Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Theatrical rock anomaly Meat Loaf may no longer be here, but thanks to members of his band, The Neverland Express, alongside vocals from “American Idol” winner Caleb Johnson, he may as well have flown into the remarkably restored Genesee Theatre like a “Bat Out Of Hell.”

In fact, tons from that very trilogy was the main focus of the aptly titled “Celebrating Meat Loaf,” the only show fully authorized by the late great and his primary songwriter, Jim Steinman, who even earned a few side project shout-outs.

Given the fact it was anchored by Paul Crook, his producer, music director and guitarist, in addition to fellow alumni John Miceli on drums, Randy Flowers on guitar and Lyssa Lynne singing female leads, the nearly two-hour set sounded precisely like it should’ve with Johnson seeming like a “Dead Ringer” as a performer, while leaving enough room to let a sizeable personality rub off on the medium but mighty crowd.

Following an extensive introduction of video clips tracing Meat Loaf’s Broadway beginnings through his passing in 2022, The Neverland Express’ latest line-up, which also included newer additions of keyboardist Andy Ascolese, bassist Ed Avila and fellow vocalist Kiley Baxter, tore into “Life Is A Lemon (And I Want My Money Back)” and flew right into “Bat” as Johnson flexed his considerable range.

The memories came flooding back via true-to-form renditions of the rocker “You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night),” the ballad “Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad,” plus a wordless “Heaven Can Wait” as a scarf was placed over the microphone in honor of their late leader.

The ladies were also featured on a few gigantic occasions, starting with Baxter bravely conquering the Celine Dion-popularized “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now,” though it was indeed recorded by Meat Loaf and company.

“Paradise By The Dashboard Light” made for a playful duet between Johnson and Lynne, while their drama really unfolded come the immortal “I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That),” which could’ve easily closed the concert had it not been for the frenetic “Out Of The Frying Pan (And Into The Fire)” or an encore of “Hot Patootie – Bless My Soul” from the supreme cult classic, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

Queen guitarist Brian May was absolutely correct in his glowing social networking endorsement of the UK-bound band, and even if it’s a bit before everyone re-visits this area, there’s a studio recording called “Paradise Found: Bat Out Of Hell Reignited” that captures the essence of exactly why the Genesee was so amazed.

For additional information on The Neverland Express + Caleb Johnson, visit BatExperience.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Genesee Theatre include Indigo Girls (Mar. 23); Il Divo (Mar. 24); Classic Albums Live: Eagles’ “Hotel California” (Mar. 31); Blue Öyster Cult (Apr. 6); Electric Avenue: 80’s MTV Experience (Apr. 15); Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin and Collin Raye (May 4); The Beat Goes On: A Cher Tribute (May 5); Brit Floyd (May 6); Ruben Studdard & Clay Aiken (May 12); Rain: A Tribute To The Beatles (May 13); Stewart Copeland (May 19); Los Chicos Del 512: The Selena Experience (May 20); John Oates (May 25); The Beach Boys (Jun. 2); America (Aug. 12) and “Happy Together” featuring The Turtles (Aug. 18). For additional details, visit GeneseeTheatre.com.

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