I’ve been looking forward to seeing Belladonna live again. I remember seeing them last at Erotica 2007, and it was right there, on that magnificent stage, that I suddenly realised their “Rock Noir” was destined for big things and proper PA systems. Upstairs at the Garage is an intimate venue and I know this show won’t be as breathtaking as that one, however I love their new “Noir Album” and can’t wait to have a taste of the stuff live.

I sympathize with the gig organisers, as it must not be easy to find support bands that can go with the unique Belladonna. Probably after plenty of thinking, they chose “female fronted and somewhat different” as a common denominator for tonight’s line up. The result is an interesting and entertaining succession of “Dark Cabaret,” “Electro-Rock / Metal-Industrial” and obviously “Rock Noir,” all of them with an evident theatrical connotation.

Birdeatsbaby open the show. The use of cello, piano, violin, fiddle and drums in the same place tells you already this is not going to be your usual rock gig. The four ladies and one lad in Birdeatsbaby deliver a dark, raunchy, impressive performance, something reminiscent of burlesque but more dramatic. It leaves me confused and curious and definitely made an impact on me. And while I plan to check out their brand new debut album “Here she comes A-tumblin’,” the stage gets ready for Maleficent.


You may be wondering from my “Electro-Rock / Metal-Industrial” description what was so different about Maleficent? Well, to start with, the way they all blend together. But most of all, what grabs your attention like a pink elephant in the middle of your kitchen, is their appearance. Costumes, make-up, masks and moves will not go unnoticed. And by no mean is that all they’ve got, in fact it is the music that gets the spotlight after the initial visual shock. I wouldn’t be surprised to find them supporting Marilyn Manson or Evanescence anytime soon, and to find out more and be prepared I snap a copy of their “Demize” CD off lead singer Maleficent Martini after the show. Stay tuned for a review on this very website, and check out the pictures below to see what I’m talking about!

It’s finally Belladonna time. Little giant Luana takes the stage, dark and sensual as ever... But before getting into this, a word for the Belladonna Family, this weird mafia-like institution that has taken over several rows in the front. I still can’t believe the dedication these people show. Following the band everywhere, there are folks from Italy as well as from Scotland and other parts of Europe. The band, on the other hand, always make a point of meeting "The Family" after the show, and maybe in their down to Earth and warm Italian attitude lies in part the secret of their success.

Back to the gig, the opening honours go to ‘Alchemical Romance’ followed by one of my favourites from the new album, ‘Love me till I die.’ Red roses on the microphone stand compliment Belladonna’s mysterotique image. ‘Lust never sleeps,’ ‘My golden dawn’ and finally new brilliant single ‘Till death do us part’ bring the show to a climax, while Luana loses her jacket with plenty of approval from the boys, and possessed guitarist Dani sweats, headbangs and interacts with the luscious singer.

Time to pay our respects to the King of Pop, when Luana dedicates "Foreverland" to Michael Jackson. Old and still beautiful ‘Mystical Elysian Love’ follows, then ‘Resurrect my Soul’ and classic ‘Black Swan,’ oozing passion and mystery. The show ends with another favourite of mine from “The Noir Album,” ‘Phoenix Rising,’ and the band joins "The Family" and the rest of the fans shaking hands and chatting away.

I’ve talked about their music very recently reviewing the excellent “The Noir Album,” now I’d like you to listen to it very loudly, while looking at the pictures below, and join me in my wish to see them very soon on a bigger stage. And it doesn’t matter how big it is, you will still find them at the merchandise stand on your way out, happy and sweaty, thanking everyone for making their rock’n’roll fairytale possible.