Concert Review: Paris, France - September 19, 2011
Marie:
My first report, in English, which is not my original language... hope it will be understandinf... What a concert! I'm still in the euphoria of the show. I had seats in the mezzanine, upstairs. Very good seats because we were just in front of the stage, with an overview that allowed us not to miss a thing about the show. We arrived at 7:30 p.m.. Few people yet. I had many misgivings, I was wondering if I would be able to understand everything, my English is very low. The room was filled gradually. Many people there were forty's and fifty's, and few young people only. Approximately 1,200 people at first glance, english speaking for many of them but also Canadians, Germans ... cosmopolitan people and I enjoyed the friendly atmosphere, as if the fact of loving the same artist brought us together. A lady, very kind, give me her place so that my husband can be next to me. The decor is fabulous, a reproduction of boats cleverly arranged with the instruments, barrels, ropes, ... H-10 minutes, the opening track of Moonfleet is launched ... A 8 p.m. on time, the show begins. Chris comes into play, musicians, guitarist, bassist, drummer and keyboarder are in place. He started The light on the bay and Have a care. The play of light is superb! Subsequently, a giant screen broadcasting images related to the songs. Particularly impressive for Spanish Train. Chris talks in French and then explains the album Moonfleet, this story of pirates and buccaneers that combines search of treasure and love story. I think it's been 10 years since he has not made a concert in France. He makes us laugh by telling us that at that time in that same box, there was a spider ... that is always there it seems, and to celebrate this moment, he begins singing Missing you. When he sings Borderline on piano, the song ends with a "standing ovation". Again a lot of applause and a standing ovation for the song People of the world, an hymn to freedom and a dedication to a young Iranian Neda. The entire first part is a mix of songs from the album Moonfleet and timeless classics, sung by the audience. Chris charms us with Go Where Your Heart Believes. The first part of the concert ends with The Leader. A musical triumph! I personnaly still have breath. The guitar solo from Al Vosper is a real treat for the ears. I ask myself, how can he creates a grand finale after such a song? But I don't imagine yet all surprises he prepared for us ! After entract, Chris is alone on stage with his guitar. It's magical. When it comes down in the audience by singing Lady in Red. it is the madness! A woman dressed in red dances a slow dance with him and sings a verse full. Everywhere hands that stretch, women who kiss him and spontaneously friendly, he takes the walkabout. It's the only time I regret being on the mezzanine, too far to share this moment. But it's a real pleasure to see him in the middle of all this people who love him ... The second part is marked by songs such as The Ferryman, Africa, Ship to shore, High on emotion but also Why Mona Lisa Smiled, My heart surrender... The public is séduce, repeat in choir all the songs, slill standing up until the end of the show, singing, dancing. But the clock is ticking ... We do not decide to let him go. A call back, he began The Snows of New York. Then another call and he sings again Go Where Your Heart Believes 10:50 p.m., off the stage but it was definitely hard to leave ... We finally get out and go to the stage door. Another couple and three people follow us. Finally here he comes ... Few words in french, in english, an autograph, a photo ... Chris seems exhausted but accepts one more time to share a moment whith the 5 or 6 fans who took the time to wait for him. Then he walks away with friends, family, down the streets of Paris, by foot, ending his evening in town. I look at him go down the street and I think such a simple man but a so giant man ! Thank you Mr de Burgh for this unforgettable moment. For twenty seven years I listened to your songs and the concert and the personnal meeting were a real consecration for me ! Marie