Punk Rock Legend -- Patti Smith - Chicago Performance

Patti Smith (credit James Currie)

The Vic Theatre – Chicago, IL, USA – May 7, 2013

By James Currie


Tuesday night, CBGB punk poet legend, Patti Smith, pushed her way through Chicago with a two hour set filled with classics and new tracks to everyone’s enjoyment. Proving that she still has the power to move with words and music. This was her second of two sold out shows.

Chicago born Smith, moved around during her childhood from town to town and state to state before finally heading to New York in the late 60’s to find a new life. And that she did. She seemed to be at the right place at the right time with the right people very early on, including a romantic relationship with Photographer, Robert Mapplethorpe, who shot most of her early album covers including the now iconic 1975 classic, “Horses”. Lived and learned life at the Hotel Chelsea and became regulars at Max’s Kansas City and of course, CBGB’s. These early influences certainly help shape Patti to the “Grandmother of Punk” she has become.

Flash forward almost 40 years and Patti Smith is still going strong. Her latest and 11th album release, “Banga”, is a poetic mix of blues, rock and punk. Recorded at the legendary, Electric Lady Studios in New York City, the title track, “Banga” and single release, “April Fool”, stands out as well as proving crowd favorites live.

“Banga”, is a huge collaboration album with contributions from not only her bandmates Lenny Kaye, Tony Shanahan and Jay Dee Daugherty, but even her own children Jackson and Jesse. Other notables, from a list of over 20, include Tom Verlaine of, “Television” and Johnny Depp on drums and guitars on the title track, “Banga”. This album is deep, thought provoking and just plain rockin! The live performance really captures this raw emotion of melodies and throws it in your face.

Armed with an acoustic guitar, mic and armed band, Smith came out strong with, “Kimberly” and continued on for two hours of non stop music, interactions and words to the wise that included new and old hits, cover tunes as well as a peppered with garage rocker jams and classic story telling.

Early on in the show, Smith was distracted with a wild fan, who sounded like a cackling hen with shouts or joy and admiration for the Punk Pioneer. This came to a head when others around this woman, couldn’t take it anymore and shouted back at her, SHUT THE FUCK UP LADY!” At which immediately draws laughter and made Smith chuckle. She then proceeds to respond to the woman with why it’s not cool to act out that way and gestures good spirits and vibes her way. What punk show would be complete without an F Bomb thrown at least once!?

Smith owned the stage. She sang her songs with a passion. Let the boys play a couple tunes while she waltzed around in the front row stage areas hanging with fans and jumped back and forth with the jams as needed. This was a personal show to witness. She and the audience really messed. The set was impressive and rewarding. A three song Encore was the icing on the cake. This is the girl who’s not afraid of pushing too hard. The people may have the power, but because this night, belongs to Patti.

- Read the full story at UnRatedMagazine.com

CLAIRY BROWNE & THE BANGIN' RACKETTES

Over the weekend a great band came to town with their version of music was in the 50s with a 2013 twist.  So click on the photo and you can see them and hear what I am taking about.

- Read the full story at UnRatedMagazine.com

THE BORN BRAVE BUS TOUR HEADS BACK ON THE ROAD

Photos from Born This Way Foundation in Chicago at Navy Pier on 03/27/13.Photos by Dan Locke

Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation Resumes Bus Tour in Philadelphia, Washington D.C., New York City and Chicago

LOS ANGELES (March 13, 2013) – The Born This Way Foundation (BTWF) announced today that the Born Brave Bus is headed back on the road to embark on a four-city tour beginning March 16^th in Philadelphia and making stops in Washington, DC, New York City and Chicago. The bus tour, which had been postponed in February following the cancellation of Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Ball tour due to an extensive injury, is an effort by the Born This Way Foundation to inspire bravery and promote self-acceptance among young people. Covered in artwork created by real Gaga fans, the bus and surrounding experience provides youth with an interactive way to meet like-minded peers, and to connect with local resources in their communities including behavioral and mental health services, school psychologists, mentoring, volunteer opportunities and bullying and suicide prevention resources. While counseling will not be provided on site, youth will be directed to local professionals who can provide services to them on an individual basis.

“Although my daughter is recovering and not able to complete the tour, it is important to her that the Born Brave Bus lives on,” said Cynthia Germanotta, BTWF Co-Founder and President. “The bus has already impacted thousands of young people and, with the support of our partner organizations, this incredible resource will continue to help guide the large youth populations of Philadelphia, Washington, DC, New York and Chicago towards local support in their communities.”

