Our World - Our Rules

A Day Off and Meaty In Hamburg, 23rd, 2008 - The Casa De Carne Tour

2008-7-27T17:31:00+0200

.... getting up at 9.00am after the concert night ended with a some hours at my favorite Irish pub wasn't that easy but we managed to have breakfast by time.
Well a tour is always something interesting you can learn from, e.g. who you can trust and who is a real friend.
Hey Sarge was good to talk to you

The concert in Hamburg was nearly the same like the one in Berlin except.....

My good friend Martina had the chance to meet the man himself for the first time and I was glad that Kathy was with her ... while Klaus and me were waiting outside with some nice people, e.g. Sabine, Hanne & Marion. (will be nice to meet you on the next tour)

Meaty was in extremly good mood, he had so much fun, he seems to be much more fitter than in Berlin. It seems he enjoyed every second of the concert a little bit more than at the last one.
I have to thank him for the beer on my Cowboy's jersey - Thank you, Meaty
At Took The Word he want us to sing the refrain in German - sorry, Meaty, it doesn't work
At the end of the show Pearl was on stage, it was so wonderful to see them together. Before he left the stage, he knelt down in front of us ... oh I got weak knees when knelt down so close in front of me .....

I didn't took pictures on that tour, it wasn't allowed by Meaty and from the places (in the middel of row 1) were I was standing in Berlin and Humburg it wasn't possible. In some way I'm a bit sad because I haven't pictures to remember some very special moments but it was a good decision not to take my camera with me. The main reason is: I couldn't meet him, look him in the eyes and talk to him and go out and disrespect his wish.

Meaty in Berlin, July 21st, 2008 - The Casa De Carne Tour 2008

2008-7-25T09:47:00+0200

YES THE MAN HIMSELF IS BACK FASTER THAN WE THOUGHT

When I got the news that Meaty will come to Berlin I was extremly excited 'cause he's comming to my hometown. Of course I needed a ticket and of course I took one for Hamburg. I couldn't go to Gelsenkirchen but 2 out of 3 ain't bad. For months I was looking forward to this few days off. Sunday , 20^th, 2008 was suddenly there and I was so happy 'cause my very good friend, Kathy was a guest of my family, me and Bogo, too

We had a great time touring Berlin and Potsdam by trike and had the best pizza in the world. Next day was day of concert and I was more than excited because two other friends Martina and Klaus arrived and were also guests of my family and me and I got one the best birthday gift ever, Thanks Kathy!!!!!!!!

We were at the vanue about 14.30h. While we went in earlier because of the Meet & Greet my friends had to wait outside. I wasn't that nervous but a few minutes before Meaty showed up I thought upside is down and .... :o And suddenly he was there with John. I wont tell here what John was talking about because it was ... well it has to do with sex :lol:

Meaty was as kind and nice as nothing else on this planet. When it was my time to take my picture with him and to talk a few seconds my friend was with me and we had a little funny photo session. Meaty, I thank you for every second.

Later we went to our place in front row and waited for the rest of our friends.

The concert part started with Pearl. I never heard her before but my dears, this lady is rocking and I'm so glad the she was the opnening act. Heavy guitars, hard drums, cool bass and a rocking voice.

She really warms the crowed up for her dad. He can be very proud.

A little break follows and then you heard the drums and the Native Amrican singer. You had no choice you had to go into that beat. John started to play along after a while the whole Neverland Express and Meat were standing in one row on stage and told us Boy's Bad news. I have no idea if I have the set list in my mind 'cause I was so much into the show – sorry. I would say If It Ain’t Broke, Break It - Out Of The Frying Pan (And Into The Fire) - Life Is A Lemon (And I Want My Money Back) and Bad For Good were following- no break and Meaty, hell, this man was pure energy! He looked so fantastic, healthy and fit – to sum it up, he was hot and sexy and he proved it during DeadRinger For Love and 45 Seconds Of Ecstasy. The little story at DeadRinger is a breath taking. Starts with the simple act of using the basecap and went on with having his arm around Patti's neck and opening the beer bottle – ladies !!!!!!!!! Now it is CC's turn ... when you think that Deadringer and acting with Patti is sexy, all I can say these are really 45 Seconds! I have to thank Meaty for putting Amnesty is Granted on the setlist. I love that song and to listen to it live is wonderful. Thank you :))) Patti came up with A Bible and a Beer and it is so great. It seems to be so simple words but all I can say I love that song, too and Meaty's acting during that song is nearly heart – breaking. His answer to her Bible and a Beer is Blind as a Bat. My song, for that I love you, Meaty. Rock'n'Roll Dreams followed. I hope I remember it right. Than ther was a little break to give Meaty and Patti enought time to get ready for Paradise. Wow, Paradise as it should be. Meaty and Patti!!! Do I have to say more? (No offense to Aspen, she did it very good in her own way and it was nice to see her, too) Took The Words was reduced to the refrain and we sang as we had to save our lives. Then he took his black velvet jacket and told Patti he would do Anything for Love and how he told it! It was wonderful. I loved it and how long he hold the last note! I still hear the last note when the first cords of Bat ot of Hell were heard. The audience rocked and sang along – you can't discribe this moment you have to be part of it, you have to feel it. To hear these chords is great and a bit sad at the same time 'cause it means the concert will soon be over. At the end he thanked us so much. I wish he would noticed that we thanked him, too. He added Roadhouse Blues and Why Don´t we do it in the Road as encore . He thanked us again from his heart. I got the impression as if he wont leave the stage. He went away for a moment and came back for Mercury Blues. What a song! Then it was time to say good-bye again. It hurts a bit to see him leaving the stage but it was wonderful night for me.

