Disappointed. Barely resembles Christmas and I hate when political agendas are advertised as part of the show. I'm a music nut, and while the music was good it was nothing anyone knew, all freshly written material that attempts to follow a story that was boring at best. There were great pyrotechnics and the light show was beautiful, the entire performance was probably perfect...but the material just kept me at a distance. Trying to politely explain that the show sucked! I would have been ecstatic if they would have just played traditional Christmas music, the stuff TSO is really great at! read more

Very disappointed. Went to TSO Years ago and overall thought it was pretty good. This year left me shaking my head. Don't get me wrong, the visual lights and displays are awesome and some of the entertainers are very talented. However, let's face it, TSO is a Christmas group plain and simple. No one goes to see TSO in July, yet only about 1/3 of the songs were Christmas in nature and spirit and of that 1/3 I only recognized maybe six songs. There were many Christmas songs I'd never heard before and quit frankly weren't that good. But the biggest disappointment was going off the Christmas songs and delving in metal rock and yes, as another poster commented; "Nothing says Christmas like fire breathing dragons and taking a trip to hell," which is what some aspects of the videos and music were. read more

I have been going to see TSO for the past nine years. It officially kicks off the holiday season for me. The people who leave bad reviews have obviously NOT done their research prior to experiencing TSO. Don't let the word "orchestra" fool you! This is not some laid-back, boring, Nutcracker-type presentation full of pretty little Christmas carols. Yes, they do Christmas songs, but with a hard rock/metal twist. There is a reason their motto is "Fog it, light it, blow it up"! They are loud. There is fire. There is a spectacular laser light show. Yes, there are even guys with *gasp* long hair! And they are some of the most talented musicians to ever grace the stage; for example, guitar players Joel Hoekstra, Chris Caffery and Al Pitrelli come from rock legends Whitesnake, Savatage, Megadeth and Alice Cooper, respectively. Contrary to what some of the reviews say, there is NO lip syncing; all of the singing is live. They don't NEED to lip synch! Look up Rob Evan, Dustin Brayley, Chloe Lowery, Lisa Lavie or Georgia Napolitano on YouTube and you'll see what I mean. None of the negative reviews mentioned this either: TSO is very big on giving back to the communities that have them perform. One dollar from every ticket sold goes to a local charity. About 13,000 tickets are sold for each show, they do two shows most days, and each tour goes from mid-November until New Year's Eve. That's a LOT of money for charity. In addition, at the end of each show a signed guitar is given to a child in the audience. Everyone I've seen at the shows really enjoys themselves, whether they are ten years old or 70! There are actually two TSO groups, East and West. East covers the Eastern part of the country and West covers the Western and Central parts. read more

The most enjoyable part of going to this show was reading all the comments on how terrible it was to my wife and daughter and all laughing about how accurate they all were. A few of the musical only songs were good, but the rest were terrible. All I can recall about the story randomly in between the songs was that there was an angel and a bar. It might as well been in Chinese. We left half way through. If you must go to this, buy the cheap seats so you won't be too disappointed. read more

Total Crap! That pretty much sums up the TSO. Nauseating strobe light that burns your eyes and your head will be pounding from the screaming 80's power ballad guitar...and you are only 5 minutes into the performance. Prepare for the same song over and over and over with the same repetitive blinding lights with cold war images ugggghhh. So boring! I honestly don't know who would pay for this torture. This was one company Christmas party where EVERYONE including the boss' left very very early. I spoke to one of the security guards who said pretty much 3/4 of the attendees leave way before the show is over. Yes it really is that bad! read more

great interpretation but zero inspiration. it is not an artistic show, more some sort of a technical performance based on lights and loud sounds. story unclear, my 7 years old pulled her book as she was bored and I felt asleep, first time I feel I wasted my time at a show. read more

It was OK. I wouldn't put this in the top of my review list but it was a decent show. The light show was over the top good but some of the musicians are stuck in the past with hair flings and stupid gestures. The best part was the diverse cast of singers. They brought their A game and really spilled their guts. read more

We only stayed about 1.25 hours before leaving. I was so looking forward to TSO last night n Tampa. This was my 8th time and my husbands 3rd. We always look forward to a great show and some time away for us. Last night was disappointing to say the least. The best parts of the show were the laser lights and the voice of the storyteller. I was looking froward to Christmas music but didn't get much. There was singing but I would not call it close to their best. You could tell they were singing but most of the time you could not discern the words. Additionally, when the singers hold one note for so long it just gets annoying/boring. I mean its impressive they can hold it for so long but it doesn't really do much for the song. The new story was kinda boring so much so that all I remember is an angel and an old bar. Ok, I'll be honest I remember a mention of Sarajevo. I was looking forward to the story of the runaway girl but didn't get that. In conclusion, we are now debating if we even want to go next year. read more

