My hometown New York City has several well-known concert venues. Madison Square Garden is perhaps the most famous, with places like Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theater right behind it. In recent years the Kings Theatre, built in 1929 but renovated and reopened in 2015, has become another favorite concert venue.

I went to a few movies here in the 1960s, when I was very little, but the first time I returned was June 2018, for my older daughter's high school graduation. Then I attended a drag queen show in late 2021, and on November 10 my older daughter and I returned for a heavy metal concert.

We saw Mercyful Fate with openers Kreator and Midnight and it was a fun, loud, energetic show. Yet I couldn't help but look around at this lush, highly decorated theater, with chandeliers and carved ceilings, elaborate details and fancy staircases, and think that was more than a bit absurd. Or fitting!

Kreator and Mercyful Fate both had elaborate stage sets, that were beyond bizarre when contrasted with the theater itself. Kreator's set included several hanged dummies and a gruesome backdrop, while Mercyful Fate's set included a pentagram and a large upside down cross. They lit up their sets in various colors and used bright revolving lights and smoke effects constantly. 

Metal has a sense of humor, and never forget it.

The music was loud and dramatic, and many fans were jumping up, headbanging, and there was even an active mosh pit on the floor. A mosh pit at the elegant Kings Theatre! Hell yeah. Actually, until I saw it, I wouldn't have believed it would be there.

Among my favorite songs performed that night by Kreator were "Satan Is Real" and "Flag of Hate." They gave a shout-out to the legendary (and sadly gone) music club L'Amour (I had worn my L'Amour mask to the show). 

Mercyful Fate was the headliner and they've been around since the 1980s. Vocalist King Diamond cuts a remarkable figure: black and white facial makeup, capes and other costumes (including a head covering with Devil's horns for the opening number "The Oath"). Even in his mid-60s he has impressive vocals, swooping cries and a unique presence. I've seen heavy metal bands in concert before, but was intrigued by their sound and especially King Diamond, whom I'd first read about in the 1980s. They (and he in particular)) have been controversial due to their songs about Satanism, earthly horrors and for being one of the original Death Metal bands.

On stage in Brooklyn, they were musically sharp and full of energy. While this type of music is not everyone's cup of tea, you would have to admit that they are professional, atypical and able to give their fans a really strong show.

This year I've seen shows by other older musicians, that were really powerful: Herbie Hancock, the Sun Ra Arkestra among them. Some people, it seems, can make amazing music at any age.