He was wonderful, his voice, his acting were fantastic. Did I said that he looked sexy, healthy ... ? No? He does!!!!

You're a Berliner :))))

Thanks to The Band and to Joya, too

Pick up the rose and you may see

End of The Three Bats Tour 2007

2007-11-12T16:05:00+0100

Sad news:
Poor Meaty is really ill !!!
He stopped the concert in Newcastle and it was heart-breaking to hear that. I could imagine how he feels....

.... and it seems that he may wont sing anymore

Wembley London (UK) November, 6th, 2007 - The Tree Bats Tour 2007

2007-11-04T09:54:00+0100

Saddly we heard that Meat stopped in a mittle of a concert in Newcastle.
Poor Meaty ...
...but there was a little chance that he'll may recovered till the concert in Wembley.
I arrived London a day before concert adn Kathy and me met again. I was so glad to have good frined around me. We had a wonderful dinner, we laughed alot we discussed Meaty things it was wonderful. We decided to go downtown next morning.
It was a wonderful day, warm for November, blues sky sun. We went to Westminster adn were surprised to see so may policemen. At next corner we got an answer from an old British gentleman (wearing a coat, hat, had white hair and a mustache) ... teh answer was: The Queen will comming back from Parliament soon where she was giving a speach.
Wow, that means we will see the Queen of England
We thought on a day like this everything will ending up with a happy ending, not just for my freinds and me but most of all for Meaty but when we were back at our hotel room we got phone calls, Kathy from Michelle and me from Sabine ( thanks for helping and paying attention on the news) but the news they had were not good .....

Here are some pictures :

Meaty in Dortmund, Leipzig, Bremen - Three Bats Tour 2007

2007-10-26T14:52:00+0200

Meat was back in Germany in October 2007and I had the wonderful chance to see him. I think I said all about a Meat concert in the last entries.
Again, he gave his all, again he took us away from the real world - for that I thank him.
My friends and me had a good time while we traveld from concert to concert, we laughed a lot and it's good to know who are real friends - for that I thank them .

Frankfurt a day off and the Super Bowl on June, 23rd, 2007

2007-7-02T18:14:00+0200

I was sitting at the airport and waited for boarding as my thoughts going around the last 14 days.
It was a good time with lots of fun. I made some interesting experiences and above all I saw Meaty. I can't imagine how life would be without seeing him and my friends ... normal life starts tomorrow and tomorrow isn't far away. It is 6.40pm and I'm the last Meat Loaf fan who leaves Frankfurt....
.... but before: We had a day off before some of us saw him at the Super Bowl. We went shopping. Guess what we bought? Yes, Meaty stuff
It was a bit sad that two of us had to go home but no worries we talk at the chat and in October we're on the road again.
On June, 23rd we went to the last NFL Europe Super Bowl game, because the ligue doesn't exist anymore. In that case Meaty's performance there is a historical one.

They started the offical part of the game about 6.00pm. Meaty should be sing from 6.25pm to 6.55pm. And there he was but to far away from us - I don't like that but Meaty was brilliant he rocked the whole stadium which was filled with 48,125 people with a short versions of Pardise, Out Of The Frying Pan, Life Is A Lemon and Bat Out Of Hell. It was great and I was glad to be there.
The game was good. I like football but I guess I would have had much more fun if my hometown team the Berlin Thunder were at the endgame. I wish I could say next year.
I'm glad that I don't have to wait so long to see Meaty again. He'll be back in October and I hope he's doing well, my best wishes guides him.

Here are some pictures I took from the performance at the stadium:

Frankfurt, June, 21st, 2007 - The Seize The Night Tour 2007

2007-7-02T14:16:00+0200

"So this is what it feels like to be the one who left behind...."
These words coming to my mind while I'm sitting here at the hotel and waiting for my taxi at 4.00 pm to pick me up to bring me to the airport for my flight home.
My flight was intended for 6.55pm. I hope I will be home at 8.10pm. I really hope that because I found out I had a lot of luck to arrive at Frankfurt days before...