This was just awful. If you can imagine Metallica meets Santa Claus, you would be close. There are a couple of long haired guys playing metal music and doing a lot of 1980's hair throwing. This is a mix of a bad Broadway play meets your local theatre. It's just not worth trying to sit through this for 2 1/2 hrs. My ears literally hurt and I was wearing ear plugs. read more

Just saw it in Pittsburgh on the 29th at the PPG arena . Way, Way, Way too loud--had tissue stuffed in my ears and still way, way too loud (and people complain that I have my music too loud)--my ears are still ringing. Lights flashing in my eyes--painful. The narrator was poor, the story was poor, the music was terrible--the lights were even worse. It was like going to the dentists--only 3 times as long. Finally walked out after an hour. Unfortunately, a one star rating is as low as I am allowed to rate it. I would rate it at a negative 5 otherwise. read more

I was so excited to see them perform. And it was utterly disappointing. We would've left within the first 30 minutes had we've been able to get out of our seats without walking over people. The singers were attention seeking. It was corny at times. The storyteller was impossible to understand. The storyline made no sense whatsoever. It was like a Tele evangelist preacher meets a old 80s rock band. At one point it showed young girls And an old guy at a piano. It was very creepy and gave me a very bad feeling. Stay away from this one not worth your money. Nice lasers and lights. Some good special effects. Some of the singers were spot on. read more

It was by far the most boring experience of my life. Despite the laser show... I literally couldn't wait for it to end. The narrator was not coherent. I literally had no idea what he was saying!! The singing was Horrific! Unbearable ! The orchestra hardly heard. 300 down for garbage. Pretty disappointed. read more

Not at all what I expected. It was like going to a loud church service. I admit that they had the best lasers that I have ever seen, but one GOOD song with laser and would be plenty. 2 hours of it was just headache inducing. 99% of the songs were horrible with really bad story telling in between. If you are religious and want to go to church on a Saturday night, then you might enjoy this. This was an over stimulation with light and sounds. All four in my party HATED it. This was the worst show I have ever seen. read more

Hated the concert. Only concerted I ever hated going too. Got it for a Christmas gift. It was like a long incoherent Church Rock Concert with lazer lights. Just not my thing. I had no idea what I was getting into. Story is confusing. I will not return. We actually left early. read more

So after listening to TSO for years and really liking their Christmas songs I decided to get two tix for me and my wife at NYCB in Nassau county for Dec 20th show for what we thought was going to be a Christmas concert! Boy were we mistaken. It started off pretty cool, great light show lasers, pyrotechnics, video, music, all we wanted..... Then the "story" began. A rambling James Earl Jones impersonator telling what I believe was a poetry laced diatribe that had something to do with and angel, an old city bar, Sarajevo, a mention of Stoly vodka,(my wife joking said that Christopher Walkin would have done it more justice) all in between their music which was good except for the vocals which seemed rough around the edges. Too much of holding notes, forceful arm gestures and finger points. Then after the end of the story, (i think) The rock show started (I guess it was my bad for thinking this was a Christmas concert) plenty of guitar rifts, ear piercing solos, and I guess the TSO faithful appreciated it but not us. It was like "And just like that Christmas was over!" Couldnt stay till the end, left with about 20min to go and that was before the expected encores. Maybe our bad for not doing our research, but boy were we surprised. Two stars for the laser lights, familiar songs, video, pyrotechnics. Oh well...... read more

Let me start off by saying how excited I was to see TSO this year, now let me tell you how you should absolutely, 100%, SAVE YOUR MONEY. After seeing last nights show I sort of feel robbed. It was called "Christmas eve and other stories" yet somehow there was James Earl Jones telling me about an angel and a bar and something about everyone wanting to catch handfuls of rain? Not too sure what this has to do with Christmas... Also, for a show that is solely based on the musicians it's pretty freakin' obvious that they are not really playing any instruments.. (Just a tip for the blonde guitar player in TSO if you see this, if you have a guitar solo/moment DO NOT RAISE YOUR HAND IN THE AIR OR CLAP WHILE THE TRACK IS PLAYING) The vocalist were overall not so great as well.. this seemed like a weird type of rock American Idol with the terrible songs and sub par singing. We came for the classic TSO songs, which were played, but were randomly thrown in between some truly terrible "rock" ballads that had NOTHING to do with Christmas.. At one point the "musical coordinator" came out and was trying to hype up the audience during the "break" in this THREE HOUR show.... the "break" was about 5 minutes long. Anyways, he said something about how unbelievably amazing the set was and "You guys wouldn't believe they created this in 30 days" I would be careful what you brag about buddy because it really was one of the worse sets I've seen in my life. The laser light show, flames, and tesla coils were cool but repetitive. I can at least say that my boyfriend and I had a great laugh, we're pretty sure that 95% of the arena didn't know what the hell was going on. read more

