500

And just to make sure, that even the last idiot in here understands the message, this note is fixed on to walls and doors at least 50 times when not even  more often... I forgot to count them....

Cameras get collected by security and put into the big box during the show. 

Mind me, you can't take people's mobiles, but dare you, if you are trying to hold your toy up in the air for one or another snapshot or even something else - the security did'nt check on your's. Then you seriously take the risk to be thrown out the venue and won't see your stuff anymore at least for quite a while- what I've been told from an incidident whic happened recently in Nuremberg. 
Our kiddies here in Munich have understand the message, that's what it seems. The result are aprox. 2.000 fans in our Tonhalle, and I'm probably the only one carrying heavy camerastuff around - very officially, but of course also for a certain limited time only. 
But Job is Job, and my publication wants to see pictures of tonight's event.  

... and once again for a reminder.... don't you dare to tape any tunes or take pics.....

Despite all these circumstances at this show, I've been looking forward to it for ages, as a good, old friend of mine is playing the supportslot. It's Tony Levin, bassist of King Crimson and Peter Gabriel, who wants to introduce us with his project Stick Men. 

It's Stick Men, because the focus is placed on this strange instrument called the Stick which had been developed by jazzmusician Emmett Chapman in the late Sixtees. And it is said, that it's very difficult to be played. Worldwide there are only about 2.000 musicians who can really play the stick. And Tony Levin is the flagship and probably the best player around.  
The second player is a guy named Michael Bernier, who could be easily Mr. Levin's son. But it's good to see, that the younger generation shows also interest and the future for Stick Players is secured for right now. 

On drums there is Tony's King Crimson collegue Pat Mastelotto so it all stays within a big family.   

But all these big and famous names based on the highest background level are useless, when you're just employed as the support act. Because then it's 45 minutes only and not one single second longer, and also the energy is cut short. But all that again vanishes behind the fact that up there, there are 3 brilliant musicians, who fit perfectly together. And most important is the fact, that they really seem to have fun up there themselves. And when this goes well, then also the rest is going to be fine.
The audiance here know how to appreciate this. They are familiar with the names Levin and Mastellotto, maybe not so much with the name Baernier yet. And though the music is rather difficult stuff, it get's received great by the audiance, exspecially the Crimson tracks 'Red 5' and 'Elephant Talk'. - The songs 'Firebird' and 'Soup' come from the upcoming new album 'Stick Men' which will be released officially in may 2010. (not to exchange with Tony Levin's latest solo effort 'Stick Man' from 2007) And there are two more tracks on the list ‚Welcome’ und ‚Slowglide’, which actually come from the just mentioned solo CD 'Stick Man'. I hope this has been clear enough explained for you.  

Anyway, you only will love and understand Tony Levin's music only, if you're a lover of this kinda complicated Prog Rock style anyway. But when you once have discovered that one for yourself, then you won't take less anyway. 
Long talk, short sense.... It doesn't happen very often, but it does occassionally ....- that I do luv the supportact more then the Headliner... But of course I'll know this first in the end of this night....

http://www.papabear.com/      http://www.myspace.com/stickmensounds


...and don't forget... - photos !!!!!!!

... and now Porcupine Tree are on..... with very little light.....

You could as well put two candles right and lefthandside of the stage, it would be pretty much the same. I got the order - 3 songs only without flash - the usual rules. But after only 1 1/2 tracks I get pulled out by a very nice manager, - no further reasons given for this stop. - So this - anyway difficult photosession has been finished after only half of the time. And I don't know 'till this very day - why.
There is only one thing I know for sure and out of experience. 99% it's never the artist and band themselves, but rather their guardian angels who put up the rules. Okay, okay, what's up to tonights strict photo ban for fans and their pocketcams and mobiles, it even might be Steven Wilson himself who is responsible for it. I know him, and I know, he is frightened of flashlights like Dracula fears daylight, unless it's a private snapshot like shown below.

And beware,if only one cigarette gets even close to him, then you probably get slaughtered by Steven 

Apart from that, he's everything else than a complicated or even excentric character compared to his music. (an older interview,
from about one year ago, you can check out  here - just scrol down a bit)

apart from that..... :-)))

Back to the action right here, which is split in two halfs. Part one is the  new album 'The Incident' which gets performed in it's entirely. After that, there is a 15 minute break, during this one, a digital clock shown on the background wall of the stage counts down the minutes.And of course this break is is used as a chance for at least half of the audiance to get out for a cigarette. 
After this one, the concert is continued lots of other music from Porcupine Tree's back catalogue, or should I say Steven Wilson one's? Bacause basically teh 43 year old english guy who looks like 25, is Porcupine Tree. And Porcupine Tree is Steven Wilson. First with this new CD 'The Incident' they are trying to make Porcupine Tree a band project. Next to Wilson there is keyboardist Richard Barbierei, Bassist Colin Edwin, touring guitarist John Wesley and last but not least drummer Gavin Harrison, who took also part in the latest incarnation of King Crimson in 2008. 

The famous perfection of this group, which makes their reputation, also what's up to the brilliant sound conditions. No doubt, everything is right a 100% - like always. But there is this little disadvantage about it. When you have seen this band several times like me, then you find everything a little sterile - of course same great quality and perfectly performed - no question. But still.. I miss this certain sparkle from time to time, which impressed me so much at my first and second Porcupine Tree concert. Sometimes I even have the feeling, this band is to good for this world, if you know what I mean. 
Whatsoever... In any way, the show is once again a success, also without fan's memory shots. For me it is as well, just from a slight different point of view..:-)))
http://www.porcupinetree.com/ 
 
By the way, further pictures can be viewed at  Metalhammer.de ......