... It was a bit stressful. I came home from Stuttgart at 7.00pm on June, 20th and had to prepare for my next flight in the morning on June 21st to Frankfurt. I set my alarm clock for 4.30am. Poor Bogo was a bit sat to see me leaving him again but I promised him to come back and told him this is the last time I left home to follow Meaty.
Everything was fine at the airport, we started, our flight was ok till the captain told us we had to wait 20 minutes till we're able to go down. The 20 minutes were over as he told us we're flying back to Berlin because the Frankfurt airport is closed. The reason was a heavy thunderstorm - and back we went...
All I could thought was I really hope I could be at the concert tonight. I was really calm because we were back at 8.15am and I thought it is enough time for trying it a second time.
The situation was a bit confusing, first they said we should stay at the aircraft, than we hat to leave it, didn't knew if we get our baggage back ... another security check later we got the information that we have to go to gate 47 and boarding is intended for 10.00am. All I could think was will we go down this time? It was nearly 11.00am when we took off and arrived Frankfurt airport at 11.55am, we had to wait over 15 minutes till we could left the aircraft. I left the airport at 12.32, jumped into a taxi and arrived the hotel about 20 minutes later.
I couldn't believe it! A journey which takes maximum 2 1/2 hours from my home in Berlin to the hotel in Frankfurt turned out to be a 6 1/2 hour journey!
I was so glad to see all my friends and soon I forgot all the trouble. (By the way, the next morning I read in a newspaper that over 180 flights were canceled.) I checked in, took my ticket, some money, my camera and of we were on our way to the vanue. The old Frankfurter Festhalle. It was still raining but that doesn't matter to me 'cause I would be at the concert tonight. We had so much time left that we decided to have a pizza for lunch. Of course, we talked about the last concerts and about meeting Meaty. We had a great time, you have no idea how much we laughed!
We went back at the right time to make sure we will be in front of Meaty. We were there for last time of the summer tour. And it was a wonderful tour. Did I say that he was inceradible in Munich? That he was better in Stuttgart? Hell, in Frankfurt he kicked some asses!!! I mean, I heard some people around me that he's tired (yes, after Hamburg I said it, too but it was more than understandable after the rock festival). But these people also say he hasn't the power anymore. I always ask myself why these people go to concerts? No, I wont go into a discussion about being ciritical or not ... Anyway I witnessed how he proofed all these people wrong. STRIKE !!!! (I never doubt it)
But before he did it we listen to Marion who was supported by Randy. I know I said it before some don't like what she's doing. I like it and I like to see Randy playing. I still try to find out if I have a favorite song or not but I would say if I have to choose one it'll be For You I Die - at the moment.
After Marion finished her songs we had to wait for another half of an hour till the lights went down.
Yes, we heard for the last time of the summer tour the intro of All Revved Up by Dave's saxophone and sung as usual in a short version by Aspen and CC. The audience rocked from the first moment on to the last note and went wild from when Meaty was on stage. As soon as he was there and we heard the first words of Paradise By The Dashboard Light we knew it would be a hell of a night. His voice was strong and his acting fantastic. As I said before - he kicked asses.
The Paradise story was great. Yes, he told the audience that this little thing he's dating with is fucking real and that he's so fucking lucky. Then he turned around to her, streched his arms out and said in a deep, lustful voice: "Come to daddy, come to big daddy!" This makes me and the whole audience laugh. Of course, Aspen went into big daddy's arms -which woman wont? Sure, it follows the Stop-Right-There part and he showed Aspen how he really looks like, because he's wearing a fucking costume and yes, again Aspen took his wig away with the words: "Do you know what is embarassing? Old men in cheap wigs!" This time he was surprised and hurt, saved it from the wig from where it was fallen down and told the wig: "It's ok, it's ok no ones's hurt you." Then he streched his arm out with the wig in his hand an said to Aspen: "This is not a cheap wig, a cheap wig would cost 22€, this one costs 32€", and of cours, it made us laugh. Sure it isn't a cheap one because it is from long haired beaver and it isn't easy to get hair of a long haired beaver in the summer. Aspen answered that even it is a long haired beaver wig it looks like something died on his head. He looked at her as if she hit him in the face. After a short moment he went over to her to tell her that every time they went to bed it was dead. The answer came immediately, Aspen never had the time to finde out how it was ... Poor Meaty really looked like he was hurt and went on with singing "...it was long ago...", at the end of Paradise Meaty showed her the finger and Aspen went off stage.
Lights went out, Meaty put his Chargers jersey on and we heard Out OF The Frying Pan and of course the stage went into fire. Hell this man has a voice and he Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth and Life Is A Lemon followed. He rocked the house, really, everyone was standing. I think he got back a lot this night. First time to hold breath was when Mark started to play Anything For Love. Meaty put two stools in front of the stage and we wondered what was going on. Then we found out that Aspen had a little accident and couldn't walk anymore. When it came to her part in Anything For Love she was brought to the red stool. You could see in her face that every move was pain but she went on with the show. That's why I started to applaud and the others did it soon, too.. This time Meaty and Aspen sang Anything For Love sitting on their red stool and it was romantic. The only thing that worried a friend of mine and me, too was the fact that it was really hot and Meaty started to wear too much. When I'm right he had a t-shirt, his white shirt, the vest, the jersey and the black velvet jacket on. We just worn a t-shirt and that was enough.
Before he started to sing Objects In The Rearview Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Are he stood where the drums were to drink something and started to talk to us by time he turned his head to us and said: "Oh, that's rude.Talking with my back to you ... anyway..." turned his head again to drink than he came to the front sat on the stool and
told us that he once recorded an album not far away from that vanue and how he once was here in row 25 to listen to the German rock star - Peter Maffey. Whatever one's like.
I can't remember exactly what leads to the next words. I think he asked if we believe him and then he said: "People from Texas don't always say the truth," the audience cheered ".. oh, I guess that was a kind of political one. Maybe I should change my name ... do you know the Dixie Chicks?", of course we know them ".. yeah, may I change my name to Dixie Loaf or Chicken Loaf." That made us laugh and I noticed that little smile on his face. The one he always has when he's saisfied with a little funny story he told. The Lights went down and we heard him sing Objects. I still love the light arraingnment and it is perfect how they go from Objects to Rock'n'Roll Dreams and when he plays guitar.... I know he always say he can't play but I also know men from Texas don't tell the truth all the time
I guess what he means he can't play on the level like Paul and Randy but these two guys like the rest are great musicians and he's a great singer (and actor of course). Say what you want, I always like to see him play 'cause he looks like he's Alive. This is the song we heard while Meaty and the band went off stage for a short break. We heard The Storm and a short version of Seize The Night sung by Aspen and CC and back Meaty was with Break It .. and how - this was fantastic, on we went with Bad For Good and it was sure this man was built for speed. He rocked the house with Land Of The Pigs. After these three songs Meaty took a break and Randy plays his acustic guitar. Randy stopped playing but Meaty wasn't ready, he wanted to drink some more water. So, he went over to te micro and said to Randy he should go on playing and what the hell he thought he's doing, he's taking a break and drink some water. By stop playing he shorten his break. Randy should go on with playing. When Meaty was ready he stopped him and introduced him to the audience. Randy recieved a big applause, He went on with Paul and as he stood beside him he did something a well educated man wont do and he did it twice. He excused himself and said Randy was playing too long that's why he drank too much water
He kept on going with introducing the band, CC sung Janis Joplin's Mercedes Benz, Dave showed us why his nickname is Dancing Dave, John left his seat behind the drums, Mark and Kasim and Aspen as well were introduced.
Again the lights went down and unexpected I heard Mark playing the first notes of Blind As A Bat, before he could say a word we screamd (or better just me and my friend ) Yes he did it again. I heard him say: " We didn't it for a couple of nights but it is Frankfurt, This is Blind As A Bat also from Bat Out Of Hell III." The last show and he sang my song of Bat III. For that I love you !!!
(mmmmhhhhh why they didn't release it as a single ??? well they will have their reasosns)
And yes, famouse chords fill the house, the atmosphere rose again on another higher level - Bat Out Of Hell. Every single person stood, the house was hot like hell and we sang along as if this song saves our lives. I think Meaty must be happy with the whole atmosphere. We showed him how much he means to us and you could see it in his face as he thanked us that he was really touched. He got so much back. Of course, we wont let him go and called for more. He came back and did a rockin' Black Batty and Mercury Blues. I love it. Again, he played his guitar and had a wonderful smile in his beautiful face ... then a moment before the song ended he left the stage and for a moment I stood there hearing just the band. I thought - the stage is empty... A monet later the band left the stage, as well. We're left in the dark for a moment and it hurt a bit when we realized that this was the last concert here in Germany. We will miss him - I will miss him.
Tired, exhausted we went off the vanue. We talked for a while, ate and drank something outside the hall. Some of us stayed at the same hotel and we had some drinks and talked again. Out hearts and souls were still with him and a part of them will be always with him.
Thank you, Meaty !!!

