THE VERY END play a show... on a beach in Essen? WTF??? I mean, ok, cool, it’s always great to see THE VERY END playing live. But what beach? And how go a beach and the city of Essen, Germany, together?
Let’s puzzle out: the KREATIVDORF (creative village) is an abandoned industrial area. I have no idea what kind of factory it was before. It’s located in Essen-Kray and yes, this area has a wonderfully soft and white sandy beach incl. a cocktail bar :) You can find everything there: rehearsal room, studios, galleries, event halls and rooms for all kind of creative work and people. On this wonderful day the owner, organizers and sponsors invited to an open day dubbed KREATIVDORF - EXTRA KLASSE! – offering bands playing live, art, readings and exhibitions. All for free and outside around the beach!

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Ok, so let’s head towards the beachside in Essen ;) Sky is blue, sun shining, summer-like temperatures… it is summer! Actuaally. Our September summer ;) It’s easy to find. I like this area, much more the beach. Next time I should check out the entire complex and discover what’s around. However, the rehearsal room of THE VERY END was emptied and now one of the rooms to exhibit the frontman’s cover artwork (Killustrations), while the band’s first video was running. Nice sofa and a table with a couple of muffins left for my attack (hmmm yummie). The room next door is full of live photography of my photopit mates Rebecca Böhning, Daniel Horlbogen, Jörg Litges and Jörg Müller, as well as photo art by Bonny Cölfen (Eyesee) and paintings by Martina Behnke. Readings come from Holger Schmenk and Christian Krumm, the author of Kumpels in Kutten.

When I arrive :: SOLE SENTRY :: is about to enter stage. I already saw these guys playing some time ago as support band for Devin and liked them a lot. They have to go through some minor tech problems and the sound is not that crispy as it fits best to the band’s sound, but the show is great. And their Grunge-tinged Rock perfectly fits weather, beach and feeling. Just great! Much likeable cats, great music, want more! Preferably in this combination ;)
Setlist: Reveal, Mortal Promise, Remembrance, Unspoken, Mirror Of Soul, Lose Focus, Place To Hide // Wicked Game

Next up is :: THE BONNY SITUATION :: And they twiddle with the knobs a long time so that The Very End already tear their hair. As I heard there was a curfew and it was getting late. Anyway, THE BONNY SITUATION did not care and kicked off when they were satisfied with the sound. But then the guys rocked out like hell, having a lot of fun on stage. I have to admit that I only know the band’s older material, so I was impressed. New songs kick ass and are much more versatile. Yep, good stuff too.
Setlist: Moment, Comatose, This Is Our Destiny, Wave Goodbye, Neonriverboat, Skin Sensations, Borderline, After All, Beat & Strobe Light // Bishen

To reach the peak of heaviness :: THE VERY END :: brutally start with Memento. If the beach wouldn’t be so nice I’d say THE VERY END only leave scorched earth ;) They play with full force and aggression, bursting for energy. As for that the stage is a little bit too small seeing the gents getting in each other’s (hairy) way. Luckily no tears ;) Tears of laughter maybe. It was a hell of fun and the band joking and fooling around. No wonder, already the “signature” on the wall behind the stage led to a lot of jokes. THE VERY END thanked almost everybody personally. Unfortunately the attending crowd was clear. Next time we have to do much more promotion!
Setlist: Memento, Ball & Chain, The Leper, Sewn Eye Sleep, A Hole In The Sun, Immigrant Song, Dead Is The New Alive, Flatline, Letters To The Living, Maniac, Blacklisted // The Loss Theory

Yesss, it was a wonderful and surprising afternoon/evening. Too bad I arrived so late. Next time I do it better ;) There was some trouble prior this day, mostly coming from the township, but it did not harm the event too much. We had to go around the corner for some brewski, but hey, that’s the use legs are made for right? I really hope they repeat this kind of event in 2012. Would be really nice. Thank you guys, I had a blast! :)

story & pics © Dajana