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Tonight I do realize again, with how less the average music consumer is happy with. Joe is coming for the 150.000 time to Munich's sold out Olympiahalle, or whereever in Germany, is singing for the 150.000 time - 'With a Little Help From My Friends', and 12.000 fans are singing along with happy faced. Gathering Woodstock Grandpa, conservative Bankclerks, nostalgic hippies and behaved housewifes or the neat granddaughter, they are all here againto listen and celebrate our Rock'n'Roll spasty no.1. the mastro in coverversions - Joe Cocker. 

63 years of age and dressed in black like always, he presents us a colourful bunch of Greatest Hits flowers, including three tracks from the new album 'Hymn Of My Soul'. To be honest, he could have left them out, because you can easily make out, how the enthusiasm goes down at these unknown pieces of music. Joe belongs to those musicians from the past, who can appear live whereever and whenever they want. The expectation of the audiance always reaches out for the same old hits like, the just mentioned 'With A Little Help From Your Friends' or 'Leave Your Hat On' and 'Summer In The City' etc. On the other hand this fact is also the guarantee for the everlasting success always again and again, when returning on tour and sold out venues  - here in Germany. And this is the turning point. Joe Cockers success is situated mainly here in good old Germany, as well what's up to the record sales and what's up to concerts. 

I don't think, I have to describe Cocker anymore, do I?! Born in Sheffield England to become a legend. The start of that was certainly 'With A Little Help From My Friends' the Beatles Cover in 1968. But what do I tell you. You as the commercial rockfan knows this anyway. 
I don't know exactly, how often I've seen Joe Cocker live on stage yet. And to be honest, also this time, there is nothing special about it. He is still practicing understatement, with a limited show and no big screens on the right and left of the stage. Just a few videocuts on the backscreen, showing him in young years, suitable to every song. The lightshow rather reminds me on christmas. That's about it to pull the attention of the fans here. And it does. Maybe I should mention Cockers band, who are a few very good musicians and often get neclected in reviews. Exspecially guitarist Dave Cohan and female bassist Carol Kaye stick outta it. 

Apart from that, there is not much more to say. The german, or better - the Munich fans still luv their old Joe with his black soulvoice, his ballads, his movements, which is almost something like an individual brand. And yes, with a little help of all his friends here, he will be singing his biggest hit also at the age of 80. It's known, that legend have a very long life, - at least in Germany. Everybody is happy and satisfied again and will be surely there again, when Joe Cocker comes next time on the next tour. 
http://www.cocker.com/  

click on the pic below for the  Interview with Joe Cocker