von Joanna Ostrowiecka
THE SAUCER IN KATOWICE IS EXCITING
If a DP fan lives in Poland and misses their gig in Katowice, it's
as if he lived in Paris and never visited the Eiffel Tower. I
always go to Katowice, and not only there, when Deep Purple come
to Poland.
I was so glad to hear that our best progressive rock band, SBB,
would play as a DP support. I always liked them. Now I wasn't
disappointed, the more so as I heard them live for the first
time. They still are great.
Their first song was "Memento With a Banal Tryptych",
this time dedicated "to the pigeons fanciers" as Józef
Skrzek said. To the victims of the recent tragedy in
Katowice. Apart from this piece, the group played some newer
songs. The best was "Walkin' Around the Stormy Bay",
with Apostolis Anmtimos playing drums. Two drum sets on the stage,
it was unusual! I only wish the musicians were more
visible. Crowds of cameramen were always blocking my view!
At about 9.00 PM we saw Deep Purple, but on a film, not on the
stage. It was amusing to see the band coming out a big case. Then
the musicians appeared live. The audience got mad, the more so as
the first song was "Pictures of Home", rarely played at
gigs. It's an excellent piece to begin concerts.
The band came very punctually, but there must have been some
trouble with the equipment. The speakers were droning a bit. I
also wish the musicians played "Junkyard Blues" instead
of taking it out from the setlist. It sounds great at shows!
"Before Time Began" was a big surprise to me because it
was sung this time, not spoken. It sounded very nice. So did
"Things I Never Said". I hope the band will never take
it out. I like it so much.
If you enter Ian Gillan's website, you can see there some words of
sympathy to the victims of the recent disaster in Poland. The
artist promised to dedicate "Contact Lost" to all those
lost in Katowice. He kept his word. Steve Morse played beautifully
and we all were moved.
I think Don Airey loves Chopin. He played a mazurka for us. And
the Polish anthem (also mazurka), as usual.
The band played 5 songs of their newest album. Apart from
"Things I Never Said" and "Before Time Began",
we heard "Wrong Man", "Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye"
and "Rapture of the Deep" (of course!)
"Rapture" was the best this night!
I wish they played 7 or 8 new songs instead of 5. "Clearly
Quite Absurd" is such a nice ballad. "Back to Back"
and "Don't Let Go" sound great, too...
But the gig was cool. I was so happy to see Deep Purple live that
I'm thinking of going to one of their next shows. In Germany for
example. Why not?
-Joanna Ostrowiecka
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