The Born Brave Bus Tour will be visiting the four cities throughout March with the goal of bringing it to more cities in the future. Tour dates, cites, and locations are listed below and more specific details will be announced shortly at www.bornthiswayfoundation.org.

-          Saturday, March 16: Philadelphia, PA, Art Museum Front Steps; 3pm-7pm

-          Tuesday, March 19: Washington, D.C., The National Mall; 1pm-7pm

-          Saturday and Sunday, March 23 and 24: New York City, Times Square (Between 46^th and 47^th Streets); Saturday, 3pm-7pm & Sunday, 12pm-6pm

-          Wednesday, March 27: Chicago, IL, Gateway Park at Navy Pier; 12pm-6pm

Visitors to the bus can enjoy food, live performances from Lady Gaga’s friends The Dirty Pearls, as well as DJ sets from Lady Starlight and DJ White Shadow in select cities, and fun activities including interactive digital kiosks, games and more.

For the Born Brave Bus tour, BTWF has joined forces with Campus Pride, GLSEN, Hive & YOUMedia, the National Association of School Psychologists, the National Council for Behavioral Health, MENTOR, Mentoring USA, The Trevor Project and YSA (Youth Service America). All across the country YMCAs have been invited to join in the movement. A few examples of participating YMCAs include the Chicago YMCA Metro, the Bronx YMCA and the East Los Angeles YMCA.

With Viacom as its lead media partner, the foundation has also partnered with the John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The California Endowment, Mozilla and The Berkman Center at Harvard to explore the best ways to reach youth and create a new culture of kindness, bravery, acceptance and empowerment.

Before and after the bus’ arrival, head to the BTWF website for area-specific updates and to pre-register for the Born Brave Bus experience in their area at www.bornthiswayfoundation.org.

To donate to the BTWF movement, please visit www.bornthiswayfoundation.org. Donations will go toward empowering young people, and addressing the issues of self-confidence, well-being, anti-bullying, mentoring and career development. Together we will change our culture, and create a braver and kinder world.

About The Born This Way Foundation

Led by Lady Gaga and her mother Cynthia Germanotta, Born This Way Foundation was founded in 2011 to foster a more accepting society. The Foundation is dedicated to creating a safe community where individuality is celebrated by connecting youth with the skills, resources and opportunities they need to build a braver, kinder world.  BTWF, a non-profit charitable organization, addresses issues like self-confidence, well-being, anti-bullying, mentoring and career development through research, education and advocacy. Please visit www.bornthiswayfoundation.org and join the youth-powered movement to build a braver, kinder world.

About Campus Pride 

Campus Pride is the leading national collegiate organization serving universities, campus groups and student leaders, helping them commit to, create and maintain safer college environments for LGBT students. The organization coordinates the nation's largest student-driven network focused on developing campus policies, practices and programs to support LGBT and ally students across the United States.

About GLSEN  

GLSEN is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Established in 1990, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes to creating a more vibrant and diverse community. For information on GLSEN's research, educational resources, public policy advocacy, student organizing programs and educator training initiatives, visit www.glsen.org.

About Hive

Hive is a network of civic and cultural institutions dedicated to transforming the learning landscape by creating opportunities for youth to explore their interests through connected learning experiences.

About the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)

School psychologists work with parents, educators, and community providers to create safe, supportive schools, promote students’ academic success, and support their healthy behavior and development. NASP empowers school psychologists and works with allied professionals, child/youth advocates, and policymakers to advance effective practices that improve students’ learning, behavior, and mental health.

About The National Council for Behavioral Health

The National Council for Behavioral Health is the nation's leading mental health and addiction organization representing 2,000 organizations across the US that serve some of the most vulnerable  adults and children with mental illness and addiction disorders. The National Council coordinates the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)program across the US that has taught approximately 80,000 Americans how to recognize and response appropriately to people in need. In 2013 MHFA will focus on outreach to those who work with youth.

About MENTOR

MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership is the unifying champion for expanding quality youth mentoring relationships in the United States. MENTOR’s goal is to help young people by providing a public voice, developing and delivering resources to mentoring programs nationwide, and promoting quality for mentoring through standards, cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art tools.

