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by Andreas Böhme
translation by Astrid Nolde-Gallasch
Chris with a band of 7000 voices
Dortmund. Concert marathon in the Dortmund Westfalenhalle. For three
hours an Irishman stood on stage there on Saturday. Alone. Without a
band. A man, a guitar, a piano - an 7000 enthused spectators. Chris de
Burgh celebrated his 20th stage anniversary in Germany.
It was in November 1984 when the then 36 year old gave his first big
Germany concert in the Westfalenhalle. Ever since de Burgh adores the
cupola building at the B1 as the "best hall in the world". "There can't
be any other place for an anniversary concert", de Burgh made clear
before the show. "It would be", the singer promised, "a concert with
many surprises."
The first one was for many spectators the omission of an accompanying
band. "I don't need one", de Burgh told the audience, "I have you."
And he had indeed the band of 7000 voices. And a voice that kept going
without problems for 180 minutes. Three hours in which the singer took
his listeners on a journey through his musical life works. Because
apart from numerous songs of his current album "Road To Freedom", he
offered highlights and rarities from the last three decades.
De Burgh's true fans were "High On Emotion"
Despite the size of the hall quickly an intimate atmosphere comes up.
For the son of a diplomate who was born in Argentina as Christopher
John Davidson could do without show effects. Discreet light, sporadical
movements - the music stands in the center.
And the contact to the mostly older audience. He can tell a story
about almost every song. With a huge rogue on his back he talks about
feelings, dreams, thoughts, and securely moves on the small path
between womanizer and good fellow. Modestly he thanks his audience
with a deep bow for every applause and in between he even walks
singingly through the audience - shake hands and hugs included. A star
to touch who has just as much fun at his concerts as his fans. "You
are the reason that I still do what I do", he praises the listeners
towards the end of the concert.
While in the surrounding areas hundreds of babysitters have to work
overtime and dogs wait at the front door to be let outside, a furious
final starts in the hall. Once again Chris warns insistently to pay
the ferryman before getting to the other side and slobbers over his
"Lady In Red". Everyone is "High On Emotion" when de Burgh intones a
medley of his favourite party hits for the final. "A Hard Days Night"
is among them and "American Pie". During "Hey Jude" the jubilee boy
finally leaves the stage after several encores. But not before telling
that this Dortmund concert will be available on DVD shortly. Most of
the audience is going to buy it. Although they actually don't need to.
Because for them this unique evening will remain unforgettable anyway.
A small Irishman so big.
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