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by Nadja Hoffmann translation by Astrid Nolde-Gallasch What happens when an Irishman sings about rain? Chris de Burgh sings love songs. That is a well-known fact. But the world star from Ireland also presented himself from his rocky side during the concert in Mainz. About 2000 fans celebrated the singer with a lot of applause - and even more red roses. And what may happen, when an Irishman sings about rain? Of course, it rains. But even when the wet weather words like "rain" and "snow" are among Chris de Burgh's most common metaphors for romantic moments, and there were only few dry phases during his concert on the Mainz Domplatz, the 57 year old presented a totally entertaining and amusing solo performance. Solo in this case meant really totally alone: Only Chris de Burgh, his piano and his guitars were on stage. And the world star was hard to be recognized too. In black trouse, black jacket and black skirt in front of a black backdrop he appeared almost a little shy and helpless at the beginning of his performance - but that is part of his image. The emotional voice of the world star, with which he sings "The Words 'I Love You'", is no secret any longer. Melodious journey started in an enchanted Celtic realm Those who expected from the concert a naive mawkishness full of tearjerkers, were disappointed. The program of two and a half hours was a reasonable mixture of old titles like "Don't Pay The Ferryman" and songs from de Burgh's current album "Road To Freedom", of ballads and partly exoticly sounding rock sounds. The melodious journey started in an enchanted Celtic realm, went on via the city of love Paris, directed via the orient with "Lebanese Night", and ended, very down to earth, with a personal communication with fans who brought masses of flowers, letters and even a father Christmas to stage. Chris de Burgh moderated less and less tense between songs with a lot of irony about his own lyrics, supported by explicit hand movements. Especially his love songs, which are doubtlessly a big part of his repertoire, received an individual note by this congenial knack, which made the audience forget about their whole-body-raincapes and umbrellas. Personal and emotional, but without any kitsch, were his tracks against the horror of war, like for example the song "Borderline". Not just the cuddle bard Compared to some studio recordings, the live songs benefitted from the instrumental ability of the solist Chris de Burgh. This unembellished way of performance that is reduced on the essential, makes the songs tell moving stories. A story for itself is the track "Lady In Red". When Chris de Burgh intones his world success, the seating on the Domplatz is no longer needed. The enthused fans (and not only women of ripe age) storm the front immediately to get close to their idol. The residents nearby proved to be original when they waved with red blankets out of their windows. Now the party which was organised by the Frankfurter Hof really started. The tougher key and the more biting guitar soli proved that Chris de Burgh is not just the cuddle bard which many think of him. And he isn't the rainmaker either. |
File last modified on August 26, 2006