Sabbath Review Doesn't Go Unnoticed

So let's talk about the Black Sabbath reunion show that just passed us last week.  A diehard fan, I was a very eager beaver to get tickets to this event as this could be (hoping not) my one and only chance to catch Ozzy, Geezer and Tony all on tour together.  One must wonder after all these years if the trio still has the energy to put on a great show.  Needless to say I was blown away by their performance and very rarely did I hear a note that was off key.  Hell, I've seen band 1/2 this age f**k up more in a 30 min set than these guys did.  Not flawless but damn close!  So here is a review recap I read from the Globe & Mail:

Reunion shows Black Sabbath still has a pulse by Brad Wheeler
(click on the link for the full review)

"At ACC, Osbourne was all business, harming no animals at all: Even such warhorses as Fairies Wear Boots and Rat Salad were treated with respect. While his solo shows are marked by razzle, dazzle and pyrotechnics, the Sabbath show was no frillier than the black concert T-shirts worn by the fist-pumping hard core. None of Osbourne’s solo material made the set list; the singer sublimated himself to a menacing-looking group who, despite its advanced age, made the Manson Family seem like the Partridge Family in comparison."

After reading the review I thought it was a little off considering the amount of respect and attention this band gets.  I must say that for a fan that has been waiting 26+ years to see Black Sabbath, they were at the top of their game with the sound almost as perfect as it could be for their age.  I myself was doubting their ability to put on a good show and thought of it as no more than a quick cash grab from the the fans before saying their goodbyes to touring and album making.  Boy was I wrong.

Now onto the comments.  If you have been reading AFGM for some time now you know my one peeve is trolling.  Nothing fumes me up more than people making dumb ass comments and one line answers that have no actual logic to back it up other than their own narrow vision or hatred for another band because of fashion, sound, etc.  What about if it's the other way around?  What if the article was deemed to be poorly written on the journalist's end?  After reading this (somewhat) review of the show I decided to look into the comments thinking it would be nothing more than tunnel vision.  Once again. I was wrong.

Fans of the band and music instantly came to their defense and dropped a few thoughts of their own when it came to both the show and he review...

"Jeeeezus, Brad, get a clue would you!!

1. Tommy Clufetos neither played on the album nor has he toured at all with this band!!
It was Brad Wilk (Rage Against The Machine) doing both jobs, and he was awesome as a replacement, really driving the show and the band all night long.

2. "Workmanlike"?...nope, they played noticeably hard and had fun all night.

3. 'Fairies Wear Boots' and 'Rat Salad' were standout surprises and quite welcome by all.

4. The crowd was very noticeably younger and more diverse than the fringed-jacket/mullet crowd I saw them with in '99.

5. ..."ones with no pulses left"...I guess you're choosing to ignore that the buzz around Sabbath is red hot right now, what with their first #1 record in over 40 years!!

I kinda have to believe you were nowhere near this show, given how completely out of step you are with what actually transpired at the ACC...which was an awesome Black Sabbath concert enjoyed - vociferously - from beginning to end.

Seriously, dude...if I was as crappy at my job as you are at yours I'd be fired instantly.
Go write ad copy somewhere please." -Backhander62

"Black Sabbath put on a fantastic show, which seems to have eluded the reviewer.

The sound and visuals were great, and the crowd loved the show.

Sounds like they delivered what they came for." -Mike1226

"Globe and Mail reviewers in general have been granted too many free passes. Time for some new blood as i am really tired of the same old negative, condescending, (I can't believe they pay me to watch and review this stuff) so-called reviews. I cannot remember the last time this reviewer expressed any joy in critiquing. Maybe all of our Rock heroes should just retire. Mr.Wheeler would have to find something else to be cranky about." -The Tree1

Brad, here's a hint: People know what band reunions are (you could have addressed the subject in a sentence or two). Try doing your job and have a go at reviewing the concert next time. Or quit and find something else to do. -Poet_Friend

Do you think they got the point across?  Knock a band as a commentator and you might go away without someone calling bullshit on you.  It's a much bigger deal when a journalist gives a scathing review when by all means the band outperforms their expectations.  Journalists, this is a good example of how to get yourself in hot water fast.  Either make a convincing case about the show or just let the fans enjoy what they came to see.  Each to their own opinion of course, but you can see where that might get you.