MENTOR works closely with MENTOR’s network of Mentoring Partnerships and more than 5,000 mentoring programs and volunteer centers throughout the country, serving more than three million children in all 50 states. MENTOR serves young people between the ages of 6 and 24, and its work over more than two decades has helped millions of young people find the support and guidance they need to build productive and meaningful lives. MENTOR is headquartered in Boston, MA.

About Mentoring USA

Mentoring USA is a leading national provider of one-to-one site-based mentoring programs to enable young people to achieve their potential.  Mentoring USA's mission is to create sustained and supportive mentor relationships for youth in need ages 7-21.  The program matches youth across the country with trained volunteer adult mentors who can guide them in developing healthy lifestyles and better self-esteem, and academic achievement. 

Mentoring USA’s mentor training and curriculum are nationally recognized and its curriculum includes diversity appreciation, anti-bullying, financial literacy, job shadowing, academic support and healthy lifestyles initiatives, including a tennis program in partnership with the USTA. Mentoring USA’s programs have a proven track record of success—100% of the students in Mentoring USA’s school-based and community-based mentoring programs have consistently moved on to the next grade level.  Mentoring USA also provides international mentoring programs through Mentoring Italia and Mentoring Espana. See www.mentoringusa.org to learn more about Mentoring USA.

About The Trevor Project 

The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning young people under 24. Every day, The Trevor Project saves young lives through its free and confidential lifeline and instant messaging services, in-school workshops, educational materials, online resources and advocacy. Honored by the White House as a “Champion of Change,” The Trevor Project is a leader and innovator in suicide prevention. Learn more at TheTrevorProject.org.

About YOUmedia

Based on a teen learning space at Chicago Public Library in downtown Chicago, YOUmedia are spaces where kids explore, express, and create using digital media. They connect youth with books, media, and institutions in their city to encourage collaboration and creativity. YOUmedia’s core philosophy is that youth are best engaged when they’re following their passions, collaborating with others, and being makers and doers, not passive consumers.

About YSA (Youth Service America)
YSA (Youth Service America) improves communities by increasing the number and diversity of young people serving in substantive roles. Through campaigns such as Global Youth Service Day and Semester of Service; YSA Grants and awards programs; and resources and training opportunities, YSA activates millions of young people each year. Working with—and on behalf of—youth, adult mentors, organizations and schools, YSA promotes a global culture of engaged youth committed to a lifetime of community action, learning, leadership, and achievement. www.YSA.org and www.GYSD.org.

- Read the full story at UnRatedMagazine.com

Suicidal Tendencies - 13 (2013)

Suicidal Tendencies - 13 (2013)

That’s right everyone Suicidal Tendencies are back. Mike Muir and the boys let you know loud and clear in the first track, Shake It Out. From the first note and word you know ST is back.  I am sure that Suicidal fans will be very happy to finally possess a new album.  Muir lets us all know that he and ST miss us and he knows we miss him and ST too.  More than 10 years since a release, personally for me it’s been a bit more but I am glad to have “13” playing loud.  Mike Muir brings in a new lineup in addition to him being the front-man to a cult metal / punk band since the 1980’s, the line-up includes Dean Pleasants (guitar), Nico Santora (guitar), Steve Bruner (bass), and Eric Moore (drums).  Pleasants and Santora bring back some of that sound from the old days when Rocky George controlled the lead guitar sound.  In addition, many of you are fans of the funk that Robert Trujillo brought to ST back into the 1990s, as well as the side project that became Infectious Grooves.  Man, I and my friends bought everything released by ST and jammed for hours, chanting “ST, ST, ST.”  This album brings back those HARDCORE memories.

Some of my favorite tracks on “13” are definitely the lead track Shake It Out, it starts strong and sets the pace for “13,” reminiscent of “Lights, Camera, Revolution.” Other tracks that I really got into are This Ain’t A Celebration, Smash It, Till My Last Breath, Cyco Style…. Let me just say the whole CD is great, Suicidal is back! In Make Your Stand you can hear the subtle sound of the bass that just blows everything away, you are taken in slowly into the song and then get your adrenaline going strong.

In my opinion most of the album sticks to true early 1990s ST and with a little bit of old funk is evident in This Ain’t No Celebration.  The hardcore / metal beat is complimented by Muir’s voice who has led his life and always bringing Suicidal Back to all of us.  I have been jamming to ST for more than 20 years; ST is one of those bands that are grounded with their fans from the early 80s through today, that’s right metal has some loyal disciples.

