This past week OWC contributor Adam Holtzapfel had a chance to check out Frizzi 2 Fulci performing the composers cut of The Beyond. Check out his thoughts on the evening.
Having recently moved to the Pittsburgh area from Ohio, one of the draws was the amount of concerts here. When I saw Fabio Frizzi was performing the soundtrack to one of my favorite Fulci films it was a no brainer, I had to go.
The venue was an old gothic Catholic church turned into Mr. Smalls (a theater, smaller concert venue, and cafe). The theater side usually holds around 800 folks, but with the set up for this show I’d say it would hold maybe 400.
Doors were at 7, when we arrived there were maybe 10 people in line. Once inside we hit the merch table run by Cadabra Records (who recently released The Beyond soundtrack). Merch offerings ranged from 2 posters, one being a signed linited to 120 tour edition, shirts, and various records including a signed copy of The Beyond and three tour only 7 inches of alternative mixes.
We entered the theater and the layout was like that of a church instead of pews you had 2 sections of chairs with an aisle down the middle, this was very fitting to see the maestro conduct his sermon.
The show kicked off at 8 with Frizzi and band taking the stage. Backed by two guitarists, a drummer, bassist, & keyboardist they launched into a sonic assault that lasted around 45 minutes.
During this set Frizzi would switch between keyboard & guitar, as well as taking breaks to conduct. At times you’d catch him flashing a grin of enjoyment, but also sly enough to make you wonder what he was up to. Once this set ended there was a 10 minute intermission.
After intermission it was time for the main feature…The Beyond. Frizzi & company performed the entire score as he intended it while the film played behind them.
Even though he has done this several times over the last few years it’s always been in bigger cities, mainly Chicago.
I’m not sure if it was due to being on a Thursday night, but the crowd was around 100-150 people which seemed sparse for their first time playing Pittsburgh.
I’ve always felt that while not to conpare the two, Frizzi never gets the credit he deserves for his soundtrack work. When you mention Italian horror Goblin is first on everyone’s mind and there’s usually not mention of Frizzi.
Filled with heavy basslines and haunting keyboard, this is one tour I can’t recommend enough. If you get the chance to see it, take it.
