Zollern-Alb-Kurier - September 03, 2001
translation by Tina Maerkert by Rosalinde Riede50 years and not at least tired - Chris de Burgh carries away the Geislinger audience with his versatile voice -
Was it due to Chris de Burgh's firm "go away rain" or the great atmosphere, that during the 2 hour concert only the occasional raindrops fell? Anyway, despite wet seats about 2.500 people experienced an enchanting evening with this great singer. It's shortly after half past nine, when the small, completely in black dressed Irishman enters the stage nearly unnoticed. But from the first note it is clear, this man who will be 53 in October, still counts within the international music business. The Geislinger audience - all range of age groups are there - see a good mooded, partly even mischievious musician with great charisma, and most of all his versatile and unmistakably voice. "Es ist sehr sch? in Geislingen zu sein" (It's wonderful to be in Geislingen) he says, still a bit reserved at the begin of the evening. But with the 2nd song "Sailing away" the first ones already start clapping along and the star relaxes. Unplugged, only with guitar, and later accompanied by a first class pianist, the songer "tells" in his beautiful ballads about love and longing und also the sometimes difficult times in a relationship. Enchanted and delighted numerous female fans look to the stage, when "Here comes the Sun" or "A Woman" can be heard. Again and again the singer invites his "G-eis-ling-er" to clap or to sing along. And of course they follow him happily. Chris de Burgh also tries songs from others. During his version of Elvis Presley's "Always on your Mind" it's silent on the Schlossplatz, shivers run down one's spine. Also the hit of the Eagles "Desperado" is a pure delight. No concert without the song that made Chris de Burgh a megastar. Dipped in red light the Irishman sings the story of his "Lady in Red" and admits "it's one of my favourite songs". The lighters go up and when "Missing you" starts, the first get up from their seats and bob up. Now Chris de Burgh says the magic words: "It's no problem, if you want to dance". Within seconds the fans storm in front of the stage and in the middle way, the dance party can start! With "Don't pay the Ferryman" the atmosphere is on its high spot, the starting rain drops don't disturb at all. Geislingen becomes swept away by the sound of the Irishman, who after several encores touches the many hands held up to him and then exhausted disappears behind the curtain. Finally the magic is over, the people leave the Schlossplatz, the last song "Hey Jude" still on their lips.