pain with physical abuse. Blind Guardian was top notch and at the top of their game. It was very clear they were enjoying the show. (Except for the poor 'nameless guys' as Hansi called them, that were going to have a long night's work on World of Warcraft night.) The crowd's energy was incredible and Blind Guardian took maximum advantage, taking everyone on an epic adventure of imagination, magic and pure adrenaline. The instrumentals were sharp and powerful, the drums overwhelming and the bass awe-inspiring. At several points, it was clear that the set of songs was demanding on Hansi's voice. All the same, he carried on and didn't let it slow him down, let alone stop him, as he continued to deliver on vocals time and again without fail for the crowd. Aside from Holy Grail needing to learn how to put on a proper show, the only problem was the fact that the venue was completely lacking in any seating whatsoever unless you were 21 or older. If you had any physical impairments and were under that age or had to stay on the floor to protect a teenage kid from the crushing impact of people trying to catch the show then you were up shit's creek without a paddle, because the venue had absolutely nowhere else to go except back out the door.

The music was great and Hansi is an excellent showman.

Quite possibly the best show I have ever seen. Went in sick, came out better, shaking and delighted for hours after.

If i could give Blind Guardian more than 5 stars i would. Its like no other concert you'll ever attend. Crowd energy is monumental, not only that but the crowd actively participates, singing along with nearly every song, making it more than just a concert, its an experience. If you've never seen BG live then you're doing yourself an injustice.

Blind Guardian was an incredible show and definitely worth it. :D

I've been a fan of Blind Guardian since high school but this was my first time seeing them live. This really might be the best metal show I've ever been to. BG was even better than I expected, and the opening bands, Seventh Kingdom and Holy Grail, were good too.

Amazing concert, best show I've every been too!!!!

The best concert. They are still great, and the new album is wonderful. They also sang a lot of good old songs. I was very excited and very happy.

I was very impressed with all 3 bands. I thought the female vocalist in Seven Kingdom's had a strong voice. The rest of the band were solid. Holy Grail put on a strong performance. The vocalist has a hell of a voice. I was blown away by Blind Guardian. This was my first time seeing them. The whole band was amazing. I expected them to put on a great show but I thought it was better than I expected. Hansi's vocals were outstanding. Everyone in the band is top-notch. I highly recommend going to this show. You won't be disappointed.

I truly enjoyed this show. The venue was great. It's rather mainstream, feels as though you're walking into a major arena at first. But then you get to the stage and realize that it's smaller and more personal then it seems from the outside. There are 3 levels. The back has chairs, the middle tier is a good place to just stand and watch the band from directly across them, and the bottom tier is for the rocking, moshing, up-close and personal fans. But again, it's not huge. The band was great! The openers were younger bands who were fun to watch and listen to, but when Blind Guardian came on, you could tell who everyone came to see. The band is older, but they are so professional and their music is extremely enjoyable. They prove that you don't need to go crazy on stage to make a phenomenal show. This is one of my favorite bands, and this show made me love them even more.

It was a night to remember. Blind guardian has one of the best song catalogs in metal so it is not surprising that great songs like majesty, another holy war and bright eyes never made it. Nonetheless, the setlist was awesome, and it's performance was beyond what words can describe. Blind guardian proved why they are the gods of power metal and my only regret from the show is the fact that I will have to wait years to see them again. Like bards of old, they come around rarely, but when they do, the celebration is unlike any other. I also wish people would have sang more and moshed less. There is no place for a pit at a BG concert.

Amazing Band, quality performance, varied selection from the albums. Go see this band.

Blind Guardian was Amaazing!! I can't wait for them to come back! However, they need to pick better opening bands..I could not wait until Holy Grail and ESPECIALLY Seven Kingdoms were over-they were terrible!!

This was the most epic metal concert that I have ever been to. I still can't believe I was only like 10 feet away from the band members.

So, this is at least the 5th time I see Blind Guardian, but the first I see them outside Europe. I guess the fact they were playing in NY, as second date of the U.S. tour and especially in front of such a spectacular audience allowed them to give an incredible performance! Never saw Hansi (Kürsch, lead singer) speaking so much and entertaining so well the audience... He (and all the band) must have been really excited for this shows! They chose a good selection of songs from the past and present, with a perfect choice of songs from the current album, which by the way is spectacular. The audience answered well to all the songs (maybe since BG were not that famous in the USA with the first 3 albums the audience did not know too well some of the oldest songs but they picke up very fast and could sing every refrain with the band). Blind Guardian are running at the edge of metal, with their very innovative style (which can not be considered a proper style, it's Blind Guardian...) and once again they demonstrated how they can be easily defined as creative leaders internally to a music style (speaking of metal) that very very often stands still or lives on the memories of the past (which are good, but let's look forward). Looking forward to see them again at home, in Europe, but with a special souvenir of this time in NY. About Holy Grail: I just could see Holy Grail's performance. HG are in fact building a lot on the past leading ideas of metal: the themes, the solos, the style, the appearance and the high pitched voice (unfortunately not one of the best I have ever heard) of the '80s but with no innovation. Now people could say they are great, and probably they really are great musicians but the discussion is about why still propose a music genre that over time has lost a little his meaning? Of course this is only a personal opinion and it's driven by my music tastes, but Holy Grail is pushing themes that were very popular for example with Manowar and honestly in the last 10 years (or more!) Manowar could not renew themselves and propose something attractive so they are now riding into oblivion... how then could HG ride into success?

