Search - Rage :: From the Cradle to the Stage: 20th Anniversary

Bottoms up, pop the champagne corks, it?s party time! Twenty years ago almost precisely to the day, a young German musician and his band, Avenger, ensconced themselves in the studio to record their debut album Prayers Of Steel. We?re talking 1984, the name of the hopeful young vocalist was Peavy Wagner, and Prayers Of Steel is significant from today?s point of view because everything that comes under the heading of 20 Years of Rage was spawned by this recording. Avenger soon became Rage, and the initial musical steps of the band developed into an unparalleled career. Peavy and his two accomplices, Victor Smolski (guitar) and Mike Terrana (drums), are about to celebrate their anniversary with their first live album, From The Cradle To The Stage, documenting in no uncertain terms: Rage have never been better! The double album, simultaneously released on double DVD, consists of recordings cut at the Zeche in Bochum on January 25, 2004 ? the night that Rage performed an over three-hour show, playing the most important tracks from every phase of the band?s career, some of them original arrangements, others updated versions. The band, featuring an international line-up unique to the metal scene, demonstrated all over again just what a technically accomplished act they are. Victor Smolski is without doubt one of the best guitarists worldwide. His feel for rhythm is unique; the tone and expression of his solos are simply awesome. The same can be said of Mike Terrana: the former Yngwie Malmsteen drummer is the driving force behind every Rage number, in every sense of the word. His timing is precise, his feel for catchy grooves unfailing. And last but not least there?s Peavy himself: for two decades, he has given the band a face and a voice and is as brilliant a bassist as he is a songwriter. Peavy is the thread that runs through Rage?s history. Some call him a figurehead, other simply call him ?Mr. Rage?.