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After 30 years in business, some are given a gold watch (or other insignificant trinket) to commemorate their service and then shown the door to retirement. No such indignities for Doro Pesch, the diminutive Deutsche dame who paved the road for women in metal. While touring North America to celebrate her three decades in music, the NYC date was a star-studded affair, rivaling those that had previously taken place in her homeland. I was privileged to attend her 25th Anniversary, in her hometown of Hannover, so it would only make sense to stop by a commemoration so close to home. In fact, both Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth (Overkill) and guitarist Jean Beauvoir reprised roles initially seen overseas.

For two hours, Ms. Pesch paraded out an extensive, career spanning repertoire, as well as US and Canadian-based luminaries. Aided, as always, by an energetic band, most notably bouncing bobble-head bassist Nick Douglas and hulking guitarist Bas Maas. Keeping the beat, as he's done for 21 years, the ever youthful appearance of drummer Johnny Dee, who after just two songs was already shirtless, revealing an adhesive sports injury strip on his right shoulder. Interestingly enough, the setlist posted at the foot of the stage spells out options, like "Metal Racer Or Evil." which Pesch could call out, on a minute's notice. That being said, she even deviated from the plan, inserting an unscripted "Night Of The Warlock" early on.

A purple hued "I Rule The Ruins" got things off to a flying start, the blonde lovely at the edge of the stage, literally inches from her adoring fans, most of whom were shouting the lyrics back at her. "Earthshaker Rock" and 'Burning The Witches" flew by, almost as much a blur as the swirl of activity behind her. "Fight For Rock" rounded off a strong opening quartet, before introducing Ellsworth for a punky "Always Live To Win". Never a shrinking violet, he was right in the forefront, mic stand in front of the monitors he straddled, exchanging lyrics with Doro. This isn't a letter perfect evening. The band is all smiles, as the cavalcade of friends shows up, for loose renditions of Warlock/Doro hits.

Between songs, as means of introduction, she told a folksy anecdote about said piece, or her mutual admiration for those who had come to the party. "Raise You Fist In The Air" offers gruff voiced counterpoint, courtesy of Maas and Douglas, while the slower, clap-along ballad "Love Me In Black" sees not one, but two synthesizers employed. Despite the title, the stage is lit in pinks/purples, as the bassist repeatedly jumps/hops in circles. With the aforementioned decision voted in favor of "Metal Racer" ("Without You" also losing out to 'Love Me In Black'), the teal lights catch the flips of blond hair as Doro headbangs, as the two guitarists toy with each other, behind her. Luca Princiotta takes the leads. What a sight Beauvoir is: black man with horse mane/pompador and Confederate flag boots! He was there to sing/play guitar on "Burn It Up". The heartfelt "Fur Immer" sees Chris Caffery (Savatage, TSO) on guitar, mostly staying in the shadows of the sky blue lighting. "Metal Tango" has him moving closer to Doro, upstage, the romp enlivening his step.

"Out Of Control" leads into a drum solo, Dee under orange lights, as flashing strobes pulsate on the Raise Your Fist album artwork, depicted on the backdrop hanging overhead. "we Are The Metalheads", a song written for the Wacken festival, is a low calorie snack, before a meaty selection of yet more guests. Once and current Chastain frontwoman, Leather Leone rips through "East Meets West" and Benedictum's Veronica Freeman on "True As Steel". Under purple lights, Leather, wearing her own material, offers some fist thrusting and hair shaking, adding plenty of "Hey, hey, hey" and "Come on. come on" to the lyrics, as Bas and Nick lean against each other. Striking visual, two leather clad females, one black haired and one blonde, who offer a dual a cappella finale. After "Unholy Love", it was time for Freeman, who dressed the part of buxom school girl (Halloween IS next week, after all!), with pleated skirt. She growls the titular phrase solo, before departing the stage.

Never a fan of their protracted rendition of Judas Priest's "Breaking The Law", tonight there was a nice surprise. At the point where the momentum returns (to usual speed), Annihilator founder Jeff Waters red Flying V in hand, appears suddenly from the wings. (In typically fatalistic fashion, he confided beforehand about worrying that he'd botch up the Priest song, which he's played countless times, yet play his Doro selection flawlessly). No problem! Nor his participation in the near-thrashing "Revenge", where Doro interacted more closely with the Canuck. As with Caffery, the triple guitar threat posed behind her, as she thrust both arms forward, simultaneously to launching her head forward, over and over again. "All We Are" fittingly saw ALL the musicians/singers onstage together, although their voices were drowned out by the audience. Doro and band only concluded with "Hellbound" and another cover, Ronnie James Dio's "Egypt (The Chains Are On)".

Special night, for a special lady. Hopefully there will be many more such events, in her honor. Prost!