On stage: Gamma Ray

 
- Gamma Ray & Rage
 
- Sep. 1993
 
- Düsseldorf (D) -


 
- Metal Dayz
 
- June 2000
 
- Pratteln (CH) -


 
- W.O.A.
 
- Aug. 2000
 
- Wacken (D) -


 
- Gamma Ray, Sonata Arctica & Vanishing Point
 
- Sep. 2001
 
- Bochum (D) -


 
- Gamma Ray & Paragon
 
- Nov. 2002
 
- Bochum (D) -


 
- Iron Maiden & Gamma Ray
 
- Oct. 2003
 
- Stuttgart (D) -


 
- RockHard Festival
 
- May 2004
 
- Gelsenkirchen (D) -


 
- Gamma Ray, Nocturnal Rites & Powerwolf
 
- Oct. 2005
 
- Kaufbeuren (D) -


 
- Magic Circle Festival
 
- July 2007
 
- Bad Arolsen (D) -


 
- Gamma Ray & Axxis
 
- Dec. 2007
 
- Bremen (D) -


 
- Gamma Ray & Freedom Call
 
- Feb. 2010
 
- Bochum (D) -


 
- Gamma Ray & Freedom Call
 
- Mar. 2010
 
- Saarbrücken (D) -


 
- Gamma Ray
 
- Apr. 2011
 
- Bochum (D) -

- Gamma Ray - April 28th 2011 - Bochum (D), Zeche
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In 2002 Gamma Ray did a short tour called Skeletons In The Closet for which they did dig out songs which rarely or never been played live. Now they revive this idea and spiced it up with some unplugged songs. The mini album Skeletons & Majesties was release a few days before the tour and gave a good impression what to expect. This time only 4 shows were scheduled and 2 were chosen to be recorded for a DVD / live album. Tonight was one of them.







The information about show time at the website of the venue wasn't correct and due to delayed trains I arrived when Mob Rules were almost done. But well... 







A little past 8:30 PM the intro announced the beginning of the show. The band kicked off with Anywhere In The Galaxy and Men, Martians And Machines. The awesome foursome was in splendid mood. The crowd welcomes the Hanseatic loudly. "That's just great, Bochum! And you are great, too!" Kai stated. "Welcome to a special show! I hope you like it. This is The Spirit!" And even if the songs usually not on the set list, the fans knew the words and sang along. After the song the fans started to sing "Happy, happy Gamma Ray" - and the band was floored! They continued with a song written by Henjo, the fast Wings Of Destiny! Exactly what the fans wanted. Again the fans shouted the band name rhythmically. "Really, many many thanks! This makes us feeling welcome! And so we now play something for the heart..." Kai handed his guitar to his roadie to concentrate on singing Farewell. First he was only joined by keyboard and bass, later the others joined in. A very emotional tune which also showed that Kai Hansen improved as a singer.





Time to pick up the guitar again and to present the Birth Control track which the band named after. The metallic version of the 1972 tune sounded fresh and it was fun to see the Hanseatic performing it. But the fans were happy to hear it. Then they traveled back in time and offered a tune from the band's debut album - Money! Bassist Dirk Schlächter joined in for some vocal parts. Towards the end of the song the band 'heated' up the atmosphere with party poppers, then throw some chocolate coins into the audience.





Gamma Ray surprised the fans with a special guest! For Time To Break Free ex-Helloween singer Michael Kiske joined them on stage and as soon as the fans had overcome this positive shock the house was on fire. It was amazing to see Michael Kiske on stage again, he's still an incredible singer and it seemed that he enjoyed being on stage with his former band mate Kai Hansen again.





