German Concert Review

 

Last year was a good one for Germans, seeing WA live. After the 
brilliant tour in March, I was able to see another two shows 
(Karlsruhe and Heidelberg), just before Xmas.Again, there was 
a change in line up: No ne member this time but an old friend 
is back: Ray Weston is back on the drumkit! Karlsruhe was a very 
good show (only there, they've played a wonderful "Ballad of the 
Beacon", but Heidelberg was outstanding! The Schwimmad Club in 
Heidelberg is a very small club with a fantastic live atmosphere. 
I was excited, when I've read, WA will play there, and I wasn't 
disappointed after the show. It shows that the band, especially 
Andy, really seems to like these clubs atmosphere. I've never heard 
a better Andy Powell before. He plays one excellent solo after the 
other and one can see, that he had a lot of fun that night. 
Mark Birch is a strong (hard-rockin') guitar playing, also, and he's 
a very good singer. Bob Skeat and Ray Weston had done an 
Excellent job too. Highlights were…almost every song! But especially 
"Underground", "Throw Down the Sword", "FUBB", "Sometime World", 
"Persephone", and a full length version of "Phoenix" There were almost 
tears in my eyes, hearing "FUBB", "Phoenix" and "Persephone" 
(one of my all-time favorites) was a fantastic with strong vocals 
by Mark. I can't describe the feelings I had during "Phoenix". 
(The "Phoenix" - version in Karlsruhe was also very good, but not 
as perfect as in Heidelberg).

To summarize, Heidelberg was my fifth WA-live show and it was the best 
one (followed by Pirmasens, with Filgate, Kishman line-up). There was 
only one bitter drop in the tea. Andy, why don't you've played an 
acoustic set in Germany? I know from a friend (Hi Derek Lee!!), that 
you've played a small acoustic set (at least three songs) at English shows. 

Anyway, it was nice to hear that the next tour will be in March 1999. 
Please, please, please, play Heidelberg Schwimmbad Musik Club again! 
And please a Bare Bones - set, then. The location is perfect for that!! 

Greetings from Germany,
Peter Stumpf