“20
years of KATATONIA going strong calls for a celebration
and we’ll be doing just that by throwing five very special
anniversary gigs in Europe this coming May presented as the Last
Fair Day Gone Night - An Evening With Katatonia Tour 2011.”
Oh yes, that’s
an awesome idea, definitely nothing to nag about ;) 20 years of
KATATONIA, the 10th anniversary of Last Fair Day
Gone Night – that’s truly a reason to celebrate,
much more since we get once again pleased with such a special
live event (just remember the 20th anniversary shows by Opeth).
And… lucky me, one of the just 5 shows spanning concert
passage takes place nearby :) This is for sure a-must-be-there
event for every fan, and I have seen so many people from different
countries taking that long ride, but also for everyone else having
a great taste in (metal) music ;) So, and now watch the date,
can it go any better?
::
pics ::
Of course,
the one and only German show is sold out too. Even worse, so the
merchandise is, on the second day! WTF? *laughs* No tour-shirts
anymore, no girlies, no wristbands, no caps, no pleks. How crazy
is that? And I was so willing to spend some money *lol*
Although I’m
very often in Cologne, I visit the Buergerhaus
Stollwerck for the very first time. Cool area, perfectly
made for shootings, directly at the Rhine river. I arrive super
early but the house’s own parking ground is already closed
and I start an almost 1 hr lasting journey to find me a valid
parking. Made it, without a ticket ;)
It’s
a mild summer-like evening. Most people are still outside drinking
some cold brewski. :: KATATONIA
:: is - who wonders? - the one and only band and kicks
off at 9 pm. As you can imagine, applause was frenetic. Audience
was going crazy right from the first second on. As already announced,
KATATONIA played the entire Last Fair Day Gone Night
album during the first part of the show. As we had the usual first
3SNF rule to follow, I had much to concentrate on my work; the
pit was narrow and thus much crowded. Right after we were forced
to leave and to give away our cams so that we could enter the
hall from the backside again. Well, I did not see anything then.
Bad sight, bad lights and it was incredibly hot. I tried to balance
on a baseboard and could at least snatch pieces of the drummer
and Jonas singing. Mood is phenomenal; songs and atmosphere create
gooseflesh, sending shivers up and down the spine :)
Almost an
hour of playing time brings the first chapter to an end. Everybody
is longing for fresh air, while photo-mate Kerstin pampers me
with delicious Köstritzer (dark beer), followed by a chocolate
treatment little later from merch-girl Erin. Thank you ladies,
I won’t forget! :)
On the second
part of the concert KATATONIA take us on a journey through
their history beginning with 1996 album Brave Murder Day
up to the current one Night Is The New Day, they
actually focus on (do I sense out a special night & day thing
within the band? *g*). And tonight’s show even reveals one
more reason to celebrate and party: it’s the birthday of
coordinator Mathias. Congratulations! He receives a birthday cake
on stage from the band. That's really nice!
2 and a half hours, 2 encores and KATATONIA ultimately
draw the curtain *sighs* Wasn’t it way too short? What a
great evening. Fans don’t wanna leave, rob the merch and
wait for the band. Unfortunately only Per „Sodomizer“
Eriksson comes out for chats and signings, the rest of the band
disappears backstage. Too bad.
Setlist
Part 1: Dispossession, Chrome, We Must Bury You, Teargas,
I Transpire, Tonight's Music, Clean Today, The Future Of Speech,
Passing Bird, Sweet Nurse, Don't Tell A Soul
Setlist
Part 2: Brave, Nephilim, My Twin, I Break, Right Into The
Bliss, The Promise Of Deceit, Wait Outside, The Longest Year,
July, New Night // Dissolving Bonds, Forsaker
Afterwards
security downright sweeps the people out causing resentments by
the fans. One gets even so angry that he starts a fight with the
security… and loses. He was not drunk and wanted to run
riot, he was just deeply disappointed. Little downer anyway.
What’s left is the question on what position I have to rank
this evening in my personal list of best live shows in 2011? Really,
really difficult ;) 2011 so far is such amazing year for concerts…