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alrighty, this is getting difficult for me. Because I certainly belong to those exceptions in the munich hardrock scene, who have not experienced Railway in the Eighties. No surprise, 'cause I didn't live here, not even in Germany. After I moved to this city in 1992 I remember at one interview I've done with the boys for a radiostation I used to work for. But that was it. I've never seen 'em playing live on stage before this bavarian cult (or not cult) rockband. Not everybody shares this view, but never mind. At least I got one longplayer in my archives between 5.000 other records. And I pulled this piece out one day before this event to have a listen and get a clue. The only song which sounded familiar before that, was Railway's only hitsingle 'I'm A Loser'. Apart from that it is quite amusing to see this pics of ancient Rock'n'Roll fashionstyle of this time. And I presume, that the band are looking at this pretty much the same way with the thought: 'jes... how dreadful did we loo then'!!! 

Now yesterday was yesterday, and today is today. And there they are, - those Railway of the bavarian Sleaze Rock times, and that's in the original line up, playing together from 1984 - 86. The band then went on for a few years with different bandmembers. But that's here is the original - 20 years later to celebrate the past and this seperation anniversary dancing along a tscha tscha tscha. Dinosaurus No. 1 is singer Walter Wiche, the former sexsymbol, who still got an eye glimpse like Valentino saying: look into my eyes honey and die.... and no inch of fat on his rips.The long hair has gone for a modern short cut (at least there's still some hair for a short cut) and a certain special aura, who tempts me to say: rotten nutcase. And he can still sing. Not like the Callas, but therefore like Caruso's grandson very loud, screaming and voluminous. 

Not everybody's cup of tea, like I can realize inbetween the crowd. But you have to give him that, with his free climbing ambitions and a whole lotta energy and condition, this guy is a true entertainer. The rest of the band consists of guitarist Robert Haslinger and his brother Robert Haslinger on drums. Whereby these two have not much in common what's up to the visual aspect. I have to admit, that Hasi 1 has got some sort of sexy aura, showing his bare chest proudly and very selfconfident. Sorry, Hasi 2, but it's always the same problem with drummers not standing in the centerpoint visually. But therefore he is very present with his drumbeat.
No comment on him anyway. Armin Köberl is playing the second guitar with his fashionable skull haute couture hat and proves the fact, that you can still keep this certain rocker coolness even without long hair. Last but not least there's the man on the bass, who keeps in the background, but is very lively as well.

I've got to mention one things. These boys here from way back in 84-86 have taken every effort with a lot love for details to make this event really special, so we do remember it for a long time. The show is starting with lots of pics in the background of the stage, showing impressions from the past, colourful, sparkling with  electrifying
hair and most of all - very coooollll. They celebrate their memory, think about the already past members and hail the old times. And the slogan is shown on a screen: 
Somewhere in Munich - five musicians - get infected - from a virus - Rock'n'Roll - the result - countless concerts - six studioalbums - touring throughout Europe - their Name - Railway.  
The second part of the prologue you have already read in the beginning on top of this page to enter the stage just seconds after the NO. This is great. And the It'Girls and It'Boys of the munich scene are smiling wisely with an open and critical ear and think aboutn their clever comment they are gonna spread aftershow. Jes.... this is no serious talent battle, which has to stand a test damn it. Whether Railway 2006 can compete with the league of a Steve Vai and Billy Sheehan or they are just the average musicians from next door's neighbour, it doesn't matter at all. That's one reason I won't give a serious musical review on that. This is a nostalgic happening, and a lot of fun exspecially for the band itself. And they are not that bad at all to run away from.... (this is dedicated to all those wankers, moarning and criticing all and everything. Why didn't you stay at home?) One more thing these boys have proved, that with the right mouth promotion, lots of flyers, and even more round mails, you can still fill a venue completely. The question is only, how many did pay to get in and how many not?  I mean, many of them are so called celebreties of the munich scene and they want to be begged for passing by and attending the show. So in my eyes - long live the true fans, who paid to get in with the intention to see a band playing......

However, it is exactly this second spring, which is transferred to us in the audiance. And we do only feel it, when we let go. So if you think about the fact, that the guys stand on a stage for the first time in 20 years, - my gosh... this band is pretty good. And I say that, though I haven't seen 'em live in the past as I said in the beginning. Think about it, cause most of the people here are on the spot only because of beeing spotted and know, that everybody else would be there as well. And of course developing some nostalgic feelings. 
The test is done, no midlife crisis.. and we do not come together that young anymore. Take it easy, let's have fun and hopefully you are gonna play on many more parties. I mean parties, because even I've got some doubts about a serious reunion. Don't take it personal boys. I think you are great, and I'm gonna be there next time, if I've got the time. And if there will be a next time.
Der Schwangersch..... –äh  Schmarrn,  – Feuertest ist trotzdem bestanden, die Midlife Crisis ist ausgeblieben, und der zweite Frühling hat eben erst begonnen. So jung kommen wir nimma z’amm, deshalb auf geht’s zum schichtln Buam, take it easy – let’s have fun, damit Ihr hoffentlich in Zukunft noch auf so einigen Hochzeitsparties tanzen... pardon.... aufgeigen könnt.  Die Betonung liegt dabei auf den Parties! Denn für eine ernsthafte Fortsetzung dieser Reunion hege selbst ich gewisse Bedenken. Nehmt’s nicht persönlich, - ich find Euch trotzdem klasse und werde auch nächstes Mal wieder zur Stelle sein, wenn’s mein Terminkalender erlaubt. Sofern es ein Nächstes Mal überhaupt gibt.
Fazit: it’s only Rock’n’Roll, and we all like it ! And everything else can kiss our asses......

                                                 Click  Diary for  Aftershow Impressions              and click hier for more Live Pics.