Hamburger Morgenpost - June 9, 2004
by Beate Nelson translation by Astrid Nolde-GallaschChris de Burgh
He stays true to himself - and the fans to him as well Shortly after the beginning of the concert in row 13 of the completely sold out Musikhalle: You can see on the face of the young lady that she is in doubt: Should I rather have worn the "Lady In Red" outfit instead of the nice flower dress? When will I present the sunflower? Or does it look cheap after the huge rose bouquet and the picture book about Bremerhaven which have already been presented? When do I shout my song request? How can I pass the security guards to get to the stage? After three hours with the Irish bard everything worked out well. Really everything: Chris de Burgh picked up the flower himself during an excursion into the audience, her song request has spontaneously been fulfilled, and she could pass the security guard without any major violence (which only few succeeded). Solo on piano and guitar de Burgh offered a greatest hit program. Often with funny remarks ("I would like to be Britney Spears"), but also with a serious request: "War is never glorious, war is cruel. Remember that for next time, Mr. Bush", he demanded, sang his anti war hymns, and of course cuddly love songs like "Lady In Red". Hamburg celebrated him. "This was no concert, it was a party", he said at the end. And spontaneously added 20 minutes of Roy Orbison and Beatle tunes as encore.