For a long time I've been hearing about this band called BELIEVER that claimed to be the Ultimate Ozzy Tribute Band. They've been around for a very long time because I remember when I was living in Rhode Island they used to play at a venue called JR's Fastlane and I was never old enough to get in. You had to be over 21 I believe (hee..'scuse the pun). After attending a show last weekend and seeing the flyers everywhere I decided now is my chance to finally see this Ultimate Ozzy Tribute band live and in person.

Eric and I set out to Nashua New Hampshire around 6pm, taking a pit stop at the mall to see if they had the new Metal Maniacs out yet (which they didn't) and also get some money from the ATM. We arrive at the venue to see that most of the crowd is made up of what I like to call "sport jocks". Lots of collared shirts and white t-shirts with the sleeves rolled up and of course the college baseball caps worn backwards. Eric and I felt really out of place. There was also the hugest contingent of puffy haired females with very tight clothes on but they are classic at Ozzy shows. We decided to go get something to eat at Burger King and skip the first opening band.

The second band was called SONIC STRUCTURE who mainly performed covers as well as sprinkling in some of their own original material. Very old school metal sounding. They closed their set with Seek And Destroy. A very cool band indeed. I wouldn't mind checking them out again. They did one cover that I went crazy over and I knew the song but couldn't think of who the artist was...It's still driving me nuts right now trying to think of who it was that does the song.

By the time BELIEVER hit the stage most of the "college boys" (for lack of a better description) and puffed out hair women had moved to the front in preparation for some Ultimate Ozzy. I was almost in shock when the lead singer came out on stage looking EXACTLY like Ozzy minus the tattoos. He not only looked like Ozzy but he acted and, of course, sang just like the man himself. It was very much like seeing the real thing live. These guys were GOOD. They played Crazy Train, Mister Crowly and some other classic Ozzy songs. At one point the singer grabbed a bucket of water and dumped in on the crowd. These guys certainly were crowd pleasers and everyone was really into the show. Eric and I left during their set...my ears were ringing from the loudness in the place and the band was playing a very slow song that I thought was boring. I'm not much into Ozzy's slower material.

One thing I regret about this show is NOT taking my camera!!! I would have loved to take some pics of this band and WILL see them again next time they are playing in the area. Three of the members of SEVERE (the band I saw last weekend) were at this show so I hung out with them a bit. I will be sure to take my camera along next time I see these guys. I do recommend that anybody who is an Ozzy fan go check these guys out!

-Cheryl The Metal Maniac