A short change over for the unplugged part of the show, but it didn't take long and they returned and sat down. "Time for some acoustics! Geezers can sit down." Kai said smirking. And to his band mates, that he's missing an ash tray. The first they did Rebellion In Dreamland which they recorded for Skeletons & Majesties. At the refrain Kai changed the lyrics from 'have no fear, rebellion is here' to 'have no fear, the Rays are here'. Live this version was even better than on CD. "I hope this acoustic stuff didn't sound to queer for you!?!" No reaction from the audience, so he repeated it and now the fans responded. After his roadie handed him a new drink they wanted to continue, but Henjo had to face some technical problem and so Kai had to keep talking while the crew tried to fix it. As it took longer Kai stated "Henjo, speed up! Curfew is at 11 PM! You aren't Pete Townsend! Everybody who don't know Pete Townsend, he was the guitarist of The Who and thrashed his guitar at the end of their shows. But he wasn't the first, Jimi Hendrix did it, but he had stolen it too." Finally Henjo's guitar was audible again and they kicked off Send Me A Sign. That was the other 'majesty' they recorded for the mini album. After a few moments Henjo's guitar dropped out again and he went off stage. Just to return in the nick of time for the last chord of the song. Well, that's live. Actually Gamma Ray seems to have technical problems every time they play in Bochum... At least next days show would be recorded, too.



After another quick change over they came back full force with Dethrone Tyranny. "Now we have a song from Iron Savior for you which I wrote, but we have recorded it, so it's okay that we play it. It's Watcher In The Sky!" Afterwards the people were chanting 'Gamma Ray, Gamma Ray' again. "Wonderful! As you know we have done a mini album, I hope you like the artwork!" Kai said and a little chit-chat on stage took place. Very funny. After Hold Your Ground it was time for Kai to give his guitar to his roadie and for something emotional. Michael Kiske joined them on stage. "We haven't done this before, well we rehearsed it, but...." Kai started explaining and lit a cigarette. "Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra had ciggy on stage, at least one of them." he justified his doing. A While In Dreamland was presented as a duet of Kai and Michael. Perhaps not perfectly presented, but simply awesome. Two more to go and they came to an end.





But they returned for an encore. Well, Kai came back and thanked the audience for the  great support. Still one his own, he mimicked an announcement... "Herr Zimmermann, Herr Schlächter, Herr Richter, please come to the psychiatric ward!" Some fans were shouting for specific songs, but they didn't get heard. Finally the other Rays showed up and so they continued with Insurrection. At an instrumental passage some fan shouted "I love you" and Kai almost missed to set in. And off they were. The fans wanted more and they got more! Kicking off with the classic "Happy, happy Helloween" and lead over into Future World - with Michael Kiske! It was an extended version and it seems that nobody - on or off stage - wanted this to come to an end. Especially the ones who saw them back in the days when both were part of Helloween it was a dream come true. And an exciting experience for everybody who never saw them on stage together.







Time is flying when you have fun - and everybody was enjoying this show. I can't wait to see the Skeletons & Majesties DVD and I hope that at least some of the funny stuff ends up as a bonus at this DVD. Hopefully promoters will give them the chance to do a few more of this special shows... Thanks for an amazing concert!

  
  







Claudia Ehrhardt



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- Freedom Call & Gamma Ray - March 23rd 2010 - Saarbrücken (D), Garage -






 

  


  





















  
  

Actually the concert should have taken place on 16th March 2010. But at 3 PM the same day I got the sad information that the concert had been rescheduled to 23rd March. Reason: Henjo Richter, guitar player of Gamma Ray, hurt his eye and he had to undergo surgery. This is why I had to go there now. When I arrived there I immediately recognized that Italians Secret Sphere wouldn't play their show due to other reasons.