Stuttgart, June, 19th, 2007 - The Seize The Night Tour 2007

2007-7-02T13:14:00+0200

We had a day off and I was glad to have some time to relax.
Guess Meaty, too
We looked at the pictures we have taken, I tried to write some reviews but wasn't successful. I couldn't get my M&G out of my mind....
At the evening we watched Pleasure Drivers. It is an interesting movie. I liked Meaty's part but as always it was too short and of course he died. I wish he would make a movie with a leading role - even when he dies at the end
We went to bed late but that doesn't matter we had all the time next day because we couldn't start our trip to Stuttgart before 12.30h. We arrived the vanue about 13.45h. It was hot, really hot and that's why we dicided to went to a bar and have a really cool drink. By 16.00h we went back and found some others there but it was no problem for us to end up standing in the second row opposite to Meaty.
What shall I tell you I didn't said before ... except during the encore song Mercury Blues (did I say that he is sexy with the hat on?) I collected a pick. He sang, played guitar and throw his pick. I noticed something touched my forearm. I exactly new what it was but thought don't move fast and checked if someone noticed it, too. No one around me made a move than I slowly looked down to check out were the pick was ... there, near my right foot. You can't look as fast as I went down and lifted it up. YES!
You, see Meaty, I don't need ebay ....
After the concert a woman by my side said: " Oh I was wondering what touched me at my cheek and looked at my fist where I kept my Meaty's pick." I answered "It's funny ..." Does this woman really thought I would give her my pick? Given to me by Meaty? - NO NEVER !!!
We went home. On the next day it was time to leave my friend's home. She brought me to the airport at Stuttgart. Was home about 19.00h but haven't much time because my next flight was booked for 6.25h in the morning ...but Frankfurt is another story. a really interesting one. ... the adventure continues....

Munich, June, 17th, 2007 - The Seize The Night Tour 2007

2007-7-02T11:07:00+0200

... we went back to the arena and it was for sure that we wont be in the firt row but 7th was good as well.
Well again we started with Aspen singing her beautiful songs. As I said before I like them but I know many people around me who don't but that's ok. Do I buy the album? I would say no but to hear the songs live is really good.
Did I say he was great in Hamburg, wonderful in Cologne? Then I should add he was increadible in Munich.
He had fun on stage and we, too.
I guess I told you everything with discribing the shows in Hamburg and Cologne.
It was a wonderful night and I'm glad that I was there.

