Colos-Saal, Aschaffenburg - Monday 25th October 2010
These three wise men travelled from far and wide to find the shining light that appeared in the small town of Aschaffenburg in Germany, but it wasn’t the brilliance of the light they were looking for (which turned out to be an over powerful spotlight) it was the brillance of the man and his band who were due to perform on stage in the cosy but very atmospheric surroundings of the Colos-Saal venue. They came to see Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel and hoped that the music would transport them back to their teenage years. They weren’t disappointed and not only were they transported back to the 70’s, they were then taken on a 2 hour musical journey spanning around 38 years, each song conjuring up so many different memories from years past.
It started right bang up to date with ‘Faith & Virtue’ from the latest and most excellent album before taking us backwards and forwards through the years allowing us to re-live so many fabulous songs: ‘No Bleeding Hearts’ drew a well deserved early ovation; the wonderful bouncy arrangement of ‘Mr Soft’ had all the feet tapping; the unmistakable opening notes of Sebastian drew an immediate cheer and culminated in the longest ovation; the noticeable passion given to ‘This Old Man’ had the audience mesmerised; Barry’s truly amazing violin solo during ‘The Lighthouse’ held the audience spellbound and earned him a well deserved ovation; ‘Tumbling Down’ saw a sea of heads swaying from side to side; and yes, the German translation of ‘Oh dear, look what they’ve done to the blues’ (‘ Mein Gott, was ist passiert mit dem Blues’) really did work as we all sang along at the end of the song. The classic songs just kept coming and coming but how is it that we can remember all of those well crafted lyrics from so many years ago when we now struggle to remember why we went to the fridge?
The Aschaffenburg crowd were a great bunch who swayed and cheered and sang their hearts out for the entire 2 hour performance, the band were brilliant (nice to see one of the original Rebels in the line up), the music was brilliant, the atmosphere was brilliant and Steve Harley proved once again that he remains at the top of his game.
Steve...these three wise and now very proud men, came up to see you, and you certainly did make us smile. Thanks for a brilliant evening and a trip down memory lane.
Simon, Derek & Nick
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written by Steve , October 27, 2010
glad it was a good gig
written by joanna humphies , October 28, 2010
gig report..
Thanks to the ALL guys for the informative report above ..
Takes me right back into the summer.
jo
written by Stefaan Margory , October 28, 2010
Great review guys! I'll see Steve and the band Saturday in Belgium. Just curious: did they play 'All The Men Are Hungry'? Cheers!
written by Bill Headley , October 28, 2010
Sounds marvellous - 3 more wise men from the North (East)on their way to Belgium for Saturday night - Bill, Andy and Mike - can't wait. Lads weekend, Belgian Beer and SH + CR. Perfect!
written by Simon Hudson , October 28, 2010
Yes Stefaan, they played "All Men Are Hungry".
written by Derek Brigden , October 29, 2010
Hi Jo, yes it took us back too, right back to our teens, where have all those years gone, they truly were some of The Best Years of our Lives.
Stefaan, as Simon said, they did play All men are hungry and my goodness are you in for a treat on Saturday.
And can there really be 3 more wise men? Well I hope you have as much fun as we did on our lads weekend.
We will be thinking of you all on Saturday night, almost certainly with a great deal of envy. Enjoy your night!
written by Klaus , October 29, 2010
I was on the same gig in Aschaffenburg and I loved it too. Was the first time I saw Steve, after I accidently missed to see him and the band during the last 35 years. What an empty life :-) The concert was all what I had expected and more. And, please don't forget the new songs, they 'stand their man' too. More people to buy "Stranger". It deserves it.
written by Ian Mac , October 31, 2010
I went to see Steve last night in Leffinge , Belgium What an evening , what a pro , what a show man ,impressive indeed ! The crowd loved Steve and his 'incredible ' band , a real bunch of consumate professional musicians. Great also to see an ecclectic mix of people in the audience, quite a few 20 year olds clearly enjoying the show !!!! Loved Steve's humour and take on life between songs !!!
Steve , this was the first time that i have seen you live , and I really hope it won't be the last ! Hurry back to Belgium please !
Have a good rest after what has clearly been a sucessful european tour, and thanks again for a cracking evening !
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