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Gotthard and Europe doing a double-header tour was something most won't have expected, but it makes sense, coz the fan base is mainly the same. Yesterday the Swedish-Swiss tour company stopped in Cologne and tonight they had Bochum on their schedule. Actually the venue Ruhrcongress was a bit oversized and it looked more like an auditorium from the 70's... But that would be okay, if the sound would have been better! Depending on where you stood you got an 'echo' which was quite annoying, mainly during the Europe set. But even Gotthard haven't had the perfect sound, the sound was diffuse. And even if the light show was pretty cool, I would have preferred a better sound...
Anyway, Europe have a new album out which is called Last Look At Eden and they kicked off with the title track. Singer Joey Tempest was always in action and used the catwalk frequently to get closer to the audience. It seemed that the other Europeans were focusing on their play and didn't move much. With Gonna Get Ready they continued... And their fans were ready for some more. During their 75 minutes long set they offered some new songs, but also some of their classics. With a keyboard intro they opened up No Stone Unturned and afterwards singer Joey Tempest picked up a guitar and they presented an acoustic version of Carrie. As New Love In Town is their latest single, it's no surprise that they played this catchy balladesque tune. Guitarist John Norum had a fat guitar sound and his distinguished sound always been a trademark of Europe. And again his emotional playing made their songs shine. With Rock The Night they had another classic on their set list, but the house went on fire when they played their smash hit The Final Countdown!
After a change over the light show was getting even more impressive. The Swiss rockers kicked off with Unspoken Words of their new album Need To Believe. Actually they played quite a lot songs from their latest album, but also added a few older ones. Like Joey Tempest Steve Lee used the catwalk to get closer to the fans. Compared with the Swedish the Gotthard guys were more active and guitarists Leo Leoni and Freddy Scherer teamed up for some parts. After Top Of The World they played the title track Need To Believe plus two more of that one. As my interview with Joey Tempest took place while Gotthard played, I missed parts of their show, but I heard that after Unconditional Faith they did an acoustic part where Steve Lee and Leo Leoni were sitting on bar stools and played on request. Nice idea, unfortunately I missed it.... I just got back at the end of the drum duel between Hena Habegger and Steve Lee who was positioned opposite the stage. Well performed, but it also showed that it became routine.
Some more songs and they finished the regular set with Lift U Up. The fans loudly demanded more and so the Swiss returned for Sister Moon and Anytime, Anywhere. And so for many hard rock fans this Friday, the 13th was a pleasant experience.
I hope next time they play at a better place with a more perfect sound! Both bands delivered a routine performance, but also both performances could have been a bit more vivid... Anyway, not a waste of time!
Before the show in Cologne Gisela Schmitz had the chance to talk to Hena Habegger. The interview is in German, but I wanted to give you the chance to listen to the conversation. Click here to listen to the interview!
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