Reviews Archiv 11

Hi my dear friends of the cultivated metallic ideal concert!
I'm back again, - your cosy-kissy-poodle-monster, which holds up the flag of the Iron Maidens. Yes that's me, honestly! If I wouldn't be there, the boys could call it a day. But don't worry, your Eddie is taking care, that the Titanic ain't sinking. - Nothing has changed so far since two years ago, when I first explained to you the Maiden philosophy (Eddie's Fazit Part One - click here) Okay, we're a little bit older and wiser and have a new record on the start, entitled "Kiss Of Death", which means literatelly: a little kiss for dreamers, or something like that at least. But actually everything still sounds like the usuall typical "Beast - 666 - rhythm. By the way, in the meantime I've moved into the upper class, and I can name myself now - "Sir Edward - The Great". Sounds cool, doesn't it?!

But back to actual event. This here, is supposed to have been the start of the european tour. But just between you and me, we already had some dates in the east of europe, just as a little warm up. But nobody needs to know this really. Munich has always been one of our favorite places to be and to play of course, not only because of the famous Weisswurst (white saugages). this time we even played a bigger venue, than last time, and it was absolutely crowded. Everybody was here, from the smallest provincial rocker 'till the snobby posh Rock'n'Roller. And the best was, I had complete controll over all. But I do ask myself now, why my six lads put such a ghost-castle-something in front of me. And they put me in a costume, that I finally had the impression I have to play the ghost of Canterville. Jesus wept, but this went to far. The rest was the same like always. Captain Brucey our front pilot, has proved once again that he is fit like a nikey sportboot, with neat short haircut, and ready to take part at the Iron Man on Hawaii next time. Did you know, that our little one is now privileged to fly big airplanes? They were even talking about it, that on the next tour, he'll be flying the band plane from gig to gig. Anyway, I will definately make a life insurance first, you can be sure. I'm scared to death, when I even think about it now, because I'm terribly afraid of flying.

Back to the gig here in Munich. What's up to Steve, there was not much to see of him, because of all his hair. At least he's never ever to fear a bold head. Jannick is already competing with me what's up to my wrinkly twinkly face. He doesn't know yet, there is a brandnew wrinkle lifting system out now. Unfortunately I couldn't show you the result, because of the god damned hat they have put over my head. But shortly I'll have a photoshooting lined up at the Playgirl magazine. There you can view my beauty and some other little saucy inbetweenies. I will call myself then "Edward Chippendale".

Adrian and Dave kept back as usual on stage. Both are real english gentlemen. Though I have to admit, before the show, during an interview, Adrian had completely forgotten the title of our new CD. And it didn't come back. I worry already because of him and hopefully not getting Alzheimer desease. But as long, as Adi doesn't forget the notes on stage, it's still okay. Our Dave came back from his hawaiian domicile just before the start of the tour. Really relaxed, but the islands food has left it's visual memory. For all Honolulu cacadus!!! I suppose, we have to put our Aloha- Murrey on a diet first of all. And last but not least, there is our clown of the club Nicko. with his 3 sizes too big Love-killer shorts in latest up to date hip hop fashionstyle, he was really competing with me. Extremely sexy like James Bond in 3/4 rhythm. Only with one difference, that our 007 is much faster in - what's up to beating the drums. It was like: he came, he exploded, and he won.

But the most important thing was, once again it was a high level professionall performance thanx to a 100% perfect team, inclusively me of course. My very first appearance within the set, I had a bit earlier this time within the song "Iron Maiden". I was a bit upset though, because I was only alowed to show up in the back and wave a little juhuuu. And within a minute I had to go on my knees again an wipe the floor. Once again one of this unfair aspects, I told you already last time. I mean, I'm a bandmember as well and also deadringer. And the fans do love me. You should have seen and heard them, when I came up on stage. But first at the encore, - my special song "Number Of The Beast", I was alowed to walk in the front and dance along. Oh, how did I enjoy that, because finally everybody is waiting for me in the end - the highpoint of the show - Eddie, no Sir Edward - The Great. I have acted perfectly, like an english gentleman of the upper class is expected to do so. And shall I tell you the best??? What I got for a thank you? Those god damned nutcases vanished immidiately again off to the hotelbar after the gig, and I had to step into my box again to listen to the woodworms again 'till the next gig. This is not very nice, I'm telling you, I will take vengance at the next chance I get. Fairness for everybody with all consequencies. - Big kiss and Good Bye.
Your Eddie, ...... no Edward - The Great - of course.

