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first of all a big thank you to the Scorpions, that I have missed the first two bands, because of dis-organisation for the interview at the hotel. Whereby I would have luved to check out our local Augsburg heroes  Hank Davison Band live on stage in true american biker style. Some fans I have met later on, showed total enthusiasm about the band's appearance, who opened that evening for the Scorpions. And meanwhile I had to argue araound with a non compromising band manager, whether Mr. Rudi Schenker is sitting on chair X or seat Y for the interview. It didn't matter in the end, because Mr.Meine has given such a noisy speak to the local television in the other corner, that my conversation with Rudi were soon over flooded with philosophies about life and death of bumbleebees. 
But unfortunately it seemed to be impossible to get up from chair XY  to move to the empty room round the corner of the lobby, a walk of about 10 seconds. 
Yeah alright that's the Scorpions, and thanks ot "Wind of Change" from 1991 still suffering the superstar status. So you can't charge, that Sir Rockstar gets up from his seat for a silly interview and do it on a quiet place because of noise reduction.


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The result was, I could have saved this time here, and should rather have checked out the Hand Davison and his bavarian Highway Angels. I'd probably have done much better. But I will definately watch out for them and future live dates, and next time I'm surely be there in the front row. 

http://www.hank-davison.com/

Also on the second band I miss out almost completely and only catch the last three minutes, playing their biggest hit "Ballroom Blitz". Yep, I'm talking about Sweet, or better what's left of Sweet.. Because from the original line up there is only Andy Scott left. But be honest, that's with most of all those Oldiebands from the Sixties and Seventies, that, if they are still around, there is only one or two members from then left. 
Sweet music is Partymusic. And when it's offered the right way, it's still while worth the entertainment. I've seen 'em a while ago here in Munich at a Club on their own. And it wasn't bad at all. 
A still good partyband to sing along with, - without high expectation and a lot of nostalgic moments. 
http://www.sweet-online.net


 
Most good thiings are three, as we say so. And here I am finally in the photopit to take my pics of these swiss heirs of Wilhelm Tell. Off we go with a lot of energy and even more Rock'n'Roll. This is decent and solid rockmusic, which is truly timeless. Yes of course, Krokus have a huge backcatalogue from every year of their existence. This rock of the old school, leaning on AC/DC and Rose Tattoo beeing up to date, today more than ever. I'm always surprised by the great condition of singer Marc Storage, who is about one generation ahead to his band mates. I appreciate the charming aura of bassist Tony, who, whenever he smiles, lets the sun shine at midnight. And my mood it rising even more up, when I discover, that guitarist Mandy has gone for a proper hairstyle. And I can finally make photos of him by spotting his face. 
Krokus play one hit after the other and give us full guarantee for a great Hardrock show. There is nothing about to complain, exept the fact, that Toni still owes me a drink. I definately remind him next time see..... you bet...

http://krokusonline.seven49.net/
                                               

 

 

Last but not least at the appearance of tonight's headliner, I wanna mention in the beginning, that I remember very well, when Schenker and Co. filled the Olympiahall in Munich with 12.000 units. Today in the Schwabenhalle in Augsburg there are aprox. 3.000 fans, and half of the venue is closed. Yes of course times have changed and "Wind of Change" is past tense for quite a while. Let's be honest, since then the Scorpions did not have another big  hit anymore. But they are trying hard to keep up the shades of the past. There is nothing against that, as long as it works. but it doesn't really, when I look at the sales figures since 1991. 

One thing I've gotta give the band. They belong to the few acts, who always can manage to get a 100% clear sound. Or better thier sound technician, who I give a big compliment. Live, what's up to the general aura, they are still a great live act, no doubt about that, including Schenkers typical movements - cool and loose including a fresh cell therapy and sunglasses at night. Al Capone says  hello. And yes of course we've got the typical Scorpions hat sets for the image care. Bold heads not included. 
The show goes on, and is headlined by Rudi and Klaus. I personally wished, that Mr. James Kottak would have a bit more freedom behind his drumkit. Not just, because he is a dman good drumer, but he is also a madman who can easily  manage to get the place boiling on his own. I've seen him before, freaking out. And since then I've got a lot of respect for him. Unfortunately it doesn't get further than the usual battle behind the drumkit.
In the end, it's about almos 2 hours stagetime, and the encore is,- of course - "Wind Of Change", "Still Loving You" and the slogan "Rock You Like A Hurricane".

Yes, the Scorpions have rocked again, or better - they still rock. But it is to realize, that the venues get smaller and the fans get less. 
The new album.... where?! Oh of course on pos. 84 in the german charts this week.  Well alright - better so than nothing at all. And in the end, we still got Winds of Change and the Gorki Park and russion love..... But most of all five limousines, taking the rockstars from stage back to the Five Star hotel. We still gotta take care about some image, don't we?! 

http://www.the-scorpions.com/german/

click Diary for some Off-stage & Aftershow snapshots