Nuremburg's Freedom Call hit the stage at 8 PM and started with We Are One from their debut album Stairway To Fairyland. It turned out quickly that there were many fans being there to see Freedom Call. As they went on with United Alliance from Dimensions album, many of the fans started to sing along. Chris Bay was really happy about the big audience. He recognized that the fans knew most of the songs and asked them, if they can sing along to their new songs. Then they player Thunder God and Tears Of Babylon. Temporary drummer Klaus Sperling (ex-Primal Fear) showed his skills and it seemed that he won't get out of breath while hitting the double bass drum. The mood didn't seem to calm down when they played Hunting High And Low, certainly not when it was time for the hit Metal Invasion. The audience was really happy about this and sang along to the lyrics. Same was Dimensions hit Mr. Evil. After that, last song of the Legend Of The Shadowking album was played: Out Of The Ruins. They finished their official set with Far Away and the mighty Warriors. Fans wanted some more and as encore Land Of The Light and self-titled track Freedom Call finished the set. Personally I missed some songs, but as special guest they didn't had the time to play more tracks.

After a 30 minute change over it was time for headliners Gamma Ray! Although the lights weren't off, I think We Will Rock You by Queen was an little in official intro because after it was over, lights immediately were turned of and the official intro Welcome welcomed all the fans to another Gamma Ray tour! As Freedom Call did a great support show it wasn't tough for Gamma Ray to heat up the crowd! They started their set with Gardens Of The Sinner from Power Plant album. Everybody who didn't saw the happiness they had on stage had to blind I think. Henjo was replaced for this concert by Kasperi Heikinen from Finland who replaced him in 2006 for some time. They directly turned over to New World Order from 2001's No World Order album. Now the point has come when I had to interview Chris Bay of Freedom Call. 

I was back as they started with To The Metal! Mood was still as high as in the beginning. After Rebellion, Kai Hansen himself did an awesome guitar solo before they finished their set with Man On a Mission. During the encore I was honored to listen to I Want Out. Everyone partied up with Send Me A Sign and then it finally was over. During the outro Kai entered the first row to shake hands with the fans. I should mention, that Dan Zimmermann and Dirk Schlächter did an brilliant job!

I have to say that this evening was absolutely great. Both bands had fun on stage and every fan enjoyed this event. In my opinion, sampled keys for Freedom Call were to quiet, but this may rely to the acoustic of the event hall itself. I'm really looking forward for their next shows!

  
  







Philip Thelen



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- Gamma Ray & Freedom Call - February 9th 2010 - Bochum (D), Zeche -






 

  


  





























  
  

It started snowing when I left home and headed to Bochum to see Freedom Call and Gamma Ray. Exactly 24 years and 3 days ago I saw Kai Hansen at this very stage on tour with Helloween - on tour with Grave Digger and Celtic Frost. Long time ago!

I missed the opening band Secret Sphere due to interview with Chris Bay and Henjo Richter, so I can't tell you anything about the Italians. The venue wasn't sold out, but was packed!

At about a quarter past 8PM it was time for Freedom Call to enter the stage. Chris Bay and his mates kicked off with We Are One from their debut Stairway To Fairyland. Right from the start it was obvious that a lot of people were into the Freedom Call sound. After they cheered up the fans with United Alliance it was time to testing the waters and play some new stuff! Their latest album Legend Of The Shadowking is just out for about a week, but it seems that quite a few already knew the songs by heart. Singer and guitarist Chris Bay chose Thunder God, Tears Of Babylon, The Darkness and Merlin - Legend Of The Past to represent their latest piece of work. It wasn't really a surprise that Dan Zimmermann wasn't hitting the drums, coz Gamma Ray always have priority to him. He was replaced by former Primal Fear drummer Klaus Sperling for the tour. Chris Bay didn't waste time talking and he didn't need to, coz the fans were clapping their hands and sang along. For most of the fans the Freedom Call set was over too soon, but others were happy, coz it meant soon Gamma Ray would enter the stage.