Yes, you're right! You've seen 'em playing live over here before. One time they supported King Crimson back in 1995 and the other time they were here with Robert Fripp's "Crafty League Of Guitarists" in 91. That's the California Guitar Trio, even just to admit it, none of them is actually from the sunshine state. Hideyo is from Tokyo, where he still lives. Paul is from Seattle and Bert comes orginally from Belgum. Thanks to Crimson's Mastermind Fripp the trio is fideling together now up and down the Mus scale producing truly artistical stunts. And Jesus wept. they are fideling nearly perfect. Those are three accustic guitars, 100% tuned to each other making no mistake. The repertoire of the Trio is huge already. Although the band is dedicating a hommage to Queen with Bohemian Rhapsody. By the way, this was a spontainous move, decided two minutes before as they told me afterwards. Only the classical tunes are missing this time, though the Nineth of Beethoven is a real challenge each time, but it wouldn't suit really to the rest of the band package. Never mind boys. You left quite a bit of impression on our minds, despite the fact, that your performance lasted only 30 minutes. However, we are looking forward to seeing you soon again over here inclusively the Ninth of.... oh pardon me, I mean Tony of course - in your luggage.
PS.: there are many more Hamburgers waiting for you Hideyo.... promise....

At the beard of the prophet... no Spock's Beard... we should say. Christ, this is unbelieveble and we bow in the direction of Mecca, or better the stage. First of all, I wanna say, that I hate the expression Prog.Rock, like I hate all this - putting music into certain draws - thinking. This is a brilliant performance with artists, who work automatically without much thinking. All this philosophy of Rock'n'Roll DNA bubbles out of them like the river Ganges come off the alps of Nepal. However we are still living in the western world with western music, despite all this comparing crab.Though a gig of Spock's Beard is a rather exotic thing not only because of the impulsive keyboard executioneer Ryo Okumoto, who beats his baby up into 1000 pieces with all the love for details. And the technician is getting desperate, not so much because of Ryo's destroying ambitions, but rather because of the fact, that he has to spend the rest of the time in a kneeling position to keep the altar in a vertical position. (view pics.) Anyway, most important - it comes from the heart, doesn't it. Which band can say for themselves, that they have one of the best drummers of the genre, who seems like a chamelion changing colours from pink to pink after a major line up change. The guy is a singer like a nightingale, plays guitar like Apollo and looks like....well no not like Apollo, but like Backstreet Boys big brother. Come on girls... you gonna miss out on something!!! Nick D'Virgilio on one hand gives us the impression he's a cuddly teddybear, but also a cheaky little sod who just wants to have fun. And by god, he's got his fun! And before we forget, that he's originally a drummer, he does some incredible solos and plays chess with the snaredrum. And to underline the whole action, his successor, who does most the drum work during the set, dances like Nurejew around the stage and tries the newest technique what's up to stage diving.Thanks to his light weight it is no danger to get hurt for the fans, and they carry him across the club above their heads. Luvely!!! By the way, Jimmy Keegan is not a no name. He recorded with Santana the success album "Supernatural" in the past. Fazit: your pension is save - Jimmy, ain't it?! Also the leadguitar ain't drowning. Alan Morse goes bananas and plays pinball with his beloved instrument, acts like - it's cool man - seriously concentrated, witty and of course a bottle of Heineken beer. Cheers Alan!
The most impressing thing about Spock's Beard is the fact, that even the music is a rather complicated melodic structure with diverse improversations on one hand, there are also parts, where you can really sing along with. And all that is performed with lightness and - a take it easy strategy, so I'm not sure in the end, if I'm actually viewing a serious rock concert or a cabaret with lots of music. Yes, that's how it should be. Good music with a lot of wit. Mr. Spock gives his blessing, goes to Mecca and we hope he won't shave his beard for never.
Nick, - by the way..... one day the rubel will roll... as we say so... You know what I mean...