Amazing show! Great venue. Blind Guardian and Holy Grail were fantastic

There is very little that I can say that was bad about the show. The opening acts were decent, with Seven Kingdoms getting everyone into the mood while Holy Grail brought the intensity. But, when the introduction for Sacred Worlds started to play the crowd went ballistic. Then, when Blind Guardian took the stage, it was a whole new show. They played tracks both old and new, like Welcome to Dying and (surprise!) Time What Is Time and it was simply awesome.

The opening bands we're adequate. Not great, but good enough. Blind Guardian performed excellently. They pulled off their complex studio sound effortlessly on stage. The only wish i had was that the set list held more of their theatrical music from A Night at the Opera, but this was forgivable. Great show.

I expected the show to be awesome, and it was actually better than I expected. Blind Guardian rocks.

Great show! Hansi is an amazing frontman and the band played great.

It was an incredible show. I loved the band's performance a lot. It demonstrated how experienced true musicians really are. The guitars were amazing and the vocals were gloriously epic. I really enjoyed how Hansi Kursch gave a brief introduction to each song before they were played, it gave a literacy feeling to the event. The emotions provided by the extraordinary composition of Blind Guardian songs made fantasy appear to be reality.

Despite minimalistic settings and cramped surroundings, blind guardian seems able to put on a great show regardless of the venue. The small size of the jaxx building provided a very imtimate atmosphere for the show, however the sheer volume of the music itself almost seemed too much for the small concert hall to contain. Nontheless blind guardian remained true to their US fanbase and played a wonderful combination of old and new music, finishing the night with a fantastically metal version of "barbara ann", I will certainly come back to see them again

I wanted that show to last forever! Couldn't have done it without Ticketmaster. :)

Easily the greatest show I've ever seen. The openers, whom I've never even heard of before were very impressive and absolutely worth looking up. Blind Guardian's performance was out of this world. Hansi told stories about the music between songs and got the crowd excited. They even came out again to play extra songs, and they played "And Then There Was Silence" in its entirety without having rehearsed it once on their tour. If ever there was a band to see live, it's Blind Guardian.

Words cannot describe how awesome Blind Guardian was...or is. I managed to get a really close spot to the stage and I waited in high anticipation for that curtain to rise. And when it did, man did the venue erupt in cheers! They paced their songs well, with Hansi giving a hilarious little segment in between songs. They ended their main setlist with: "And Then There Was Silence" which was awesome because it is a 15 minute song, and one of my favorites. When they had to say goodbye, the crowd responded, cheering at their loudest and thanking BG for an effin' amazing show. This was my first BG show, and my first concert and let me tell you...it set the bar very, very, VERY, high.! WE LOVE YOU BG, COME BACK SOON!!!!!

I have been dying to see Blind Guardian for years; they're one of my favorite bands of all time. The show was full (but not uncomfortably packed) with a couple good opening bands, Seven Kingdoms and Holy Grail. When Blind Guardian came on though, something swept through the crowd, and you could see that most of the people there were die-hard fans. People were belting out the lyrics to every song, and the mosh pit was wild. Hansi was on point, and overall I think they threw an amazing performance. Also Blind Guardian succumbed to playing Majesty after the entire venue kept chanting for it, saying "Do you think that impresses us?.... Well, it does." I for sure can't wait for them to come back around.

What a fantastic show by an absolutely amazing band! Blind Guardian absolutely impressed and satisfied the audience by playing new and old material in an electrifying, yet nostalgic set.

Saw them 5 years ago when they last toured. Was one of the best concert experiences of my life. Been anxiously awaiting their return and not only was in just as good (if not better!), but when they came back they played at a venue that was much MUCH closer to my house than last time. So that added to the overall concert going experience. 10/10, would see them again

One of the best lives shows I've ever been to, rivaled only by Iron Maiden. Amazing set list, and the band sounds absolutely amazing live. Definitely a band I will see at every given opportunity. The energy, the way they interact with the audience, all makes for a great experience. Singing along with the crowd for like 3 minutes after Valhalla ended just screaming "Valhalla! Deliverance. Why've you ever forgotten me?" is one of those moments that I will remember for years to come. Legendary band, 11/10, would see again.