At 9:35 PM the intro Welcome announced the start of the Gamma Ray show. And like before they chose Gardens Of The Sinner from Power Plant as the opening song. Right from the start the fans were celebrating Gamma Ray and it seems that almost everybody laready knew the lyrics of Empathy, even as To The Metal was just out for about a week. "Hello Bochum!" Kai Hansen welcomed their fans. "Bochum is always special, but for me its a special show, coz someone just told me today that I played here about 24 years ago with a band called Helloween. And I'm really grateful for this, I have to thank you, the fans for making this possible! Now let's get back To The Metal!" And they headed into Deadlands. "We will know play a song Henjo wrote... I think it's from..." and he looked at Henjo who provided the album title. "...from Majestic. Let's Fight!" After the emotional Mother Angel Kai disappeared for a moment and returned with a head mic and while he fixed it, he started talking... "All the big and famous have this... Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, Robbie Williams, so I, Kai Hansen, have to have one too. Bla bla bla... But it gives me the chance to walk around. Bla bla bla. And I don't need to stand at the mic stand all night. Okay, the sound bla bla bla, it's more like Kermit canned, but metal is metal! Now we go back in time, back to Land Of The Free and I hope some of remember the lyrics... Abyss Of The Void!" The Saviour let into Abyss Of The Void which was followed by a drum solo. Dan Zimmermann's solo was split in 3 parts, starting with a technical part he headed into a classic part where his drumming was accompanied by music - I know the classical piece he chose, but can't come up with the title -, last, but not least he offered a Can Can. When Kai, Dirk and Henjo returned to the stage Kai made a joke about Dan and that he can Can Can... With Armageddon they played another old one before they offered 2 new tracks. The title track To The Metal is a true metal hymn and so it seemed that everybody was singing along. After No Need To Cry they returned to Land Of The Free with Rebellion In Dreamland and Man On A Mission. The band left the stage and it seemed way too early... But the fans loudly demanded more and so they returned for some more... With Heading For Tomorrow they been back to the beginning of Gamma Ray and with New World Order and Send Me A Sign they finished the set.

Fans of the Hanseatic were happy, but would have wished for some more... Also some songs from other albums, coz this time they seemed to focus on their new album - which is just normal -, Power Plant and Land Of The Free. But as Henjo told me next time around they will surprise us.... It was good to see them back on stage, even if it would be nice to see them next time with only one supporting band and so more stage time!
  
  







Claudia Ehrhardt


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Gamma Ray & Axxis - December, 2nd 2007 - Bremen (D), Aladin





 

  


  

Quite spontaneously we decided to go to Bremen to see Gamma Ray... A rainy winter day... More surfing down the highway then driving, anyway we made it to Bremen.

The package on the Hellish Rock tour 2007/2008 are Axxis, Gamma Ray and Helloween and tonight many fans from Hamburg came to Bremen, coz the tour won't stop in Hamburg.

The German melodic metal band Axxis is around for almost 20 years and is out now to promote their latest studio album Doom Of Destiny live. With the intro Voices Of Doom they entered the stage and kicked off with Doom Of Destiny. The venue was already filled and the fans gave Axxis a warm welcome. After Tales Of Glory Island singer and mainman Bernie Weiß started talking to the fans.. "We are only the support band, so don't be too enthusiastic! Well, do you want to sing?" Bernie started to animate the fans to sing with him and they started Little War. Before they played Take My Hand Bernie explained that Lakonia wasn't able to join them, but that Ana Mladinovici of the Romanian band Magica joined them for the tour. The sound was good so far, but the vocals drowned a bit in the guitars. With Bloodangel they played another new track and again the vocals could have been a bit more up-front... Ana left the stage when Axxis started Living In A World. One more and with Kingdom Of The Night they finished their set. The reaction of the fans was great and the band left the stage in good mood.

