In last year’s October I had the pleasure to witness the kick off show of ANNEKE VAN GIERSBERGENs Drive tour in Oberhausen, Germany, supported by the wonderful Amanda Somerville and Trillium (live report: here). A half year later InsideOut Music grants me another show, the final show, again in Germany, more or less around the corner at • Zeche Carl • in Essen. And this location has a special meaning to me. Here I saw ANNEKE VAN GIERSBERGEN playing live for the first time, in December 1995 on the Mandylion tour, after she had freshly joined The Gathering :)

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To be honest, tonight’s show at Zeche Carl wasn’t that well attended as the kick-off show back then. But the crowd was in a good mood and high anticipation. Opening act (for the German shows only) was :: LEJANA ::, a band I have never heard of before. It’s a Mexican band with a German front lady. And the band seemed to have quite a big fan-base already. It doesn’t wonder - so I learnt a little bit later - as singer Linda Marlen Runge is an actress starring in one of those unspeakable early evening soaps. Well… let’s try without bias ;) Visually there was nothing to see, at least merely as much as an emergency lighting could provide as a “light show”. Musically I’d would the band’s style a blend of Pop and Electro, pleasant yet unexcitedly, although the songs were played more rocking than they are on CD. Most songs came from the just released self-titled debut. Nice, but without leaving much of an impression.
Setlist: The City, Why, Great Expectations, Dirty And The Beast, Your Voice // Love Will Tears Us Apart

:: ANNA MURPHY :: was likewise left in darkness. Maybe the location has to save electricity… ANNA MURPHY is known to me, as hurdy-gurdy player and singer in Eluveitie. But it seems she is quite active these days outside the band (Lethe and Nucleus Torn for example) or with her own band (incl. Eluveities Merlin Sutter on drums and Rafael Salzmann on guitar) to support her recently self-financed and released solo debut Cellar Darling. I was surprised by her expressive and strong voice, her singing talents, covering a wide amount of genres and styles. Musically ANNA MURPHY is hardly to label, what is a great thing. All I can say is that her music doesn’t have anything to do with metal. It’s easy to predict her a bright future and solo career. However, tonight I was not entirely convinced, missed the last grain of persuasiveness.
Setlist: Johnny Guitar, Soundwaves, Harley Quinn, Epic Fail, Cellar Darling, Red Lights, Woebegone, Twin Flames, Open End, Lovelornia, Antihero

I think, there is no need of introduction anymore, also not that much to say I did not already say in the past ;) :: ANNEKE VAN GIERSBERGEN :: is always a great live experience. They all seemed to be a little bit tired tonight, such long touring surely takes its toll, but this of course didn’t affect the show in any way. As happy as a sandboy can be ANNEKE VAN GIERSBERGEN performed, telling stories and joking with fans and the band, while enthusing the audience. She is truly amazing! Setlist was more or less the same, with the two acoustic tracks in the middle of the set (Beautiful One and Circles). A special moment happened when ANNEKE VAN GIERSBERGEN dedicated My Mother Said to her parents watching her from the balcony. Anneke spent much time to thank everybody involved in the tour and the fans for their overwhelming response. And she of course appeared quickly right after the show at the merchandise desk to sign CDs and posters, get photographed and have small talks. In Oberhausen a half year ago it took hours, tonight in Essen not even one. There was not much of a party mood to sense out. The bands quickly got their stuff together and left quietly. Once more a great show even with a bit more of candle power for Anneke.
Setlist: You Will Never Change, Drive, Saturnine, My Boy, 1000 Miles Away From You, She, Beautiful One, Circles, My Mother Said, Even The Spirits Are Afraid, Mental Jungle, You Want To Be Free, Stay, Strange Machines // Leaves, We Live On, The Best Is Yet To Come

story & pics © Dajana