WAZ - July 14, 2005
by Rolf Schulte translation by Astrid Nolde-Gallasch2500 fans meet Chris de Burgh "intimate"
For an "intimate evening"the open air stage was maye a bit overdimensioned, but still many of the roundabout 2500 listeners experienced their star Chris de Burgh last night up close. The organizers had decided for the first time to fill the half circle in front of the stage with benches. A big bravo for that, repetition has already been agreed on. All other bravos go to the solist Chris de BUrgh. He started his live performance, of which he has done over 3000 in over 30 years, in time and without big flourishes. Insiders knew that he did not need a soundcheck. He was looking forward to the "intimate meeting with some friends" and the beer that was served in the beergarden. The experienced man, simply dressed in black, was performing alone on stage, changing between guitar and piano. He didn't need any more backing from instruments, the fans were his percussion by clapping. That started as promptly as the flowers he was given by female fans. "Does anybody want to buy roses? Only used once", the Irishman joked. Many songs from the double album "Live In Dortmund" could be heard, something romantical, the well-known ballads, but also thoughtful stuff - like the song about the fear of children of divorced parents. That the singer still had the air for small dance acts on this warm summer evening - another bravo. The open air stage experienced a top act last night that can hardly be outbidden. Even when around 200 guests were avoiding the direct eye contact with the star: out of money reasons. A ticket cost around 50 Euro. They enjoyed the live performance with their ears alone, relaxed lying on the town meadows around the stage.