During the Axxis set more people arrived and it got quite packed. Fans waited to see Gamma Ray - and later Helloween - on stage. With Welcome Kai Hansen and his mates entered the stage and started with Heaven Can Wait which was followed by New World Order - here the high notes sounded a bit croaky. "Hello Bremen!" Kai started. "And overall I say... Hello Hamburg!" And it got loud... Obviously many fans came from Hamburg to see the band in Bremen. After Land Of The Free it was time for some new tunes off Land Of The Free II with Into The Storm and Real World. The new songs got a good response, but it seems that not everybody knew the new tracks. After Real World Kai left the stage and changed the guitar. Meanwhile bassist Dirk Schlächter wanted to talk to the fans, but Kai was back in less then no time, so that Dirk had no chance to. "The next one you all know! Sing with us!" Kai said, but the fans in the front rows were shouting for a bass solo.... "No, no bass solo!" Kai countered, but Dirk started playing... And with a big smile Kai said to Dirk: "You let yourself in for it!" But then they continued with Rebellion In Dreamland and Heavy Metal Universe. The fans were loudly singing along and welcomed Henjo's guitar solo during Heavy Metal Universe. Kai had to change his guitar and after some joking with Dirk they let the girls and the guys sing separately singalong...  And then all together! "Bremen, Hamburg that was world class!" Kai shouted. With The Silence they slowed down a bit and again the fans sung along loudly which made Kai state "I know that Hansi Hinterseer and Florian Silbereisen would be proud of you! Okay, let's get back to something more serious!" And played some notes which made the fans sing 'Happy, happy Helloween' before breaking into Ride The Sky! The crowd went wild! Last, but not least they played Somewhere Out In Space and Send Me A Sign. Too soon it was over and the fans waited for some more, but the crew began to change the set-up and fans turned to the counters for a drink.

Then it was time for Helloween! They started off with Halloween and Sole Survivor. But I didn't followed their set, instead I talked to some friends from Hamburg who also came to see Gamma Ray. And while we sat in the snack bar we saw people leaving.... Later we talked to bit with Rob from Axxis and only watched the jam of Helloween and Gamma Ray at the end of the Helloween set. For the jam session they chose Future World and I Want Out. And back in the audience it was obvious that more then just a few fans had already left... Anyway, it was worth driving to Bremen and I'm looking forward to see Axxis and Gamma Ray again in January!
  
  






Claudia Ehrhardt

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Gamma Ray, Nocturnal Rites & Powerwolf

- Oct. 22nd 2005 - Kaufbeuren (D), All-Karthalle -





 

  


  

In April we been for the first time to Kaufbeuren to see Circle II Circle and Masterplan at the Zepplinhalle. This time it wasn't planned, but we ended up at the All-Karthalle to see Gamma Ray - again. The interview with Kai Hansen I did a few days ago in Oberhausen, but missed Powerwolf there. As I got the chance to see the whole package, I decided to review this show - as it was the last one of the tour, it could be special....

I have to confess that I haven't heard anything about Powerwolf before I got the tour dates. And still don't know much about them, so I can't tell you much about the band. Musically they are some kind of 80's metal... Something like Iron Maiden meets Mercyful Fate... Not just because of the theatralic presentation of singer Attila! Grammatically his German wasn't correct, but he tried and not many would do that! Even if it sounded a bit funny... But thumbs up for trying! I remember one track... Mr. Sinister which was a little doomy and had a great hookline. I think that they made some new fans and I'll check them out soon.

After a short change-over it was time for Nocturnal Rites. Not the first time that Nocturnal Rites are on tour with Gamma Ray, even if it's been a few years and a couple of CDs. The Swedish toured a lot and so they have their own fan base.... And some of their fans come to see them tonight. They opened up with Fools Never Die from their latest release Grand Illusion - a catchy melodic rocker. A good choice, coz even if you don't know the track you can soon singalong. That singer Jonny Lindkvist and his mates presented mainly songs from the days with Lindkvist isn't a surprise, beside that their focus lay on Grand Illusion. With The Iron Force of The Sacred Talisman they played only one song from the pre-Lindkvist era. Drummer Owe Lingvall and bassist Nils Eriksson delivered the playground for guitarists Nils Norberg and Frederik Mannberg. The quintet had obviously a lot fun on stage and so the fans could enjoy their show, too. Another highlight of the set was Shadowland and the final song Afterlife. After so many tours as a support it would be time for Nocturnal Rites to play headliner shows, but on the other hand there are so many bands where just a handful of fans show up... But what about a tour as a double headliner? So they would have more stage time... Hopefully we'll see them again and perhaps they can play longer then... Good show!