I went for the first time last night. Having done some research, I thought I knew what I was getting into. While I loved the narrators voice, I couldn't tell you what the the story was about aside from the fact that it took place in a bar. That seemed to be the general consensus of the group. They need to focus on creating a cohesive show and getting rid of the rigid poses for their choreography. I thought the girls were going to snap their necks with all of the back and forth hair whips. read more

Saw in Orlando Dec 14. Too long, too weird and nothing much to do with Christmas except a few snowflakes and nutcracker images. The story line made absolutely no sense; still no idea what it was about. Long solo pieces of bellowing; inaudible words. I have no idea what this really was for over 2.5 hours. Ugh, I really disliked it and will never see it again. read more

Awesome show...again!!! (Dallas 3:30) TSO continues to deliver a spectacular performance year after year. It's become a bit of a tradition for our family and we look forward to it every year. This was our family's 6th show, 5th year in a row. Each of the past few years we've bought extra tickets and invited a different family that has never seen the show. They have all been blown away and become fans. This year was no exception. The friends that we invited this year brought their two sons, 16 & 11. The 16 year old is a guitar player and the 11 year old is a drummer. They both absolutely loved the show. The icing on the cake was when their 11 year old was randomly invited up on stage at the end of the show and given a Les Paul guitar, autographed by the entire band. Theres no doubt that's something that he'll remember for the rest of his life. Thanks Al, Angus, Asha, Andrew & the rest of TSO. We promise to keep coming back as long as you will. Can't wait for next year! read more

Completely obnoxious. I nearly had an epileptic seizure from all the strobe lights. Plus, was way too loud, not singing but yelling.

Saw TSO last night in Tampa. Was prepared to see a Christmas-themed, high-energy, electrifying concert. But walked away highly disappointed! Yes some of the classics were performed with lasers, Pyro, Etc, but certainly not as much as anticipated. More than half of the show was spent on performances outside of the anticipated TSO experience. 30 minutes was spent introducing 20 + individuals that we've never even heard of before! We were hijacked by a narrator who attempted a Christmas-themed storyline but it was boring and incoherent a best! There were also several singers who performed well, but were inconsistent with the type of show I thought I was going to see. I thought More than half the show was a bait & switch! My 1st & last TSO show... read more

Very disappointing show at Wells Fargo Dec 18 2022. Was so loud and the bass was so high that my chair in the Wells Fargo Box suite was vibrating .My ears were ringing and after an hour and a few minutes , we could not take anymore and left early read more

My Fiancee bought us tickets to the Trans Siberian Orchestra for our anniversary. I have always wanted to go to this event! I love metal and I love a Philharmonic...so what could be better than this? Unfortunately, an ice pick in the eye would have been more enjoyable. What an awful experience and a HUGE disappointment! Had I known I'd be listening to some hep poetry jam for the first half that was illegible and backup singers (?) ( Philharmonic right??? ) that wouldn't quit screeching , I'd NEVER had asked for this. There was NO orchestra and barely any Christmas music. Biggest letdown! I'm only giving a star for the ability to dupe people out of money.. pretty slick TSO read more

Saw TSO in Sacramento last night ... special effects were kind of cool. Some of the singers were good....But overall I was underwhelmed. The first half was supposed to be some kind of Christmas story, but it fell short. We did not understand it. Some songs seemed to just be thrown in for no reason. As the show went on they repeated several songs. This was my first and also last TSO concert. I attended the show with someone who has seen them several times on the east coast, and they agreed this year's show was nowhere near the caliber of the other shows. Perhaps the biggest disappointment was that this was not a Christmas show. read more