“13” will be released this coming Tuesday, March 26, 2013. Just in time for spring break and Easter. There is no excuse not to get out and buy on CD or download “13”… then blast it in your car or iPod.  It’s a definite addition to your Suicidal Tendencies collection, ST is Back!!!

I want to dedicate my review and hopefully with ST's ok the song This World to my good friend, Scott Boedecker, which I had the pleasure to turn on to Suicidal Tendencies back in the early 1990s when we were in the US Navy on-board the USS Ouellet. Music was a way for many of us to pass time away from family, friends (and in the Navy…land). Scott passed away a few years back, he was a great friend (and an UnRated Magazine contributor); I am very happy to have spoken to him a few days before the good Lord took him. I know Scott is now at piece which he needed to find.
Scott Donald Boedecker (March 31, 1960 - March 13, 2009).

SUICIDAL NEWS:
In conjunction with the release of 13, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES will head out on a full U.S. tour, dubbed the ‘Slam City Tour’. The tour features support from various champions of hardcore music both young and old. Support will range from NYC hardcore heroes MADBALL and SICK OF IT ALL to Houston greats D.R.I. The tour will include a stop at this year’s New England Metal and Hardcore Festival in Worcester, MA on April 21st. See below for all currently confirmed tour dates.

RELATED LINKS

• Suicidal Tendencies
• More Suicidal Tendencies news and tour dates at SuicidalTendencies.com

- Read the full story at UnRatedMagazine.com | UnRatedMetal.com

Lilian Hak New CD - Lust Guns & Dust

Lilian Hak  - Lust Guns & Dust (February 1, 2013)
review by Edwin van Hoof

The Netherlands keeps sprouting the most remarkable new music lately. Alongside contemporary classics such as Golden Earring, country pop classic Ilse DeLange, the small country offers a brand new set of classics. Quite striking to notice that the real gems are delivered by innovative women such as Qeaux Qeaux Joans, Caro Emerald and this Grande Dame of Western sounds -- Lilian Hak.

Lilian Hak first got noticed in 2011 with the release of the remarkable "Old Powder, New Guns" CD. An album packed with illustrious tunes carefully molded around classic movie scores such as Film noir and classic western soundtracks rushed by in a gritty setting, enflamed by a charismatic vocal performance and musical craftsmanship. It's this kind of craftsmanship which also set ablaze Dutch theatres during a following triumphant tour. Hak's stage personality, her adorable voice, and presence are a force to be reckoned with in the future.

On this new endeavor, Lilian shakes up the recipe once more, delivering some astonishing and renewing music. Her songs have a certain glance of the good old days, but also capture the dirt and grit of times long gone. Ennio Morricone himself would have loved to give this disc a spin!

"Lust Guns & Dust" thrives onwards and Hak and her band furthermore widen their musical horizon. It delivers a cocktail of songs which are instantly revealing their beauty, but can be explored with every following spin. Not only is this album an outstanding rendition of old school Spaghetti Western-sounds, Hak and her band also inflict the music with almost kitsch alike bravura. "Happy Land" for instance is as poppy as it is gripping, an instant hit single, much like "This Place is Burning", or the Tarantino infested darker "Misidou" (do we hear Dick Dale?). The songs balance the scale with great diversity. "Touch of Gold" hints the presence of Mr. Neil Young as where "Big Talk (For a Little Gun)" has a gloomy and dark feeling, much in the vein of the late Johnny Cash. Cash' ghost is as much present as it is the dramatic harmonica brought to life in numerous tunes of Morricone.

The gritty and dirty dense underground on which Hak pasted these immaculate tunes is perhaps the real beauty of this album. You feel the gravel blistering in a storm wind, yet Hak's bittersweet voice carefully enrolls a sonic landscape worth dreaming away in. Her whispering soulful voice also makes "Dish the Dirt" shines brightly, and drenches "Tone of Your Voice" in a melodramatic mood. Alongside Hak's exceptional performance, it is the collaboration with Belgian vocalist Ozark Henry which makes "Lust Guns & Dust" a true masterpiece. "This Place is Burning" and "Hold on the Fire" are exceptional duets, glimpsing the grandeur of the classic Film noir, yet are deeply rooted in soul and contemporary music. Both songs also provide an extra depth in the overall conventional thematic woven throughout this hit album.
"Lust Guns and Dust" is an album taking you on a journey through the wild west, straight into the burlesque clubs and Film noir theatres from that era. It has a damp, dark overhaul, but it shines through its crystal clear and sharp production. Clarity in darkness, much as a Claire Obscure painting... This album is one of the finest I have heard in years, and it offers something for everyone, without lacking a totally original overall feeling. Enchanting...

