Concert Review: Bochum, Germany - May 18, 2009
Chris Williams:
I travelled with Sibylle from Munster to Bochum via train. It was a different adventure from usual but still great fun. The worse bit was when I had to walk up 2 very steep steps to board the train and my knee gave way just as i tried to take the second step. Thankfully I managed to haul myself into the train though We arrived in Bochum mid afternoon and I have to admit I had a sleep then as I was soo tired. Once awake and refreshed it was time to get ready for the concert and to meet up with Konni and friends again As I walked into the venue, it looked quite nice, but the stage was quite high but the seats were very comfortable Now I was eagerly looking forward to the very start of the show as we had missed it in Munster because of getting delayed in severe traffic. Whow what a start suddenly all the lights went out and very loud music started and then lots of flashing white lights like fireworks going off, it was a very different start and a great dramatic entry for Chris, who entered the stage dressed in a white shirt with green and mauve motifs on and the customary black trousers etc It was great to hear him launch straight into Last Night, such an upbeat song to start the show with. The venue looked pretty much full to capacity and very soon into the show at least the people all around me were clapping and singing along.....it was a real party atmosphere from near the start. Next came another of my favourites, The Same Sun which i really enjoy seeing him sing in this way . I think the next songs were all as the previous night. I can’t actually remember right now. When it was time for him to sing Without You, which like I have said before, Chris sings with soo much passion, a lot of people gave him a standing ovation and the clapping went on for ages. For me this song really is the highlight of the show. I really adore Chris singing it. Soon it was time for the intermission and another chat with friends. Gosh I think I have more friends in Germany than I do in my home country of England After the intermission came the ‘quiet section’ with Tony playing the bongos etc. Nigel is excellent on the accordion or as some call it, the squeeze box. Again the songs were the same and included, All Along The Watchtower, Love of The Heart Divine, Moonlght and Vodka. Yes and something very different happened last night when Chris was introducing this particular song, and i have no idea if it was planned by Chris or a total surprise to him, but suddenly a guy came on to stage carrying a tray with tiny glasses full of vodka...well maybe it was water who know but he gave each of the bane a glass to drink and one to Chris as well, and they all drank it quickly down, before continuing the song.... it was quite funny to watch.....I wonder if it will happen again this evening Once this section was over , Chris sang a few songs solo which included, the Last Thing On My Mind and Spaceman, and then it was time for the band to come back on stage and the real party to begin. But I have one suggestion to make about the next section, so if you read this Chris (de Burgh), please do not think I am being too critical here, but it seems that maybe LIR should be before Africa and Perfect Man as it is just impossible for people to sit on their seats while hearing these 2 songs and again people rushed to the front as Africa was playing, and so when it came time for LIR Chris had to make his way through all the crowds in front of the stage before he could get to the audience further back. But of course he managed it quite well I think Once back on stage the faster songs started and I looked back at this point and i think the whole audience was up on their feet, singing and clapping away. Only too soon it was time for the very last songs and time to go and have a drink with friends before retiring to bed for a sleep. I won’t say a good sleep, because I still cannot sleep well in hotel beds. Well thats about all for now. Take care all, Chris(W)thebluehealer and roaming CdeB reporter