05.11.1998 Live in Tangermünde
(written by Sonja, translation and adaption by F.A.T. Office) Thursday the 5th of November 1998- the great day was there: my AV premiere in Tangermünde. In the morning I got into the right mood for the event with listening AV Cds. Punctual at a quarter to 6 p.m. the bell ringed and I runned down the stairs of the 4 floors. A short view into the garden and lo an dbelow cat Freddy finally returned at home (is that really necessary right now???). I hoped he'll go up there alone and will wait for daddy, so I didn't care (this night was AV night!). marcus, my good old, helpful and reliable friend waited in the car for me. readdy, steaddy, do!
Unfortunately it was rushhour in Berlin and we needed quite a while till we left the city, finally. Marcus had loaded  down a detailed description of the way from the internet. So there was no problem to reach Tangermünde.
On the way I saw runned over rabbits and also a fox - we were really in the country side.
Short before 8 p.m. we arrived in Tangermünde. marcus waited till I had my ticket and left then. He spent the hours at Mc Donalds. Actually I invited him to the concert, but he wasn't interested. I couldn't understand but certainlyit's a metter of facts that he's no AV fan (to say it friendly). So I', special thankful that he drove me without any grumble. Now I was alone. I entered the Albpark and hoped to see known faces. But I wasn't so successful because I still don't know so many of the other fans. to say the truth I just know the ones who were at the Fanclub party in Berlin and from them I knew they wouldn't come (from here greetings to Claudi, Ralf and Hervè).
The Elbpark was done very nicely: a big danceground directly in front of the stage, on the right and the left sides on the empore were chairs and tables and in the background a snackbar and drinkstands. besiedes there was a crossing to a restaurant. The right ambience for the night. I sat down on the empore, but near to the stage, and watched the audience till the support band came. There were people in every age: from the 65 yeras old grandma till to just going through puberty teenagers.  A very mixed audience. Some girls were very, very rigged up and made it permanently with their varnish-leather handbags to the toilet.
The support badn was a duo named "Silent Song". They played remakes of old songs by Smokie, Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, The Police, The Beatles, sould Asylum and so on. I liked it and some of the "older Ladies" danced already now very wild. I kept my strength for AV. One hour later I had enough from the cover versions. It was my first AV concert and I was understandably very excited (similar emotions I only had at my french state examination in August 98). But 2Siltent Song" won't left the stage. I had to waith another 30 minutes. Short before 10 p.m. the first ones from the audience called for AV because some technical engineers were very busy at the stage. In the meanwhile I had a good place right in front of Marians microphone. then fog and the first tones of "Sould messiah". The stars of my childhood entered the stage! marians loooked great! The hair not too short, weared in dark cloths (darkgrey trowsers, a sleeveless vest and over that a half button shirt) . I got quite a scare as I saw him. He was so slight build. Compared to the party in Berlin, where he was a bit stronger. I feared a little bit if his constitution is strong enough for 3 concerts on 3 nights. But he did a great performance with  no shadow of doubts. I couldn't stand still; I danced and sang. Some people looked strange at me. I had the impression many of them didn't know the song and more less the lyrics. but they couldn't spoil my fun. I waited so long for this occasion. The next song was " A victory of love" and again the mood was great for me and also on the stage. The people in the audience around me were still very moveless and watched just to the show. oh, oh seeming not to be such a competent audience. But maybe also my expectations were too high. How could I await that they love each song just like I do. anyway I had my fun and that was important. Marian continued (maybe he didn't notice it). He was so active as the show was sent out to the whole world. probably he's so active at every concert. I cannot compare because it was my first concert. what was really positive for me: the people didn't push or shove (I had absolutely different experiences at other concerts). i had also place enough to dance. The mood was relaxed and friendly. One negative thing was, that so many people smoked. they stand so cool with their cigarette in one hand and a beer in the other and watched how Marian gave all his power. I'm not in general against smokers, but I hate it if I must breath all the smoke, too. Bernd smiled often and trilled the lyrics. he gave a very pleasant impression. The songs were live very good. I must admit I had not expect that the songs are live so good. And it was the best proof for Marians ability to sing. he was great with fast songs like "Guardian Angel" (my favourite song from "Salvation") and also with slow songs for example "Flame". Even if he was sweaty already after the first songs, he continued without loosing power. Now and then he drank some water or went backstage and returned with combed hair. During "Forever Young" finally the whole audience sang together and there were many lights. AV left the stage the first time at 11 p.m.. Here I felt bad: hopefully Marcus wouldn't wait outside in the cold. He had said before he'll be in front of the Elbpark on 10 p.m. As the band retruned for the necore I forgot Marcus again for a while. A quarter to midnight the whole concerts was over. I stood in front of the stange and asked Rob in English, why they hadn't play "Monkey in the moon" and naturally I hoped for a sign that there'll be one of the legendary parties after the show.  Actually my hopes were not so high  in view of the allotted tasks (Thursday concert in Tangermünde, Friday in Pulsnitz and Saturday in Zeitz). Unfortunately I was right! no Party! Some women called for autographes and went directly to the backstage area. For be that was too obtrusive and so I decided to let wait Marcus  no longer. Later he told me he'd heard at the radio at Mc Donalds how long the concert will take. So he was there not too early. At the exit I met "old friends": Ralf and Bianka Götze. I spoke to them in the hope to hear about a party, yet.  I was very surprised that they identified me. But they confirmed my speculation, there's no party tonight. Okay, let's wait for the next chance. After farewell, Marcus and me went back to Berlin. On the way I talked and talked about the concert. This time we were faster, because the streets were deserted. Exhausted but happy I fell into my bed at 3 a.m. Before I had drive out cat Freddy of my bed.  so, that was my AV premiere - very successful. I hope to be very soon again at another Av concert (and hopefully to meet some other fanclub members there). Besides I hope that Martin can accompany me then.

Best regards from Sonja from Berlin

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