11 years ago AV had their first number one with “Big in Japan”. Since then it is asked “when can we see you live?”. Now the dream comes true “See AV live”, for example in Burg on the 2nd of September 1995. We bought our tickets already at the beginning of July. The journey went unproblematic, 2 and a half hour by car. As we arrived in Burg, Uwe said:” Well, look if you can find a sign where’s the Goethepark”. What a surprise: On the next cross was a self-made arrow with the lettering “Alphaville”. I call out “ this way, this way!” Then I have to laugh. We never experienced before that a concert ( a quite usual event) is sign-posted across through a city with 4000 inhabitants. We followed the arrows and then we hear music “Big in Japan” – it’s the sound-check. The nervous tension is getting more and more, just like needles in pins in the tip of our toes. We try to have a view to the musicians on the stage. But we can’t see anything, the stage was around the corner.
Since there weren’t so many people at the
entrance we thought we should search something to eat. Certainly we’ll
have a long night. The hostess was amused by our question if she still
needs the promotion placard for the concert which hang on the wall at the
restaurant. “Do you want it?”, she asked. Of course, we wanted it.
6 p.m. – entrance: We’re in the first
row and happy about the nice weather. During the week there was only rain,
but now punctually for the open-air-concert the sun is shining. We have
still 2 hours to wait till to the begin. We watch the people. Maybe we
meet someone we know. Many fans know each other and the most waited 11
years for such a chance, just like us. On the stage was a big black banner
with lettering “Peace on earth-AV” The was also merchandising for sale
(poster, T-shirts and CD’s for a good price). “Peace on earth” was also
the motto of Marians only one solo-concert in 1991. Nowadays (4½
years later) it’s still very topical. Next to our left there’s a school.
Many people stand behind the fence. 10 people attract our attention; they
took place with chairs, a pair of binoculars and some drinks on the roof
of the school at a dizzying height.
8 p.m.: a man turned up in a suit and
tie opens the event. He announced 2 support bands. AV ‘ll play around
10 p.m. . That means once more 2 hours of waiting! Slowly it’s getting
colder.
But the support-bands “Point of view”
(an electronic band from Genthin) and Michael Barakowski ( a singer with
critical german lyrics) entertained us quite good.
As AV came on stage at 10 p.m. we forget
the cold. But who’s that? 4 musicians but neigher Ricky no Bernd be there
Marian – we ‘ve already heard him during the sound-check - was there in
any case. We welcomed him with big applause. They start with "Fools", followed
by "A Victory of Love" - but as guitar-Version.
The audience is excited, calls out again
and again "Alphaville!".
We like that guitar-sound very much. With
"Ascension Day", "One Step Behind You" and "Euphoria" the show goes on.
The longer instrumental part of "Euphoria"
Marian used to pull out his shirt. The next song is a ballad. Lights and
sparkles are lighted up. Everybody is listening closely to the wonderful
sensitive interpreted song. The atmosphere is breathtaking.
I've got the impression there's absolutely
silence, there's only Marians voice. He's able to create the perfect aura
for that song.
For me one of the greatest moments of
the night. I would have like to rested a while in this feeling, but the
applause breaks the atmosphere. "Lassie Come Home" is the next song. We're
surprised to hear this wonderful song. We hadn't expected, that's possible
to play that song live.
During "Faith" Marian introduced the musicians.
They seem to be funny fellows. They tease each other and the 2 guitarists
where across the stage. Another surprise is the reggae-version of "Sounds
Like a Melody". It was one of Uwes favourite tracks of the concert.
"Peace on Earth" reminds me to Berlin
'91. The song has lost nothing from its message and power. After "And I
Wonder" comes again a new song. Marian announces "It's the song with the
difficult lyrics". The lyrics is very long and rabbit fast. Marian and
the keyboarder sings it alternating.
We think that would be a great single.
It's a bit punky and remember us to Sigue Sigue Sputnick.
"Forever Young" is the highlight of the
concert - everybody's involved, we all are singing in a big choir.
But that's not all, even if the band left
the stage.
We demand an encore and we get it: "Ivory
Tower" and of course "Big in Japan" and also "Apollo".
Even if the audience demands another encore.
Now it's over.
By the way: If someone miss such an AV
arrow, maybe we took away one inadvertently.