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Our Tonhalle here in Munich is sold out with 2.500 guests. Whereby some have come, because they are fans of the actor Costner, exspecially the ladies, and other's have gathered because of pure curiosity, how such a superstar acts on a music stage. But I think, the least have come, because they like the band Modern West and their music so much. Why? Because here in Germany those one's are as much known as the Scorpions in the Sahelzone. Costner himself describes his music as simple Rock'n'Roll and denies country influences. But using a fiddle and Blue Grass sounds speaks another language. By the way Costner founded the band with his second (german) wife Christine Baumgartner. And there you find the connection, that he now tours Germany and Europe. Here in this country he's got 5 shows. And once again, Munich is one of the lucky one's to be included on the trek. 




But first something complete different.....

Thanks to the fact, that Kevin would hit the stage not before 9 p.m. - and next door at the smaller Metropolis Club Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel play a gig, starting already off at 8 p.m. - we photographers use the chance to get some imressions of that one as well. 
All of you elderly generation know what I'm talking about, or better know this artist. So Cockney Rebel once belonged to the first Glamrock Bands in the early 70s, fronted by their glammer frontfigur Steve Harley. Bestknown songs are of course 'Sebastian' and of course 'Here Comes The Sun'.- Well, the high times are over for quite a while, and the success over the past 2 decades ain't that overwhelming. Although Cockney Rebel are returning to Germany on a regular base and make us happy with nostalgic memories at the golden era from back then. But over all you never must forget, that Steve Harley was and still is a brilliant musician. You can realize this from the very first minute, and 300 admirers show a lot of enthusiasm. 
This man shows so much class, on side rather introverted, so we got the impression that he only plays for himself up there, on the other hand very unique and individuell, so each tune is yet another challenge. All this, the setlist and a filmed clip is all I've got to offer you of this show, because time is short, and I don't think, Mr. Costner is gonna wait for me next door. In each case, I can only advise you to visit a Cockney Rebel gig. High expectations get satisfied with a huge nostalgic level produced by a somehow strange but genius musician.

http://www.steveharley.com/




... and I just arrive by time in the photopit, before Kevin hits the stage....

So,not even 3 minutes in the pit, and off we go... And we photographers first of all get annoyed about 2 circumstances. First of all next to us proffessional photographers there are also quite a few hobby paparazzi, who are desperately trying to catch some images with their minicam. (who knows how they got their credits. I mean I normally don't care, but not, when the pit is rather small and we all step frequantly on each other's toes.) The second fact is, that a couple of blonde ladies of Munich society scene are blocking the pit with their presence with large lamintes round their necks and handycap our work, and even complaining, that we push 'em now and then, just to get around them. So what?! I mean we have only 3 songs, while we doing our work, so these girls have to deal with it - it's as simple as that.....

Like I mentioned in the beginning, Kevin Costner is an actor in first place, and you can see that. He certainly got  a great routine in acting and shows himself very selfconfident, beeing still better up there as some other's. But he ain't - the - talented born singer, though he meets most of the tunes with his voice. Therefore he collects all the positive poins with his pure presence, his charming smile and there is a background band including some great musicians, most of all the fiddle player. 

Costner's Rock'n'Roll is a rather mellow one with a touch of Country, as I said before. Most of the songs are not familiar to the audiance. But this doesn't play a big role. No it is rather pretty astonishing, that the audiance still rocks along with all that and the mood is continously rising in here. 

The star of tonight responses to each reaction in the crowd, tells us some amusing anekdotes and conquers every visitor's heart within a second. No, in here the music is not the most important aspects. To be honest, every average hobby musician could play this music only in a basement club. But this here is not the average next door guy, it is the one and only Kevin Costner. He even gets more pluspoints with his last finale, which is a cover of 'Mr.Tambourine Man' and a seemingly neverending good bye, including bunches of flowers, 2 glasses of vine and a little dance with a very happy girlf from the audiance. No actually it seems, as Kevin can't let go and wants to stay up there all night long. And this makes him even more luvable. - The music just went by, performed by a brilliant band... But to be honest with you, nobody in here really bothered. Instead  - Kevin's eyes.. wauw... it's knocking us down... 
A wonderful movie - in the truest sense of the word....

http://www.kevincostnermodernwest.com/