"I Don't Want Any Chocolate, I Rather Want A Man"... this was a big hit in Germany in the early Sixties, when Rock'n'Roll was still a baby. Me as well by the way. Now is today, and they are chocolate and Men as well, - the boys of Living Colour, At least what's up to the handsome visual aspect. But if you thought, these guys are wining like Lionel Richie and "Dancing On The Ceiling" or something like that, is completely wrong. What Corey Clover, Vernon Reid, Will Calhoun and Doug Wimbish practisise, is pure hardrocking music. That's what the four did already 14 years ago, when I saw them for the first time playing the Marquee in London. Songs like "Type", or a bit later "Love Rears It's Ugly Head" and some otheres became classics. Fact is, the break up inbetween, out of whatever reasons didn't do any harm to them. Today the Rastaboys are still up to date, younger, better, and more explosive then ever. Yes, Jimi Hendrix is dancing Tscha Tscha Tscha in heaven on a cloud, plays roulette with Elvis and gives his blessings. Living Colour are the living prove, that Black Music hasn't always got to be Soul. And Soul can really rock.......
Wauw!!! An eruption of a vucano seems as soft as Dolly Parton, compared to this decibel explosion of the collidescopic delegation from America. Jesus wept, the house is shaking, and our third teeth are knocking, apart from the danger of becoming deaf. Good for you, if you have thought about bringing your earplugs along. But on the other hand, the noise level belongs to Living Colour's music, like the lava to the vulcano. Otherwise the result wouldn't be the same, would it?! Another deep impression was left with me by viewing the probably largest collection of guitar pedals, I've ever seen in my entire life. This is certainly a matter for the Guinessbook of records and placed in a circle around the mastro of all classes, so he can't escape,dominates the controlcenter and seems to know each wire and pedal blind in his head. Scotty, - ready to beam off! But despite all these technical structures, the sound does not seem sterile. There is soul in it, heart and a lot of power. I'm tending to get doubts, whether the earthquake is a result of the noisepolution or the enourmas intensity. And over all, there is Jimi Hendrix for the finale with "Crosstown Traffic" - Amen, Peace and Happiness. There's nothing more, I have to say. Yeah, - maybe - please come back soon, won't ya'. I want more chocolate and.... oh rubbish, You know what I mean.....
The review is for You Will!....

Many of us of the older generation still remember the glory times of the english excentric popband "Japan", who have had international success with hits like "Ghosts" and "I Second That Emotion". The original version by the way, is by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles. Unfortunately they didn't go on for long and split up. Singer David Sylvian trid hard afterward as a soloartist. But he could never reach the standard of Japan despite his work with King Crimsons Robert Fripp. Actually, what a pity for such a brillant musician like David Sylvian. The fact that he had put this enourmas high level on himself, is keeping him off, that the famous flame is reaching the bright audiance. It seems, that Sylvians music is just made for musicians, and professionals, for dreamers, for freaks and for amateurs like me, who desperately try to press the symphonic tune sequences into a suitable frame, and are convinced about their enourmas knowledge afterwards. Bullshit! God damn, I'm trying hard, but I just can't make it. There are three individuals sitting up there on stage and multiplicate irregular tunes within themselves. And I don't loose the feeling, that there is somehow a band missing, even there ain't one exisiting anyway. Not even the visual lightshow helps a lot, despite the fact, that I have the feeling I need stronger eyeglasses. Fact is, that this kinda music is made for listning at home, comfortable in front of the ofen. It is for desillusioned individuals with a tendence towards contrasts and a faible for melancholic dreaming. It is entertainment for perfectionists, or people who think they are. I have come to the conclusion, that all these character attributes doesn't meet my personality. It's like Boney M meets King Crimson. Yes of course I do like King Crimson, - when I'm home, in the right mood and with the right person. But live in concert I still prefer "Highway To Hell", "Smoke On The Water", "Ace Of Spades" or at least "Tin Drums" of Japan. But who knows, maybe there will be another reunion. At least that money flows again, - so what David?!!!....