Munich, June, 17th, 2007 - Before the show - The Seize The Night Tour 2007

2007-7-02T01:00:00+0200

After travelling around for the last concerts I had the great luck to stay at my friends home for the next two concerts. The one in Munich and in Stuttgart.
After coming home on the 15th, I went back to the airport in the morning to get my flight to Stuttgart where my friend Angi would have picked me up. She lives in a small village between Munich and Stuttgart and prefer the airport in Stuttgart.
It was wonderful to spent some time with Angi. We talked a lot about Meaty and took some time to watch some videos. I mean, she is the only one who don't roll eyes when I start a sentence with Meaty did this or that
Sometimes it isn't easy for others .... that brings a thought to my mind. At all my journies I met peope who were jelous when they found out that I'll be on my way to a Meat Loaf concert.
Ok back. It was really relaxing not to travel that much and I thank you my dear friend for let me be your guest, you were as always the perfect host.
It was clear that we made pizza on the day of the concert like we did in 2005.
It is Sunday and we had breakfast and waited for her boy friend, Marcus, together we started our journey about 11.30 am. It takes about 90 minutes to get to Munich. We arrived the vanue at 1:00 pm and found out we're the first but before on the highway ....
We were on the highway to Munich and I was tired because of flying around the country and being on the road. I just felt aslepp for a few seconds as my cell phone rang, I never thought that Cheryl (hope I write her name right) would call me. She told me that I won a M&G and where I had to be at 6:00 pm, funny thing was during she gave me all the information I could hear Meaty talking in the backround. I confirmed the information she gave to me and the call ended. As soon as I had pushed the button to end the call ... I screamed. Don't laugh, there was so much tension inside me and I was so happy 'cause I never win something. Pour Marcus who was sleeping in the backseat woke up and was totally shocked. I said to my friend: "We won a M&G!".
About 5.00 pm I met Heidi who won a M&G, too. I met her in Hamburg and it was nice to know that I'll go with someone I met before. She was really nervous and anxious about her lack of speaking English. I tried to calm her down. I said I guess I'm able to translate for her. This is typically me, I thought I'm dying, too but behave with self-confidence. This is why no one knew that I was nervous or feel weak.
Ok back to the moment before we met him. We stood outside the locker rooms. I don't know what I thought but suddenly he was there looked down at me and asked me if I'm Heidi. I said "I'm Sunny or Grasshopper from .Net (well I usually introduce myself this way to other fans the last days...) and it is a pleasure to meet you, sir. Thanks." He repeated both names and I think there was a little smile on his face. Then he turned around and went over to Heidi, asked her if she is Heidi .... poor woman lost her voice and and took a step backwards as he came closer. She was nearly a wrack. That was it. He took her in his arms and gave her a big bear hug. Lucky woman. He always told us that we don't have to be nervous and if there is someone who had to be nervous than it is him. (next stupid remark) "You? There is no reason to be nevous" He looked at me, saw my pick and asked if this is from ebay.
"Ebay?. NO!" I looked at him as if he's an alien, "I found that on my first concert in 2005. It was after the show and everyone was searching for them and I was on my way out of the venue as I stepped on them and nearly slipped ... that's how I found it and I wear it since that day." He looked at me as if I were crazy, maybe it looked like that because I talked fast and as a teacher I usually explain and talk with my hands and sometimes with my feet ... He must thinking I'm a crazy person. After that he wanted to know on which shows we are and were. Heidi tried to give him the information I helped her out with translating then he looked at me and wanted to know on which show I was and will be and I said "I was and will be on every show here in Germany." No answer but he looked at me. He excused himself for the show in Hamburg and Cologne, especialley in Cologne. Now it was my second time that I looked at him like an alien - there he stood on the wall and hid his face. I wish I had the courage to went over and give him hug or just tapping him on his shoulder and sying everything is fine. Than he started to sign our things. Heidi wasn't sure what she should choose, She had a poster, his book and a picture. He was such a kind guy and signed all for her. Than he took my jacket I made for the tour. I was glad that I decided to take this one with me because I wasn't prepared ( I thought I didn't won in Hamburg and Cologne and I never win anything...). He looked at the jacket and said: "This is beautiful a jacket" (it is a black US Sommer Field Jacket with a wolf head on the left sleeve and "I would do anything for ... Meat Loaf" embroided on the back.) After that we went to the band room 'cause my friend Angi worn the Giants jersey and Mark is a Giants fan.
We took pictures and that was it. He said: "Bye and enjoy the show tonight folks.".
He was a kind guy, a real gentlman and I love him more .... ( the rest is in my heart, soul and thoughts)

