Südwest Presse - August 25, 2010


by Heike Heise

translation by Astrid Nolde-Gallasch


Bathing in the crowd


Bad Mergentheim. Despite the pouring rain more than 3000 visitors held out on Sunday evening during the Chris de Burgh 
concert in the castle yard. And among other things he thanked them with a bath in the crowd.

It is 7:30 pm. In front of the entrance to the Deutschorden castle there are two long queues. More than 3000 people came to 
the health resort town in order to see and hear their star Chris de Burgh. Among them are government member Alois Geng with 
his wife, state secretary Wolfgang Reinhart with his wife and the district adminstator of the Hohenlohe district, Helmut Jahn.

Right on time with the last gong at 8pm the heavy rain starts. But not even one of the guests runs of. "Welcome in Bad ...", 
and because Chris de Burgh has trouble to pronounce Mergentheim, the audience help him and answer like in a choir 
"Mergentheim", which sounds rather like "Mörgentt..eim", when the star prounces it himself. With his charming nature and more 
than 30 years of stage experience he twists them all around his finger, even those who were just "coming along".

At the latest, when he intones with his high voice the rock ballad "Without You" by Mariah Carey, the last audience member 
teeters along to it.

On this night, de Burgh presents a perfect mix of old hits like "Don't Pay The Ferryman" or "High On Emotion" and brandnew 
songs. Like the one for Neda in Iran "People Of The World" from his next album which will soon be released. For the singer 
Chris de Burgh who was born in Argentina in 1948 is more than just a producer of romantic ballads. The Irishman tells stories 
and sagas with his songs and takes stands. "Revolution" is connected on this evening seamlessly with "Light Of Fire" and 
"Moonlight & Vodka".

During "The Long And Winding Road", de Burgh's tribute to the Beatles, finally the sky gives in and conjures up a few stars 
instead of thick rain drops. 

Of course "Lady In Red" was not to be missed. To everyone's surprise de Burgh ran right through the audience during this song, 
even pushed through those who were standing at the side, and let the audience sing into the microphone themselves. "I am so 
enthusiastic about him, because he treats people honestly and is so close to his audience", resumes an older man after two 
hours of concert and two encores. More than 30 years of stage experience, make the world star, who had his breakthrough only 
in 1982, seem to be very close to his audience and down to earth. It's believable. And how do the words go so nicely in 
"Without You"? "No, I can't forget this evening..." Right.