During the change over the first fans started singing 'Happy, happy Gamma Ray'. The stage was floaded by blue light... Flashing red light... And smoke. Then the intro and then the band entered the stage and started their musical travel with Gardens Of The Sinner. Then with New World Order a track from their last studio album and back to the early days of the band with Heaven Can Wait. Dan delivered the drum beat for the excellent performance of the others. Bassist Dirk Schlächter was always in motion and posing while guitarist Henjo Richter played quite relaxed his parts. Especially Kai Hansen seemed to be in an excellent mood and so it was a lot of fun to watch the Hanseatic. Between the songs Kai was talking and joking. Here and there you could hear that Kai's voice wasn't 100%, but well that's the singer's fate... With Fight they played the first song of their latest album Majestic. Followed by Blood Religion where Powerwolf singer Attila entered the stage and delivered the theatralic aspect to the song with his Dracula outfit. Then a bit back in time with Strangers In The Night. A song where it became obvious that Kai's voice wasn't 100%, but still he did a good job. One With The World was perfect to animate the fans to sing along, then it was time for Dan's drum solo. Afterwards they played Majesty which is a great song, but I would probably put it somewhere else in the set... And then Kai and Henjo started with exchanging some riffs... Smoke On The Water and then a famous Priest riff which lead into Heavy Metal Universe. Here the audience had to respond to Kai's vocal acrobatic... And they did. With Rebellion In Dreamland and Land Of The Free the set ended. But soon they returned for the catchy Valley Of The Kings, Somewhere Out In Space and Rebellion In Dreamland (Reprise). The quartet - plus their Finnish tour keyboarder - left the stage again, but the fans wanted more and so they came back for Send Me A Sign and the only Helloween track I Want Out. It seemed that too soon the show was over, but it's just that time is flying, if you have fun... Even if some complaint that they didn't play Future World... And that they didn't play more tracks from No World Order... You never can satisfy everybody. But I can't wait to see them again, but for Germany that was it... Even if the touring ain't over for the GRays. Next they head to Japan and South America... More shows next year and perhaps there will be on or the other show here in Europe... Perhaps even Germany... Anyway, if you have the chance to see the Hanseatic, take it!!!! I saw them several times and they never been better then on this tour! Thanks for a great evening!

Finally I have to say that the acoustics are not very good here, but if you have to choose between no concert or a concert without the opitmum sound, then most would vote for  the concert. Even if Gamma Ray's sound tech Piesel was able to give the band a more then decent sound. But it ain't easy to get a good sound in a venue like this. Beside the sound there was nothing to complain. Good organization, friendly local crew, drinks & food, what more can you ask for?
  
  






Claudia Ehrhardt

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Gamma Ray & Paragon - November, 4th 2002 - Bochum (D), Zeche





 

  


  

When the shows were announced it was a surprise, coz in fall 2001 the Hanseatic toured to promote their latest release No World Order! And there was no new album... To find out about the reason for this tour I did an interview before the shows where we also talked about the future plans of Gamma Ray.

Bochum was the last show on the Skeletons In The Closet tour which just got them on the road for about a week.

Support on the tour were the Hamburg-based band Paragon who released earlier this year their current album Law Of The Blade through Remedy Records and played in Bochum in June as opener of Virgin Steele. When the quintet entered the stage already a few hundred fans were waiting for the show of Gamma Ray. The band of guitarist and mainman Martin Christian played - more or less - the same set as on their show in June and started with Armies Of The Tyrant. During the 40 min. set the band put priority on the last album and so singer Burschi and his mates offered songs like the title track Law Of The Blade and Across The Wastelands.