Cologne, June, 14th, 2007 - The Seize The Night Tour 2007

2007-7-01T22:53:00+0200

Another night to remember....
Isn't it funny? My first review was written on my way home at the bus, this one is written while I sit at my gate at Cologne airport ... and I'm tired.
I arrived Cologne yesterday about 1 pm after a one hour belated flight. This costs nerves. I was nervous because I ask myself if it is possible to get a good place ... to make long story short. I did it. Met some other friends before and a few of them were with me at the same row. We had a great position – opposite to Meaty. Yes, and of course opposite to Marion and Randy who opened the show again. Most of the people I talked to don't like to listen to her much but to me it sounds great. Some say if you listen to one of her songs you know all the others. Well, maybe they're right but as I said before I like what I hear. I still love guitar music and her songs have this dark touch I like. It also is a pleasure to watch Randy playing. This is the third time I saw them together and stll thinking this is how Randy really loves to play his accustic guitar. He's lost while he plays the songs, you can see it in his face and to me who plays guitar, too, it is always a pleasure to watch someone playing this instrument with so much passion. (The whole Neverland Express do it!!!).
We had to wait another half of an hour after Marion finished her songs till the lights went down again and the audience went wild. Again the band took seat or position at/on their instruments and soon Dave opened the show with his wonderful saxophone. Aspen and CC entered the stage in their special 70's look and so the whole NLE, too. We started with ALL REVVED UP and went on with PARADISE – the audience was wild when Meaty entered the stage, we just loved him for being there. Meaty looked fantastic. It seems he recovered from the Sweden festival. He smiled. You thought we had fun in Hamburg? We had more in Cologne – my opinion. As usually he walked from one side of the stage to the other with a bright smile. He was much more relaxed and looked like someone who really had fun. He took his position in the middle of the stage and delivered the first words of PARADISE and was supported by Aspen. We had no one who translated what they say in the middle of song. It was much more spontaneous and Meaty talked like he always do. He didn't do it on Tuesday to give the translators the chance to repeat his words in German. He spoke much more slowlier than he usually does. It doesn't matter 'cause he didn't do it before and that makes this version of Paradies unique. In my opinion it was a nice guesture of taking care about all people who aren't able to speak English very well. It is just my opinion when I say I prefer it the way he did it here in Cologne. It was pure fun, we laughed and so did he but let's see how it happened:
We came to the part Stop Right There and Meaty answered in the sweetest way "Let me sleep on it." They went over to the left side of the stage and Aspen knelt down by his side and promised him to wait all night ... The funny dialog followed after he started to strip
Aspen: "Do you think you look better the more cloth you take off?"
Meaty: "Did I think I look better the more cloth I take off?" -oh yes he did, that's what the audience reaction was
"Well, let me tell you this, this is nothing but a damn costume!" He was really angry with her 'cause she ask this question and as he tried to make her believe how good looking he is he couldn't go on because he laughed about this funny picture they showed in every concert. Seeing him laughing was much more fun than the whole storyline. It was wonderul to me to see how relaxed he was and how much fun he had. This was definitley the best moment in the show. They finished Paradise and on we went wit You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth. Again he was satisfied with what he heard and then we heared Out Of The Frying Pan Into The Fire and the stage, too and the audience as well. Together we demanded our money back. This song rocked the house. Time to hold breath during a wonderful romantic Anything For Love. I always love the lights on it, seeing him sitting by Mark's site hearing just the piano .... lovely but that isn't enough the duett with Aspen is breath-taking. Yes, I like the moment when she sings "screwing around" and he comes so close to her that it seems that their lips come together ... I'm so romantic
Now the audience is in the right mood for Object In The Raerview Mirror but before he started the song he tried to say something nice about Cologne. It was a really nice guesture but I forgot what he said 'cause I'm from Berlin He started to sing Objects. He sat in front of us, in the baustiful light which always reminds me of a sunray in the deep blue sea. Sometimes the audience sang along but not loud and when he came to the end of Objects the audience was quiet. They just look into his passionate, beautiful face and listen to his a capella end which he sang with a deep voice ... lost in time.
We're still somewhere in Objects when we heard the first notes of Rock'n'Rpll Dreams. The stage is in dark blue and lights like the one of a lighthouse going around. I really like that but what I like the most is when he takes his guitar and starts to play. Don't know why but I love it.
Meaty had a break and we were listen to Alive with the video on screen. The Storm follows and a short version of Seize The Night sung by Aspen and CC. The stage is dark for a moment and - bang - there he was back with Break It "If it ain't real make it, if ain't yours take it ..." he took all. No break, he's build for speed and so we listened to Bad For Good as if that wasn't enough he rocked the house with In The Land Of The Pigs. I prepared myself for Blind As A Bat but that was the first time after the introduction of the band we heard the famous chords of Bat Out Of Hell. What could I say? A legendary song sung by a legend.
He came back for a set of encore: Black Batty, Mercury Blues and Gimme Shelter. I love to see that he had fun during the encore songs and how sexy he looked like with the hat on. Mmmmhh There comes a Joe Cocker song to my mind - You can leave your hat on
It was a wonderful show and I had so much fun - THANK YOU MEATY !!!