Went to see the show in Milwaukee, WI last night (12/29/2017) and I thought it was amazing! The light show, pyrotechnics, lasers, moving catwalks were true to TSO. I will admit the show was long and there were some songs that could have been left out, but what can I say - fantastic. As I was reading some of the other posts, I wondered why there is so much disappointment. Everyone has a right to their opinion but some of the reviews sound like Simon from American Idol wrote them. I am not a person who usually listens to heavy metal, 80's hair bands but I can make an exception for TSO. Who cares if they toss their hair, may not have the best vocals, show dragons and hell pictures (as several people refer to) it is a concert with a lights, lasers, and pyrotechnics. I will admit I do not go to their concerts every year but after seeing last nights show I am planning to go again next year and take my parents along with me. read more

My boyfriend got us these tickets for our anniversary this year. I have never been to a show, and I was SO excited. Many people I talked to told me it was awesome. As we were standing in line to get in, some of the people in line also told us that the show was amazing. Well, when we got in, and the "concert" started... I was disappointed. The show we attended was "Christmas Eve, and other stories". They had this guy with a super awesome voice tell a story about an angel that travels... and really, that's all I could understand from the story. That story went on for probably an hour and a half. It was a little too long. The lasers were cool, but they used similar laser patterns in each song. In between orchestra only songs, they had singers, and I didn't realize that it was going to be that kind of concert. I honestly was more interested in hearing the orchestra play by itself, as that what it to me is advertised as, an orchestra and that's what I hear on the radio. Some of the vocalists were talented, but there were a few I didn't care for. After the Christmas story ended (probably after about an hour and a half), the 2nd half of the show, was just random vocalists singing songs that didn't really make sense (and I didn't care for). Then, every time you were going to think the show was going to end, it kept going. The light show is cool...for the first 30 minutes, but the whole show lasted 3 hours with no intermission. Carol of the Bells and Wizards of Winter were both in the middle of the show, and so I couldn't really get excited, they did close with Carol of the Bells again, but I would have enjoyed more of just the Christmas orchestra songs, as that what it's advertised as. I don't think I'd go again, especially if it's going to be like that. Have an intermission if you are going to have something that is 3 hours long. Even a football game has a half time. read more

I went to see them in Dec 2017 and still remember vividly how unreasonably loud it was. I've been to many, many concerts, but none that were ear-piercingly painful, and we were both wearing -32db foam ear plugs! It was unbearable and we both agreed that we would never see them again. read more

Didnt really know what to expect. I have listened to there songs on the radio. There was a few moments like the nut cracker were it was exciting with projections and lights. For the majority it felt outdated and tired. Felt stuck in the past. Not a lot of musicians or instruments. The stage is mostly empty. Just hair metal and story telling in between. If you removed the light show Im not sure what you have here. They need to add electronic music possibly and a full on orcastra to be more compelling and break away and breath life back into something more inspirational that touches your spirit. It felt tired like a old vegas show. Sorry my review is negative but its the truth. When you go to a concert you dont want to be asking yourself mid way about wanting to leave early. read more

Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Music Venues Near Me - Glendale, Arizona

I've seen them 30+ times over the years and their talent and passion is truly amazing. Each year is bigger and better than the last. If you walk away disappointed....well, that's on you. read more

Trans-Siberian Orchestra - TSO - Music Venues Near Me - Glendale, Arizona

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This was my first time attending, though I'm familiar with their music. I knew it would be cool, but they far exceeded my expectations. I'm really quite shocked by the amount of negative reviews. I can't compare it to prior years like some people can, but my kids and I loved every second of the concert. There was so much going on. Snow fell down on us, the giant tesla coil was going crazy behind us, the pyrotechnics were insane (especially in the finale.) I loved their take on Christmas music, or even just on classical music in general. My kids laughed hysterically at the 80's hair flipping. I don't even feel that their old-school style was cheesy. It was fun. The second half really started to rock. It was a high-energy performance with a mix of both Christmas and non-Christmas music. The performers are great at engaging the audience and making it fun for all ages. Yes, it would be great if it had a full symphonic orchestra combined with the rock, but I still think it was amazing. What I really liked was that they made a donation to our local community at the very start. Also, they gave away picks (my daughter was so excited to receive hers unexpectedly during the concert from the guitarist), some drum sticks, and one lucky little boy received a guitar. It's those bits of generosity that make it great because they don't have to do that. read more

I went last year in Austin, Texas. In August, I paid a ticket service $1,900 for 4 tickets. Why? For one, I am done with the years of sleeping on concrete (It was fun, tho), 2nd, I literally have seen prolly over 500 concerts, Bowie, "Sound and Vision", NIN, Aerosmith, Floyd, VH,...etc,etc,....never this level of pyro, laser and effects, including actual snow! I pity the hipshits who are slagging the art to appear non-plussed. You are no longer a "non-conformist" when you join a group, dickheads! I'm going to have a great time. Sad you can't because its not "Cool" read more