One of the best sets I have ever seen. Wish I could see it again.

Absolutely magical night, the bards were unforgettable.

Every part of the band was amazing! Hansi live is like having an angel sing you sweet metal. I could not recommend Blind Guardian more or their music. Epic perfection to my ears. Just my opinion.

2.5 hours and 17 songs. These minstrels brought one of he best shows I've been to. They were flawless in their performance and Hansi sounded amazing with that voice of his. I also have to give props to the Grove for great sound and lighting. It's a solid venue.

awesome show! go see them! if you like metal and fantasy/sci fi, you will love them

I have seen some big name metal bands at the Filmore (Metallica & Testament). Blind Guardian had the crowd pumped more than any other band I have seen at a small venue. The crowd was jumping and rocking the entire floor. At multiple points in the night the crowd was singing the chorus for up to two minutes long.

This was easily one of the best concerts I have been to in my life. Blind Guardian played a total of 17 songs. They had 2 encores! They were firing on all cylinders. Everyone in the audience was singing along and having a great time. Grave Digger was fantastic as well.

Grave digger was an excellent opener! Very fun to listen and sing along with. Charismatic lead singer, almost an much as Hansi. Blind Guardian was awesome, lots of gratitude to the fans! Hope they come back soon

Awesome event. Usually don't like waiting around forever for a band to start but BG was worth it!

The Blind Guardian show was amazing. They played very well and I had so much fun watching them jam all of their classics and their new material. They even played And Then There Was Silence when we requested it. Thank you for an awesome night that I will never forget!

Just go see them. If you are a fan of power metal. Or metal at all. GO SEE THEM. Guardian put on an incredible show that has easily blown everything else out of the water. The sound, the presentation, the energy...I have never seen anything like it before, and now all I can think is how every concert I see after this has to try to top perfection. My only complaint is that not all tour dates got Into The Storm, or Majesty. Many did, though mine was not one of them.

Definitely the best show I have ever been to. Blind Guardian knows how to get a crowd going and involved.

If you haven't seen B.G. live. . . you MUST! They are so much better LIVE than on any home/car stereo. Get your beer in hand, and get ready to sing along.

well it was like a dream come true i ve been a band fan for a long time and always liked their live shows couse they interact a lot with the audience and for been in that show and interact with them its been one of the best things i ve done in my life....BLIND GUARDIAN YOUR THE BEST FOR FAR A LOT

Absolutely amazing show, Seven Kingdoms and Holy Grail were great opening bands, and Blind Guardian is a hundred times more awesome in person. Small venue, casual setting. The Masquerade is the quintessential run-down concert venue, but it gives it a certain charm and still sounds great. All the key parts (drums, guitars, main vocals, and bass) could be heard clearly and in a pretty good balance, secondary vocals weren't really audible, but none of the bands used them as an important feature.

Awesome shows and great bands...Blind Guardian was as amazing as always. Sound was good, and venue was great. The thrash band from orlando (Great Awakening i think) were awesome.

This was by far the best concert I have ever attended. The crowd was very much into the show and knew all of the lyrics, which always boosts a Blind Guardian show. The band played brilliantly and Hansi was in fine form, especially when he hit some crazy high notes in "Tanelorn (Into the Void)." Every song destroyed. If Blind Guardian comes anywhere near you and you are a fan, go see them. It is impossible to be disappointed.

This was an amazing concert. The venue was sized appropriately and the acoustics were great! This was my first time to see Blind Guardian in concert. I hope it won't be my last.

Best live show I have been to in many years. I wish it didn't have to end.

What an incredible show! The venue was perfect for a Blind Guardian concert - small enough to be intimate, big enough to accommodate everyone with enough room for moshing and headbanging. The two opening acts, Seven Kingdoms and Holy Grail, were excellent bands, and got us revved up to see the main event. The whole crowd was there to see Guardian & knew all the lyrics - Hansi was thrilled. So taken, in fact, that not only did they play The Bard Song, but that when asked to rock Valhalla, they complied. The audience ROARED. The whole band is composed of great showmen, and when you give them a crowd who knows & loves them and their work, they will not disappoint! Some of the best crowd engagement I've seen in years. If you're a Blind Guardian fan, don't miss a chance to see them live.

title says it all....simply amazing! I was literally brought to tears by the sheer awesomeness! the opening bands were cool too! I'm definitely a fan of Holy Grail now!