Hamburg, June, 12th, 2007 - The Seize The Night Tour 2007

2007-7-01T19:45:00+0200

What a night!!!
This review is written while I was sitting on the bus home from Hamburg to Berlin and I really hope I remind the set list right.
It all started yesterday morning. I left home about 7am. My ride started at 9am. I should arrive Hambug about 12pm where I was picked up by my good friend Martina and her husband Klaus – for which I was very grateful because I was never before in Hamburg. Together we went to our hotel (Etap Hamburg City), I checked in and off we were on our way to the Color Line Arena where we met the other German fanclub members (again). We arrived early enough to make sure we will standing front row. We did and we had a hell of a good time...
Marion and Randy warmed us up. I like to listen to her live on stage more and more. Her songs sound great to me and as I said before I like the little sad touch they have. Marion welcomed us with some words in German: „Ich bin Marion Raven. Ich bin ein Ausländer und ich spreche nicht gut Deutsch.“ („I'm Marion Raven. I'm a foreigner and can't speak German very well.“) The audience loved her for this guesture. They played 5 song and Randy and she had fun. It seems to be Randy's kind of music or better it seems that these songs give him the opportunity to play his accustic guitar like he really loves it. Don't get me wrong! Sure he loves what he plays for Meaty!!! After Marion finished her lovely songs we had a break.
Then the lights went out and we know the show starts in a few seconds. I saw John taking seat behind the drums, Paul took his guitar and Randy, too, at the same time Mark took seat behind his white piano and of course, Kasim was on the bass guitar. The lights went on and Dave started to rock the arena with his saxophone. Now, you could see that they were all dressed in their 70's costume. Aspen and CC made the intro with a part of ALL REVVED UP, from there we went into PARADISE and the audience explode by the entry of the Man Himself on stage. Again, he had us in the palm of his hand. He took a step up on the stage and stayed for a moment near Dave who was behind Kasim. He laughed at him, watched at the crowed and smiled a big smile which shows us that he was really happy and grateful for the more than warm welcome on the stage. He walked from side to side of the stage and pointed out to us as he would like to say: „I know you're there and I would give all I have.“ - Yes, he did. There was no doubt about it and then heard his unique voice for the first time on this evening at Paradise. Yes, he was dressed in black trousers and jacket, white shirt, his glitter vest and this wig. While he and Aspen sang we noticed a young man in black on the speakers of the right site of the stage and a girl in black in the left side. Soon we found out they translated Meaty's and Aspen's dialogue to German. I was suprised to hear what he said again in my own language. First I thought I don't need that and that it takes away all the spontanous moments and that he takes to much care while speaking but then I thought it was a kind guesture of Meaty to take care about all the Germans who don't speak and understand English well enough to follow him. Bless his kind heart for that thoughful guesture. The dialogue was as funny as the one in Wembley on May, 23rd. He really tried to impress Aspen by his association for protection ... (sorry couldn't follow his words because I heard him and before I translated it myself I heard the German voice .. confused me a bit :LOL: a German confused by hearing her language) ... and he really wanted to make her believe that all she's seeing is a perfect costume. Aspen stood there and was as less impressed as she could be. All his talking about being a hero doesn't mattered to her. This is why he tried to impress her with a last really good argument by showing her how he really looks like and soon screens on stage went down and we saw the collage of his beautiful head with long hair on a muscled body. The audience laughed but that wasn't enough . He started to count the muscles on the stomach from 1 to 7 and was very proud to tell us that he hasn't got a 6 pack, he has got a 7 pack. That drove the audience wild. Aspen's answer to that outstanding 7 pack was: „Shall I tell you what I don't like? I don't like old men with cheap wigs. This time Meaty wasn't hurt like he was in Wembley. This time he was angry and told her immediatly that this wig isn't a cheap one, it coasts 32€ !“, and on they went on with the quarrel and so the translators, too. As these both reach the middle of the stage Meaty and Aspen stop their own argument because they were surprised to see their translators having a quarrel, too. Aspen tried to stop it but without success and both of them left the stage. Meaty and Aspen continued their own till the music stopped, slowly. We had not much time to breathe because we went into TOOK THE WORDS RIGHT OUT OF MY MOUTH. Of course he gave all and so we did it, too and he was satisfied. For him we went INTO THE FIRE – not only literary, because while he was singing the refrain of OUT OF THE FRYING PAN the stage was on fire and it really got hot in the first row, a taste of hell but who take care about hell? No one. It was spectacular! We were still on fire but demand our MONEY BACK because LIFE IS A LEMON. This really rocked. After this song sung with so much power the lights went down for a moment and you could see how he went over to Mark at the white piano and took seat on a red stool. Softly Mark started to play the notes of ANYTHING FOR LOVE. I always like how tender he does it – just wonderful. Soft light wraped around Meaty as he sang the first words of this love song. He sang the notes in his own special way gently, slowly, always a promise. Aspen added her voice at the end and it was very romantic. No one said a word. It was quiet as they stood there at the middel of the stage, looking in each others eyes. I swear every women in the audience wished she could stand we're Aspen was at this moment. Together they hold the last notes perfectly. Meaty's voice was so tender, he just nearly whispered the last words. His wonderful voice was a soft and gentley touched our souls. We could still feel the last words and notes while heard the first of OBJECTS IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR. There he was at the front of the stage, he sat again on a red stool and the lights arangement at this song always reminds me of the deep blue sea with gentle light on him that sourrounds him like sunlight sparkles in the water... But before he started this wonderful song he called the translator back on stage who translated Aspen's part in Paradise. He told us that back in 1978 he was for the first time in Hamburg/Germnay and that this was the first time he had realized that it doesn't matter which language people speaking or where they're coming from – they're all equal! Again he thanked us and started with Objects. Just wonderful – it always makes me feel to give him a tender hug He's always so lost in that song...and so we were, too. We sang along and I bet everyone has his/her own story in mind. It is always stunning to me how he give us the freedom to remind our own expierences and making me feel to protect him at the same time. Still Objects in mind we heared the first notes of ROCK'N'ROLL DREAMS and again we sang along. The stage was in all kind of colors. With the end of this great song Meaty made a break but not the audience. We saw a video with ALIVE from tape. As soon as the song was over we saw a video of a storm and heard THE STORM which went over to a short version of SEIZE THE NIGHT sung bei Aspen and CC. Then he was back on stage and rocked the house with BREAK IT !!!! Yes He Makes It!!!!! BAD FOR GOOD followed – all I can say is this man isn't built for comfort he's build for speed (on stage). After that he introduced BLIND AS A BAT from Bat III. Well you know this is my song wont say more except he was brilliant, he sang it with his whole beautiful, blessed soul. Love you for that (and I don't use this words easily). This was a good time for Randy to play his acustic intro of TWO OUT OF THREE and Meaty introduced the band.
It seems we were close to the end of the show and it was confirmed with the first notes of BAT OUT OF HELL. This song is always like a bang. It creates its own special atmosphere.
At the end he thanked us in his own special way like he always does. He shouts word out of his exhausted body and grateful soul, The answer was an overwhelmed standing ovation. This gave him some energy back and off he went but the audience wont let him go and called for more and after a little while which seemed to be a long, long, long time. The man Himself showed mercy and came back for three encore songs Mercury Blues, Black Batty and Gimme Shelter. He had fun, smiled, laughed, his beautiful eyes had this special sparkle, danced with CC, played his guitar – and we had fun, too. Then he left the stage for tonight....
I had the chance to see the band and Meaty on their way to their bus. We thanked them. He smiled and greeted us without saying a word. I guess he was satisfied and tired, very tired, you could see it in the way he walked and a thought came to my mind: I really hope we don't demand too much. He is special in every way. I thank you.