I see a saloon filled by cigarette smoke, an elegant lady performing onstage, while Mr. Cash and Morricone slam down their Bourbon, laughing loud.
95 out of 100

RELATED LINKS

• Lilian Hak
• Lilian Hak @Twitter
• Lilian Hak @Facebook
• Lilian Hak @YouTube
• Lilian Hak @SoundCloud

- Read the full review at UnRatedMagazine.com

Hellfest 2013 : Def Leppard Coming Back To France After 17 Years !!!

The HellFest is proud and honoured to announce that DEF LEPPARD will make their grand return to France on Friday June 21st, 2013 as headliner for the first day of the festival.

This event will be DEF LEPPARD’s first concert in France for almost seventeen years (The band’s previous live appearance in this country dated from October 20th 1996 in Paris)!!!

With more than 100 million albums sold worldwide and two prestigious Diamond Awards (Def Leppard are one of only five rock bands to have two consecutive 10 million plus selling albums in the U.S. The others are The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and Van Halen.) to their credit, Def Leppard - Joe Elliott (vocals), Phil Collen (guitar), Rick "Sav" Savage (bass), Vivian Campbell (guitar) and Rick Allen (drums)— continue to be one of the most important forces in rock music. Over the course of their career, the band has produced a series of classic groundbreaking albums that set the bar for generations of music fans and artists alike. The group’s spectacular live shows, filled with powerful melodic rock anthems, continue to sell out venues worldwide.

The announcement will come as a welcome surprise to French fans, as the band was not scheduled to tour Europe in 2013. On top of this breaking news, this one off concert will also give the French crowd the opportunity to enjoy the fantastic “Hysteria & More” show that DEF LEPPARD will perform this spring at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

At Hellfest, DEF LEPPARD will share the main stage with Whitesnake, Europe, Twisted Sister, Saxon and Helloween.

As with previous editions, the HellFest will take place in the beautiful medieval city of Clisson (West of France, 35 km from Nantes and 400km from Paris).

Last year, with an attendance of over 100 000 people, the HellFest became the third most important musical event in France. This year, 120 000 people are expected!

Kiss, ZZ Top, Korn, Accept, Volbeat, Bullet for My Valentine and Danzig are the others names on the top of the list of the 160 bands which are booked on the 6 stages of the HellFest on June 21st, 22nd and 23rd. www.hellfest.fr | www.defleppard.com

- Read the full story at UnRatedMagazine.com | UnRated Metal

Rock on the Range 2013 Announced

Rock On The Range Reveals 2013 Line-Up For America’s Premier Destination Rock Festival!

Performers For Seventh Annual Event Include Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, Smashing Pumpkins, Korn, Bush, Stone Sour, Volbeat, A Day To Remember & Many More!

  America’s premier destination rock festival Rock On The Range--which has expanded to three days this year--will hit hard with performances from some of rock’s biggest names. The 2013 line-up features Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, Smashing Pumpkins, Korn, Bush, Stone Sour, Three Days Grace, Papa Roach, Cheap Trick, Bullet For My Valentine, Volbeat, Lamb Of God, Skillet, A Day To Remember, Buckcherry, Halestorm, Hollywood Undead, All That Remains, Device (with David Draiman), Steel Panther, Sevendust, Sick Puppies, Asking Alexandria, Pop Evil, In Flames, Clutch, In This Moment, Black Veil Brides, The Sword, Ghost, Motionless In White, Red, Deuce, Middle Class Rut, Big Wreck, Oleander, Otherwise, Red Line Chemistry, Young Guns, Thousand Foot Krutch, Mindset Evolution, Tracer, Beware Of Darkness, Heaven's Basement, American Fangs, Love And Death, Gemini Syndrome, and more.

“We're really looking forward to returning to Rock On The Range with a batch of brand new killer Alice tunes to play for everyone!” says Jerry Cantrell, Alice In Chains.

“Head is back!!,” says Korn’s Jonathan Davis. “Rock On The Range is going to start it all off!! Get ready, we are going to hit it hard!!”

“Bush are thrilled to be playing Rock On The Range with such great bands,” says Bush’s Gavin Rosdale. “We look forward to seeing you all out there.”