Saw these guys last night in New Orleans and wow. It was so much better than I expected. What a talented group! The music was awesome, the light show was impeccable. U I f they were still in town, I'd go again today. I really don't know what else to say besides the fact that the entire show was perfect. They do throw about 2 or 3 slow songs in the mix but right when you're like, " ummmmm," then they are like " BAM!". Everyone's voice was so beautiful. Chloe gave me chills when she sang. I don't know if they read these reviews but girl....you killed it!!! I encourage everyone to see this show. Best part is, they donated a $1 from each ticket to wounded warriors project. read more

I make no apologies if you were thinking of going to the Trans Siberian Orchestra's The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More show this year. Indeed it is the "More" part of the show I feel I need to warn you about if you have never been and were expecting "pure Christmas."....So what's my problem? The second half of the show! Where the first hour and half I was lulled into a most festive frame of mind, I was suddenly felt I was thrown into the fires of hell! Gone with the holy, angelic voices and snowy effects. Instead, a giant lizard with rolling golden eyes took over the screen! And it just went down from there. I mean way down. Like to the portal of hell down. Went there to kick off the Christmas season, left feeling icky... Read more at my website: www.tanjabuzzimoriarty.com read more

The Light show was amazing. More like a Lazer show. The singers were great but could not hear the words they were saying. Felt like a ROCK concert. Could not see the Orchestra at all. Was a Christmas story. Knew none of the song they sang. Thought there would be more Christmas colors. Everyone wore black, stage was black. No large screen to really see anything or one. Lazer show, no word were heard expect the man telling the store. Story of a man in a Bar?????? read more

Saw TSO tonight in El Paso, Texas, After seeing TSO over 7 times, this years performance was a major disappointment. The 1st half lacked a true Christmas spirit. The fire and lights are great, but appears these musicians are getting old. The first 15 minutes was the lead guitarist and the moderator. The stage was basically empty of performers. The show just did not stand up to previous performances and was quite disappointed. TSO gave 2 shows today in El Paso and the crowd was on 10,900 for both shows. For true TSO fans, I am sure many will find this years performance as disappointing. I am afraid to say TSO has lost their luster. read more

Music blasted out with none of that inner Christmas sparkle. The worst part was all the smoke and lights. I felt sick the first 5 min although I'm sure the smoke was harmless it was too much. It filled the halls outside the arena and went on continuously for the entire program. You've heard the term smoke and mirrors.. nothing there. We left early. read more

STAY HOME and save your money! I've never in my entire life been more thankful for a show to finally end! It kept going on and on and on like a migraine! They should stick to carols people actually know than hard rock nonsense w an extremely boring narration. Whoever says anything good about TSO must be paid by the orchestra. That's how bad it is. We are never going back. read more

I saw Trans Siberian some years back and it was amazing. The first half of the production was great. The Christmas spirit music and video was amazing. The second was half of the concert was horrible. The fire and demonic dark messages were horrible. The songs were Not about Christmas. Also what does the devil, dragons, tarot cards have do with Christmas. The videos were dark and seem to have subliminal negative messages. Families with children started to leave. The Christmas concert only to be disappointed. Please stay with the Christmas high energy performances. Cut out the demonic dark production side read more

I enjoyed this group a great deal in the past. However, it has turned into nothing more than a screeching, cater walling "star" singer I'm sure some think had talent - I was only grateful when she stopped assaulting my hearing. An electric guitar player made an equally gruesome performance and when finished took a flourishing bow before anyone clapped, practically demanding appreciation for lousy talent. The light show was amazing but that didn't stop many audience members from walking out. Why everyone didn't rise as one and leave in protest is a mystery. If you're looking for an "orchestra", entertainment, or a modicum of culture, you'll be sadly disappointed. read more

I've wanted to attend a TSO show for the last 5 years. I bought 5 tickets for the family to attend ($500+) the Pittsburgh Venue. This show was not for our family, the cross of 80's hair band meets christian rock was too much. I agree with another reviewer that "the laser show was impressive; story was bad; way too many phony dramatic songs, honorable mention for the "Robert Palmer leather clad ladies", but overall it was just some guys wailing on guitars, a violinist, keyboard and drummer. Recommendation: Buy the Christmas CD from Amazon for $5.00 and spend the rest on a great dinner (maybe at Morton's)!!! read more