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Past may Swiss rockers Gotthard have introduced their new singer for the very first time to a german audiance in Munich at the Backstage Halle. This was only a very small event, where only a handful of lucky fans were able to get an idea of what it will be in the future. And this boy was obviously very nervous. Because 1) he's got to live with the eternal comparison to former singer Steve Lee who had passed away two years ago, and second, this was his firebirth after only a few test shows in far away South America. And this is also the title of the new album - 'Firebirth'. But despite the warm welcome of the newbe, the album went down the drain in the international charts, exept their home country Switzerland. Well there is always a second chance in life, as it's said. So let's see, what kind of impression the newly constructed band leaves tonight in Munich. Because as a fact, the mere of all fans, haven't experienced the new Gotthard yet. There are 3.200 people here tonight at the Zenith, so this venue is half filled. This is very good for Gotthard, such as Munich is very good ground for this group anyway - always has been...And that's why they film the whole show for whatsoever.... First of all we've got an also very interesting act opening up, and that one is made out of some remains of Helloween and also Gotthard... |
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I'm talking about Unisonic the project of Michael Kiske and other's also including old Helloween collegue Kai Hansen who joined in about one year ago. And these guys still profit from songs such as 'Future World' and 'I Want Out'. Also participating from the beginning in 2009 is Mandy Meyer (former Gotthard, Kathmandu and other's) and Dennis Ward and Kosta Zafiriou, both from Pink Cream 69. - The appearance of Unisonic wasn't that sure 'till tonight, as Mr. Kiske suffered some voice problems caused by a flu. He himself excuses his still not well again voice. But nobody really does realize thisto be honest. |
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Well, truly, this here is nothing else than an echo of the glory - back then times, and remembers with each tune about every minute of the past. This show here is well played, if there wasn't our damn Zenith venue with it's steady weak sound conditions.And of course it's the role of the opener. These two things take some wind out of the sailing, if you know what I mean by that. No critics aboutt these musicians here, who are doing a great job with a lot of heart and still great enthusiasm. But we can obvously feel, that this band would come across ten times stronge, if they'd play in a smaller venue in a headliner position. I'm truly convinced about that. The little icing on the cake here at the end of their 45 minutes set is of course both _ 'Future World' and 'I Want Out'..... |
...and this one tastes very delicious to the crowd, beeing in a rather nostalgic mood.
Over
all, Kiske, Hansen & Co. leave a solid impression, no matter what.
But the request for an individual tour has grown, that's for sure. So
let's wait and see, what comes next.... |
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After nobody knew, whether there is a future after the death of Steve Lee. Now a new guy in the middle has been found with Nic Maeder. And they say again and all over again, that he is not gonna be a double of Steve, and no, he hasn't got any intention to copy Steve's style but bringing in his very own personality. Sounds good and we try to believe so. Though it is not to avoid, that every single fan is drawing automatically a comparison to the former shouter, what so ever. This is no intention on purpose, but is is... how shall I describe it.... an automatic reflex - I'd name it... And it is of course the overdimensional curiousness about the new situation. Yes, it is indeed difficult enough to exchange a frontman of a band, whether it's on intention or due to an unlucky coincident. But the Swiss guys have exepted the challenge and the risk. Whatelse to do with their musician life's. And on the other hand, they've got nothing to loose, have they? |
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Nic is different, not like Steve ever was. He seems like the nice boy from next door, he's got a good voice, no doubt about this and he plays the guitar more often than Steve had done within a live show. But on the other side, Nic doesn't own this special huge aura, Steve had put out on stage and the immense power in the voice. Don't get me wrong, Nic ain't bad at all and he is surely the best choice, Gotthard could have made. But compared to past live shows, something is missing... don't ask me what it is, as I can't define it. It's rather a feeling... a feeling you get by watching this in a neutral way. |
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Apart from that here tonight they try with lots of sound clouds and impressive lights to make the generell impression tighter and better... And yes the band can manage to a certain level. Mind me, many Gotthard fans are already happy and grateful, that they get to hear 'Fist In Your Face' and 'Mountain Mama' again live on stage and 'Hush', the song, which once was adapted by Gotthard from Joe South, who did the orignal way back one upon a time. Also on the setlist are shown songs from the new album 'Firebirth'. And those are the one's Nic Maeder puts his own stamp on. The rest of the group hasn't changed much, only guitarist Leo has become a little more the rockstar in the band. No surprise though, as he's the band boss now... |
The result is a pleasant evening with satisfied fans about this Gotthard show presenting their new singer for the very first time to a wider audiance. And most people have no regrets in spending time here and having paid for the tickets to see their heroes again up there. The newbe is accepted by most fans, that's for sure. But over all and including all positve aspects, there has this little something been missing, as I mentioned it before. This thing, I can't explain, and you have to feel it, while watching the show as a critical spectator... this thing... what can be repaired one day, while Steve Lee is watching it from cloud 7 - http://www.gotthard.com/en/ |
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