You're Dynamite!
This concert was billed (by me anyway) as a history of the Scorpions. It is hard not to, based on the personnel involved as the support act. I was half expecting separate support from MSG and Uli Jon Roth, possibly, no hopefully followed by both parties joining the Scorpions on stage for a few numbers. Thankfully only 50% of my prediction was correct, with the right choice of ex-band member joining the Scorpions for some long since heard songs which I never thought would see the light of day (See MSG gig as to why)
Thank Lordy for the main event. Scorpions were light years ahead of MSG. I was half expecting a mellower version of the Scorpions that were at their prime in the 80's, how far wrong I was! The packed Apollo crowd's excitement rose considerably once the lights fell. 'Hour 1' the first song of the new CD (and damn good the new CD is) got things off to a great start. I know the audience pays respect to the plugging of a new CD, but most want the classics, and boy did they deliver. Klaus Mein's voice was as good if not better and has not deteriorated over the years, Rudi Schenker (Michael, take note) played with the spirit and movement of a teenager, and Matthias shredded as good as anyone I've seen live over the past 25 years. Credit too goes to the (relative) new guys. Rhythm is everything and both James Kottak (drummer par excellence) and Pawel Maciwoda had it in abundance. Classics came thick and fast with the mainly balding audience playing along to air drums, air guitar and air German accents (me included!). We were treated to 'Hol-ee-day', and for me the big surprise of the night the excellent instrumental 'Coast To Coast'. The pain in the arse Michael Schenker turned up mid song to have a look around and pat his brother on the back. I was hoping that Rudi (somewhat startled) was going to put him on his back as all seemed embarrassed
Half way in The Scorpions wheeled out Uli Jon Roth for five numbers. I was never personally a great lover of the Scorpions early period but the likes of 'He's a Woman....', 'Speedy's Coming' etc, all had the crown eating from the palm of their hands. UJR was excellent, with perfect solos and judging by his smile was in his element. He seems to be on a personal quest to bring back crushed velvet as a current metal clothing trend. Bless!
Whilst on the subject of ex-members, thank God they didn't allow Michael to play anything from Lonesome Crow! That could have been a career ending move for both parties
It is great to see/hear the Scorpions as a major force. Recent years have not seen them hit the heady heights of the late 70's early 80s, but in the last two albums they have recovered the sound that made them famous. 'Love 'em Or Leave 'em', 'Deep and Dark', and new songs '321', 'We Were Born To Fly', 'Love Will Keep Us Alive' all fit in perfectly and are destined to be played for years to come. When I thought I'd heard it all, up came the absolute electric 'Dynamite' and was definitely THE song of the night.
Two hours later the band said goodnight, then for the encore predictably and unfortunately (for me) came 'Winds Of Change', complete with audience whistling and much lighter waving , followed by 'In Trance' (after some coaxing from Klaus to get UJR to appear from backstage), and finally the barnstorming and other major hit 'Rock You Like A Hurricane'.
In a nutshell the Scorpions nailed it; heavy riffs, coupled with excellent vocals and backing vocals, and an exuberant performance made this one of the gigs to see this year. The mix of songs was about right, with most albums covered, especially the good ones. Probably one of my best ever and worst ever gigs – all in one night. Scorpions – you rocked. MSG you didn't. I've had World Wide Live on continuous loop for almost a week, and speaking to my wife in a strange German accent all week