After a break Gamma Ray entered the stage for a 2 hours set which started with Welcome and Garden Of The Sinner. Kai Hansen and the rest of the quartet (as well as the tour-keyboarder) were dressed in black with cuts and some kind of cylinders. After the first songs Kai explained the title of the tour to the fans and what's the idea behind the whole thing and said that it feels like coming home, coz they play so often in Bochum through the years and love to come back everything. Then they continued with Rich And Famous. And so the about 900 fans were prepared to hear a lot of songs which they just have played on one tour or never (set list see below). Meanwhile the guys had take off the cuts and cylinders. During Heavy Metal Universe Kai had some technical problems and had to change the guitar for a few minutes and so the band played a longer instrumental part where Henjo Richter put in the riff of Deep Purple's Smoke On The Water and when Kai changed back to his pink ESP guitar Paragon singer Burschi entered the stage and sang the chorus with them. Kai and Burschi ask the fans to sing along. First the fans weren't loud enough in their opinion. "Sounds like a small town" Kai said to Burschi and that they expect more from the fans at Zeche in Bochum. Next try. "Okay, this sounds like a small world!" Kai stated and Burschi agreed. Some more tries and at least it was "A Heavy Metal Universe!" It was obvious that the band really enjoyed playing these songs. When Kai announced One With The World he talked about the politicians like Bush and others who risk the world freedom with their action. It's not the first time that Kai Hansen used the chance to make a political statement while introducing a song, a kind of tradition, coz on their first tour - with Helloween in 1985 - he started this tradition when he introduced Judas. Then it was time for Daniel Zimmermann's drum solo! It's no secret that Dan is one of the best drummers for power metal here in Germany and so the fans enjoyed the drum solo and the light show with strobe lights which got along with the solo. Next another surprise... Razorblade Sign. Again it took a moment to change the guitars and bassist Dirk Schlächter cheered up the fans who started singing "Happy, happy Gamma Ray." Back at his microphone Kai started "The next song is a little difficult to sing" and took a sip from the black bottle at his micro stand. One fan shouted that he also want to take a sip and Kai replied "How can you know that you want this? You don't know what it is!" And Henjo mentioned "That's urine!" and Kai gave him a puzzled look and shook his head while adding "Not really!" and they started Heart Of The Unicorn. A few more tracks and the regular set was over. The band returned for 3 more songs. During Heaven And Hell their guest keyboarder had the chance for a short keyboard solo during the second refrain. The Hanseatic finished their set with Guardians Of Mankind. The band and fans were satisfied. It was over too soon, even if the set at all was about 2 hrs., but time is flying, if you have fun and it was fun to hear all this track live again! Thanks for this unusual tour! But unfortunately it also means that we won't see them again on stage soon and that this was probably the last time that this songs were played live... Anyway, it was fun!





Welcome

Gardens Of The Sinner

Rich And Famous

All Of The Damned

No Return

Armageddon

Heavy Metal Universe

One With The World

Rising (drum solo)

Razorblade Sign

Heart Of The Unicorn

Lust Before The Storm

Victim Of Fate

Rising Star / Shine On



The Silence

Heaven Or Hell

Guardians Of Mankind

  
  






Claudia Ehrhardt

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Gamma Ray, Sonata Arctica & Vanishing Point
 - Sep., 27th 2001 - Bochum (Germany), Zeche -





 

  


  

The tour was kicked off today in Bochum, so not everything worked out perfectly. The Zeche was packed, almost sold out. One reason for the huge interested was probably the package and also the great album Gamma Ray had just released.

The Australian band Vanishing Point opened the power metal event and offered songs from their 2nd album Tangled In Dream. The youngsters from Down Under aren't very experienced in live performance, but they are very talented and gave a bonfire of their progressive power metal. Most seemed not to know them, but the sympathetic band from Australian made some fans. A good start for them to introduce themselves to the European audience.

