Berlin gig - 14th November 2016
Nov 17, 2016 11:42:39 GMT
lazypokerblues, granny, and 4 more like this
Post by therockdoctor on Nov 17, 2016 11:42:39 GMT
My first gig on the German leg of the Last Night Of The Electrics tour was in Berlin on 14th November. We got to the Max-Schmeling-Halle mid-afternoon and met Leon, Rhino, Richie and Andy as they arrived (all squashed into one car). It was a very cold sunny afternoon but Richie and Leon seemed happy to chat and pose for photos for a while before heading into the venue.
We retreated to a friendly pub across from the venue and had an enjoyable time catching up with friends and a marketing rep from the venue also had fun, taking lots of photos of us fans (which have since been posted on their Facebook page).
Having bought "VIP Golden Circle" tickets, we knew to arrive well before normal "doors open" time and our 5.30pm arrival back at the venue meant only a fifteen minute wait until us VIPs were let in. It was the usual dash to the barrier, made somewhat more difficult in this venue as the floor is well below ground level so a lot of stairs to navigate along the way. A spot on the barrier right in front of Rhino's mike stand would do me very nicely.
We already knew that Uriah Heep would again be the support band, but Berlin got a bonus support act in the form of DRDW. Hopes were not high when we saw the setup, a drummer and a lederhosen-clad accordion player. They were then joined by a tatooed young singer and they went on to dispel our initial misgivings, playing a really rocky little set! Watching them play AC/DC's "Whole Lotta Rosie" certainly ranks as one of the most bizarre things I've ever seen while following Quo, with Angus Young suddenly wearing lederhosen, but still doing the duckwalk. A really enjoyable opening act.
At 7.30, it was Uriah Heep's turn to take the stage and they played the same hour-long set as in Ireland recently. They got an excellent reception here and their set is becoming more enjoyable as it becomes more familiar (it will be very familiar after another five gigs on the German tour for me!).
By the time Quo's crew were getting their stage ready, the venue had filled up nicely - the Golden Circle area was busy (but civilized), the main standing floor area crowded and most of the seating was full. I'd estimate the crowd to be 4-5000.
Quo kicked off just after 9pm and played the familiar LNOTE set. Standing right in front of Rhino made it obvious just how much of an additional load he has taken on in Rick's absence, with a lot of vocal responsibility throughout the set. This gig was the best vocal performance I'd seen from him. Andy Bown was in a very playful mood throughout the set, headbanging through "Roll Over Lay Down" and mucking about a lot as the gig went on - he was clearly having a ball. Francis seemed to be relishing his time on stage as well, acting as ringleader and showman. Richie continues to appear amazingly relaxed and never missed a beat, great to see him enjoying it (and the support on stage from Francis too). Leon pulled out a long solo and maybe he was trying too hard during "Gerdundula" as he broke a stick playing the drum out front.
It was a good-sized crowd (again) here, resulting in another fine performance - and a very enjoyable afternoon and evening spent in the company of good friends only heightened the experience. (I have photos but couldn't seem to add them to my post, I used to just paste them in but now seems it's a requirement to upload them somewhere and link to them, oh well.)
We retreated to a friendly pub across from the venue and had an enjoyable time catching up with friends and a marketing rep from the venue also had fun, taking lots of photos of us fans (which have since been posted on their Facebook page).
Having bought "VIP Golden Circle" tickets, we knew to arrive well before normal "doors open" time and our 5.30pm arrival back at the venue meant only a fifteen minute wait until us VIPs were let in. It was the usual dash to the barrier, made somewhat more difficult in this venue as the floor is well below ground level so a lot of stairs to navigate along the way. A spot on the barrier right in front of Rhino's mike stand would do me very nicely.
We already knew that Uriah Heep would again be the support band, but Berlin got a bonus support act in the form of DRDW. Hopes were not high when we saw the setup, a drummer and a lederhosen-clad accordion player. They were then joined by a tatooed young singer and they went on to dispel our initial misgivings, playing a really rocky little set! Watching them play AC/DC's "Whole Lotta Rosie" certainly ranks as one of the most bizarre things I've ever seen while following Quo, with Angus Young suddenly wearing lederhosen, but still doing the duckwalk. A really enjoyable opening act.
At 7.30, it was Uriah Heep's turn to take the stage and they played the same hour-long set as in Ireland recently. They got an excellent reception here and their set is becoming more enjoyable as it becomes more familiar (it will be very familiar after another five gigs on the German tour for me!).
By the time Quo's crew were getting their stage ready, the venue had filled up nicely - the Golden Circle area was busy (but civilized), the main standing floor area crowded and most of the seating was full. I'd estimate the crowd to be 4-5000.
Quo kicked off just after 9pm and played the familiar LNOTE set. Standing right in front of Rhino made it obvious just how much of an additional load he has taken on in Rick's absence, with a lot of vocal responsibility throughout the set. This gig was the best vocal performance I'd seen from him. Andy Bown was in a very playful mood throughout the set, headbanging through "Roll Over Lay Down" and mucking about a lot as the gig went on - he was clearly having a ball. Francis seemed to be relishing his time on stage as well, acting as ringleader and showman. Richie continues to appear amazingly relaxed and never missed a beat, great to see him enjoying it (and the support on stage from Francis too). Leon pulled out a long solo and maybe he was trying too hard during "Gerdundula" as he broke a stick playing the drum out front.
It was a good-sized crowd (again) here, resulting in another fine performance - and a very enjoyable afternoon and evening spent in the company of good friends only heightened the experience. (I have photos but couldn't seem to add them to my post, I used to just paste them in but now seems it's a requirement to upload them somewhere and link to them, oh well.)
