Reviews Archiv 278

I soon believe, as often as I have seen this band during the past 25 years, I should soon get a note in the Guinessbook of Records.
And the reason, why I came here today and check 'em out for the 25th or 29th time is simply explained. Because we probably see this band for the very last time. Yeah at least for the last time in this line up. I say only probably, because it wouldn't be the first time and first band, who say good Bye to their singer, have a new one, and one or two years later, the old one is back again in the saddle, risen up again from the dead. We had that often before, didn't we?

But first of all we are celebrating a big good bye Michael on this tour, and yes, it's sold out. Because every Saga Fan wants to see the band in this line up once more.
I'm talking about Germany, because that's where Saga's actual home is and not Canada where they are situated. I'm not 100% sure, what the reason for that is. And also the reason why Mr. Sadler takes his hat now after 30 years is also not quite clear. I haven't spoken to him this time. No, he doesn't look tired, this man with this typical selfconfident arrogance. -
Maybe it's only one big promo gag, to make a big good bye now, and after a while a big welcome back then.
Okay, and there we are... here in Munich, their secret hometown, the last stop on the fairwell tour. And of course, it had to be here.

Support comes from The Urge,who I have talked about in my Hooters Live Review in September, where they had been already here.

In the sixties there had been already a rockband named the urge, but that one has nothing in common with his new project,- John Miles jr. says. Exept maybe the coincident, that this group back then, was the band of his father John Miles. Musically The Urge 2007, who's members are all in their twenties, they go for a groovy sevenites rockstyle in a modern way of the new century. Next to John Miles jr. there is Johnny Boyle on leadvocals, Simon Ferry on drums and Neil Harland on bass. They've got their debutalbum out named ‚Lunch At The Lady Garden’ - a truly great record. And me as a great old Rock'n'Roll Fan haven't lost hope, that the heritage of this music is saved for the future. Unfortunately bands like them or for instance The Answer are often neclected by the media, that's why will be a constant battle to survive. But John Miles jr. that he won't make much use of his dad's name. Either we get it done ourselves, or we kick it.

But back to scenery here in the sold out Muffathalle in Munich, the venue, where Saga always use to play, when they are in this town. Sold out means about 1.500 Saga fans, who wanna see and listen to Michael Sadler for the very last time. And though the musical style of the Urge is pretty much different from Saga Music, they get well received by audiance. To be honest, I didn't expect that much devotion. But I think, these boys really deserve it. And maybe this support job brings 'em a bit more resonance and echo for the future, so we see the Urge playing a headliner show next time they are here.

That’s it so far..... http://www.theurge-rock.com/

.... and Mr. Sadler steps on stage and a huge applause for several minutes. When thr rest of the band comes along, it all starts once again to a typical bombastic Concerto ala' Saga. They are brilliant musicians alltogether, although there is one little thing, which bothers me. It's the fact, that a Saga concert is so 150% perfectly performed, that when you close your eyes, you're not sure whether your'e at a live concert or you hear a CD. Not one single tune sounds different. Only the usual noise of the audiance gives you the live feeling. But apart from that, there is not even a tiny bit to criticise. Everything is just perfect, even the light conditions. For us photographers it's wonderful, as we don't get very often spoiled with such great light.

Saga go on for a very last time with a greatest hits package (see setlist above) and inbetween Michael gets celebrated again and again and all over again. He crowns himself and wipes aways some teardrops, and it does it's toll. Euphoric reaction is the result for a band, who hasn't got to be introduced anymore, yeah maybe just the new drummer,who Michael says... "is our 149th, oh no 147th drummer now. Okay, that's a bit overdriven. It is exactly the third drummer, Saga had. And within 30 years, that's not too much of a change, is i`?! But never mind, noone knows anyway really what's going on now after the singers departure.
The grand finale is pretty chitchy with lots of flowers and shake hands on stage, and even Sadlers pregnant wife steps on stage and gets a big kiss on her belly from her beloved husband. It's sparkling and fans hold white pieces of paper up saying bye bye Michael. They got this by entering the venue with the quiet request to do so in the end of the show. Like I said before, everything is perfect, like always at a Saga show.

Yes, it is his evening and a great fairwell for a man, who has helped Saga to the status where they are within the past 30 years. A band, who's success has been mainly situated here in Germany.
And what's going on now? who knows! Saga without Michael Sadler - hard to imagine. But let them take us by surprise. - A new singer, and maybe one day the big reunion in once again sold out venues. There are quite a few other artists who have done so before. Think about The Who, the Police or Genesis with Phil Collins again, or like now - Led Zeppelin.
So I won't say good bey, but rather - 'till next time - sometime in the future, whether with a new singer or the old one again - whatsoever.....
http://sagaontour.moonfruit.com/