“This massive lineup has scratched our seven-year itch!” says Gary Spivack, co-executive producer of the event for Right Arm Entertainment. “Getting Soundgarden for their first Ohio play in two decades and having seminal acts Alice In Chains, Korn, Volbeat and Papa Roach return along with bands new to ROTR that include Smashing Pumpkins and Bush, and everything in between--the spectrum of rock n roll is covered…three days of constant energy. Rock On The Range is truly where rock lives.”

Now in its seventh year, ROTR will again take place at Columbus Crew Stadium in Columbus, OH on Friday, May 17,Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19, 2013. With the addition of a full slate of artists performing on Friday, festival organizers are also adding a series of additional enhancements for ROTR 2013, including the new ROTR Comedy Tent.

“Our goal with ROTR is to constantly create new and interesting ways to expand the event and give even more value to our fans,” comments Joe Litvag, co-executive producer of the event for AEG Live. “In 2013, we’ve added a comedy tent within the site that will be curated by The Funny Bone comedy club. Having a slate of incredible, up-and-coming comedians to riff on the rock experience will be a great change of pace for the weekend. The site layout is also changing dramatically in 2013 to create better event flow, to add more interactive fan activity to the festival, and to allow even more people to experience the higher caliber of talent on the second stage this year.”

As a special limited offer, pre-sale weekend tickets startat a low price of $89.50 (plus fees), for Stadium GA tickets only, from Wednesday, January 30 through Thursday, January 31 at 10pm EST. Additionally, a limited number of Stadium GA “4-ticket packs” are also available for $299--a savings of nearly 25%--beginning on Wednesday, January 30, while supplies last.

Pre-sale tickets are available at www.RockOnTheRange.com. Tickets go on-sale to the general public Friday, February 1 at 10am ET. Rock On The Range is again offering premiere VIP Packages, Hotel and Ticket Bundles and Camping packages. Details and prices for VIP, Hotel, and Camping packagesare online at www.RockOnTheRange.com. Visit the website, www.facebook.com/rockontherange, and www.twitter.com/rockontherange for the most up-to-date information.

"Rock On The Range strives to deliver an outstanding lineup for an affordable price and this year is no different" said Ryan Smith, General Manager of Crew Stadium, co-executive producer of Rock On The Range. "With the creation of the special $89 pre-sale ticket and 4-pack bundle, rock fans can see over 40 of their favorite bands for an unprecedented value."

Presented by Right Arm Entertainment, AEG LIVE and Crew Stadium, Rock On The Range is a multi-stage music and lifestyle event featuring a potent lineup of bands on three stages and is proud to be sponsored by Monster Energy, Jägermeister, f.y.e., and U.S. Army. The nationally renowned festival, centrally located in the heart of the country, has annually drawn weekend crowds in excess of 70,000 since its inception in 2007.



- Read the full story at UnRatedMagazine.com | UnRatedMetal.com

Scorpions and Eisbrecher perform Konig Pilsener Arena

Konig Pilsener Arena - Oberhausen, Germany – December 15, 2013
Review by Edwin van Hoof


Konig Pilsener Arena - Oberhausen, Germany – December 15, 2013
Scorpions announced their 'Final Sting' tour quite some time ago. A tour which will lead them all over the world to their fans, for as long as demanded, as Schenker added to in his goodbye. In the meantime the tour is running for over two years with Scorpions releasing "Comeblack" as an ode to their followers. The German rock brigade will subsequently release a brand new album in 2013. An album consisting of old songs from their "Blackout" and "Love at First Sting" recording sessions. A release to look forward to even though the band will not tour, anymore.... At all.

That being said, tonight's Oberhausen show is the second to last show of their long spanning career. A magical night per se, opened by one of Germany's upcoming stars; Eisbrecher!

Risen from the ashes of MegaHerz, now filling to large footprints of industrial rockers Rammstein, the band finds themselves onstage in front of a nearly sold out venue. Eisbrecher takes the stage with enough self-confidence to make it work. Loud thunderous metal delivered with impeccable precision. "Exzess Express" and "Willkommen im Nichts" are propelled by the same marching beat as that of their fellow countrymen, though leaning less on the wall of sound as Rammstein pulls up alongside the buzzing guitars. Wesselsky is a power shouter who clearly knows how to entertain an audience. Eisbrecher instantly wins over a large chop of the crowd and thrives throughout this gig. As time goes on, "Prototyp," "Engel" and "Heilig" win over more and more hearts, making the final a big bang. "Verrückt" builds up towards the classic Megaherz re-recording "Miststück 2012" which is sung along to by nearly the entire arena. The midsection with Falco's "Amadeus" and a sing off contest are funny as hell, making this show a real treat.
While the audience is entrained with an intro video with high lights of their career combined with newsflashes from this era, the drum platform rises while fireworks go off. This show is a go!