Next on the billing the Finnish Sonata Arctica who just released their 2nd full-length album called Silence. The band of singer Tony Kakko played a solid set and it was obvious that they got a more experience in playing live since they toured with Stratovarius. Focused on songs from Silence the band didn't forget to play some tunes from their debut, but due to the limited time not all songs the fans wanted to hear could be played. Some fans wanted to see more of the Finnish and would have welcome a headlining show of Sonata Arctica. In my opinion it would have been to early and the Finnish were right to support Gamma Ray. Perhaps is was partly like a dream come true for them, coz they are known as fans of Helloween and their reminiscences to the Helloween are of the Keeper's era, the time Kai Hansen was still in Helloween. The coming album will show if the star of the Finnish power metal quintet will rise and establish them in the premier league of European power metal...

Then it was time for Gamma Ray! For many it was a sur­prise to see Markus Großkopf of Helloween on the four-strings, but Dirk Schlächter had to undergo a knee surgery and wasn't able to play the first shows. Markus was glad to help out and is seems like he was a regular member. It was partly like Helloween of the Hansen era was back to life. Starting with the intro of the latest release No World Order! they made the fans go crazy. They played most of the songs from the new album and added some classic Gamma Ray tunes. Kai & co. proofed that they are the no. 1 in Germany! Live they always did a fantastic job and also tonight they showed a bonfire of power metal tracks. The excellent light show, the songs and the fun the band had on stage made the fans bang their heads, sing along and party. After more than 15 years Kai still enjoys playing live and beside offering a great show they want to have fun. And it was fun for the band and the fans! When the band finally left after playing the encores they left the fans wanting more, but due to the strict curfew it was impossible to go on. Another proof that time is flying if you have fun. Hope they come around again.... Definitely one of the coming highlights at Bang-Your-Head 2002!
  
  






Claudia Ehrhardt

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Gamma Ray & Rage - Sep., 21st 1993 - Düsseldorf (D), Tor 3





 

  


  

In September 1993 Noise International bring the Melodic Metal tour on the German roads. The tour train stopped in Düsseldorf at 21st of September. Unfortunately I couldn't tell any thing about Helicon and Conception, coz we couldn't see the bands through the missing guest tickets from the local organizer of the concert. Actually we were on the guest list, but the local promoter hadn't the guest pass there for doors open! We just got in right in time to see Rage and Gamma Ray. About Conception I'll write later on when they come back in January 1994 as headliners of a small club tour.

The hall was filled with nearly 1,000 fans and they were really hot to see Rage and Gamma Ray.

Rage jumped on stage and gave full speed. The band started with Shame On You followed by Don't Fear The Winter and Certain Days. The guys showed a powerful show with Peavy in the lime light. Guitarist Manni played brilliant guitar lines on the straight rhythm section of Efti and Peavy. This time Peavy also changed his style of singing on the live performance. The audience went crazy on tracks like Refuge, Solitary Man and Enough Is Enough. After an about 70 min. long set the band had to leave for Gamma Ray.

After a break the Hamburg-based quintet entered the stage with Tribute To The Past. The guys played a mixture of old and new tracks with the focus on the material of Insanity & Genius. Songs like Space Eater and Changes were welcome by the fans, but the real highlights were the medley of Helloween songs and Future Madhouse when the band came on stage dressed in white coats like doctors. Naturally Kai Hansen shared the lime light with shouter Ralf Scheepers. The rest of the bunch had a lot of fun, too and have no problem with standing in the back of the public eye. Bassist Jan Rubach, second guitarist Dirk Schlächter and drummer Thomas Nack enjoy playing with the others. This guys became a strong unit, they try to rattle the thrown of acts like Helloween, Doro and the other very successful German acts. And the future will tell, if they can fight themselves into the premier league of melodic power metal.
  
  






Claudia Ehrhardt



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