Rudolf Schenker, Klaus Meine and Matthias Jabs take the giant stage by storm alongside long time Scorps Paweł Mąciwoda and powerhouse drummer James Kottak. The band is a well-oiled rocking machine which presents a two hour show of classic melodic rock highlights from their illustrious career. "Sting in the Tail" worked itself up to be an instant classic blending in perfectly with classic fist up rockers "Make it Real" or the reggae inflicted "Is there Anybody out there?" Schenker storms forward and back on the long catwalk which puts him inside the audience. Loud riffs fired onto his fans while his arms fly up and down. The man is the ultimate performer, entertaining his crowd easily with his mimic and interaction. While Rudolf runs back and forth, Jabs delivers his fine guitar work and solo's. Less focused on his stage presence, more in league with his playing, the guitar tandem is one of the best in the genre and with Meine. The band has one of the best vocalists out there. Klaus' typical nasal sound stood the test of time. He fires up his fans, while giving one of his finest performances I've seen. Little mishaps he covers up with his charisma and interaction with his fans. Klaus Meine shines brightly tonight when the band embarks onto oldies "The Zoo," "Coast to Coast" and "Loving You Sunday Morning." All songs welcomed by the enthusiastic crowd celebrating the best musical export product Germany ever sprouted. On the giant led screens clips are shown inter laced with camera footage from the gig itself, while pyro keeps blasting away. Firecrackers go off, and fire is spit into the air over and over again. "We'll Burn the Sky" is in effect while performed, leading us into another newbie "The Best is yet to Come" again with fireworks blasting away into the ceiling of the giant arena.

The boardwalk is taken by Jabs and Schenker armed with acoustic guitars. Not just acoustic guitars by the way. No, Jabs has his typical explorer shaped acoustic six string, as where Schenker comes on with an acoustic flying V. Meine and Kottak join for intimate versions of "Send me an Angel" and "Holiday", in between fans putting up their cell phones instead of the classic lighters from the old days.
When Kottak returns behind his kit it's time for the heavier second part of "Holiday" and some other oldies. "Raised on Rock," "Tease Me, Please Me" and "Hit Between the Eyes" blast away prior to the band leaving the stage for Kottak's solo spot. A drum solo interlaced with videos depicting him in artwork from the band's many releases, molded into a roller coaster ride story. It's entertaining even though it takes the pace out of this rock show. The animal Kottak is embraced by the fans ever since he joined in the 90's and today is celebrated again. Beer flies through the air and fists fly up when James is standing on his kit some 25 foot high in the air, taking off his shirt displaying the large "Rock and Roll Forever" tattoo on his back.
Schenker storms onto the stage with bandages around his head and forks in front of his eyes for a furious outburst in "Blackout." His guitar's smoking while Jabs storms forward to lay down some twin melodies. During "Six String Thing" Matthias gets his solo spot with a recognizable fragment of "Eruption" woven into the song. The hammer "Big City Nights" blasts away accompanied by fireworks and smoke canons while in the back Time Square is depicted on the screens with the name Oberhausen being displayed. With a big blast the show comes to an end, but soon after Klaus and his band are hauled back onstage by the enthusiastic crowd.

For a moment we can spot Meine emotional as he thanks the crew, and many fans that flew in from all over Europe. An honest "Thanks You" from one of the best rock bands on the planet which brings this night to an end with their biggest hits "Still Loving You" and "Winds of Change," before ending once more with a big blast firing "Rock You Like a Hurricane" into the arena. The audience goes wild and fire spits up into the sky again while firecrackers and fireworks set the stage ablaze. The standing ovation which follows is long and lasts for well over 10 minutes... a salute to the band.

It's a true shame if this band really stops performing. Not only is this hard rocking hit machine one of the finest song writing teams in the genre, it is without a doubt one of the best rock teams ever to taken the stages in the world of hard rock. Entertainers with an eye open towards the present, presenting a staggering night of sheer rock mayhem. Melodic fireworks go hand in hand with real fireworks, for almost two hours straight!

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