London (UK) 2007 - The Seize The Night Tour 2007

2007-5-28T11:45:00+0200

Here I go again .... this will be my second trip to the UK to see Meaty live. I'll booked a flight for May, 23rd in the morning and stayed at the ibis hotel in Wembley.
My journey started at 4.00 am in the morning when my taxi waited for me to bring me to the airport. I had a save and comfortable trip to Stanstad Airport. Arrival time was 6.55 am. I was not in hurry because check in time at my Ibis Wembley Hotel was at 12.00 pm. That's why I decide to do everything very slowly. I had ticket for the Stanstad Express to Liverpool Street. When I arrived Liverpool Street I took a little walk and bought me a hot chocolate at Starbucks. I sat down and watched was going on out on the street. It was a bit out-of-time feeling seeing all these people rushing in and out of the shop down the street while I was sitting there having all the time in the world. About 10.15 am I went back to underground station Liverpool Street use the tube to Wembley Park. From there on I had to walk but it doesn't matter because as I said before I had all the time... I passed the new Wembley Park area which is still under construction on the left side and little courts and shops on the right side. I arrived my hotel at 11.20am and had to wait 20 minutes before I could check in.
I got room 311 and was surprised by the comfort (ok, my hotel in October was just the half price and .... but that was another journey .. and another story). Now by arriving my room and being happy to be at my destination for first made me feel how tired I was, I set my alarm clock on 4.45 pm and felt to sleep ... was woke up by a cell phone call from Deb's with Tamara talking to me because they had my ticket. I went off the bed like a firefighter got into my cloth and went down to lobby where we met.
It was really nice to meet you all. By time we went into the arena and I had the chance to talk to Caryl and we had nice converstaion with John.
Then lights went off and...

Wednesday night at Wembley Meaty and the Neverland Express brought us somewhere else...
But before that happened Marion Ravon sang her songs for us. It was just her and Randy with guitars or her on keyboard and Randy on guitar. As epic as Meaty's songs are as handmade are hers. It isn't easy to entertain people just with a guitar and your voice. She did it and did wonderful. I like her gothic touch. Every song if it is a powerful one or a ballade always has this touch. I really liked what I heard and can't wait to hear her again in June.
After a break it was time for Meaty to conquer the stage ...
The show starts with Aspen and CC singing (not the full version of) All revved up. In the moment they started to sing you could feel the tension of the audience and it explode by the first notes of Paradise and entering of Meaty. I bet if we need clean energy to save this planet you should have collected the energy of this moment, it was a pure explosion and Meaty felt it. He had such a big smile on his beautiful face and his eyes sparkled. He know he had us in his palm of his hand.
And the audience enjoyed Paradise. Meaty worn his white shirt, black trousers, the black vest and jacket and yes he worn this wig. He really looked funny. His voice was wonderful, I couldn't say it better .... wonderful, that's the way it is when an angle sings. Aspen was by his side for Paradise and I was impressed how much she learned since the concert at the Royal Albert Hall. This little lady is really good and her show with Meaty for Paradise brought so much joy and laughter to us,e.g.:
There was this moment before she could say a word he went on with pointing to himself „...and this ... this isn't really me .... this is all a costume ..this is how I really look like!“, this time he pointed to a screen with a collage of his head on a stripped to waist body full of muscles. That makes me laugh!
There was another moment during Paradise when Aspen took Meaty's wig away with the words: „You know what I can't stand?“ „What?“, Meaty wants to know and Aspen came closer to him and took the wig away with the words: „Old men wearing cheap wigs.“ and let it fall to the ground. Poor Meaty was surprised and hurt and with a voice close to tears he picked the wig up, stroke it and answered: „This ..this... this isn't a cheap wig. I'll have you to know this ... isn't a cheap wig. A cheap wig cost's £20 and this wig cost me £35!!!“.
It was really good !!!!
And on we go with You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth ... and yes he wants us to sing along and was satisfied with what he heard ... and on we go, no time to take breath into Out Of The Frying Pan. Lights in all kind of colors went on and off and fire is on the stage... to me it visualized the pure energy of Meaty. You think there is no way to get on a higher level? Wrong Live Is A Lemon And I Want My Money Back did it. Meaty's voice was strong, clear and powerful. Till that moment he didn't gave us a chance to have a break .... The beginning of I Would Do Anything For Love was first chance to take breath. Mark started to play the piano like I never heard it before, the lights on stage reminds me of the deep sea only blue and a bit violet lights and there he was in the sunlight dressed in black velvet, delivered the first notes of AFL so soft and strong that I fall in love again ... Aspen is wonderful and hold the notes as long as Meaty did and when he sang the final words „I wont do that“ the audienced cheered and loved him for his passion. Before he gets into the next song he picked something up ... it happens so fast that if you didn't pay attention on him you wouldn't have noticed it. Later he took one of these red stools, sat down and sarted to tell us how wonderful Aspen is: „Well you all noticed these white, green or yellow lumps in my mouth and you know that I'm chewing gum for ... for over 40 years and I manged to sing with it ... and there we stand and this sweet little Aspen singing her little heart out ... and well these big lump dropped right out when I was singing to Aspen .... and what she did? ... This little woman gave her all ... imagine that there is a 200 something pound, sweating guy in front of you and loosing this big gum while you sing ... and Aspen is so wonderful, just went on. She's so outstanding.“
Yes she is, saw her at RAH and saw her here at Wembley and she is great and it is really fun to watch them.
He introduced the the next song:“ This is my really second favorite song...“, these words leads us to Objects In The Rearview Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Are. There he sat soused in soft light and as soft the light was as soft you heard the piano, seeing him gently rocking back and forth and delivering the notes of Objects. He was somewhere else and all the ones who were not afraid of deep feelings could follow him. I could swear I never heard it so perfect before and if I could I would have go up on stage to give him a soft hug ... really loved it.
Just a bit left into Objects they started to play Rock'n'Roll Dreams Come Through ... wonderful as well.
The lights were dimed for a video to Alive during the bands break. Yes he's alive
Meaty had the chance to change his out fit, band could take a breath but the audience had no chance because after Alive follows a rousing and a bit angry Break it. Bad for Good gave us a little time to cool down befor we were into the In The Land Of The Pigs The Butcher Is King. This was really hard rock with a touch of gothic.
Followed by my personal favorite song Blind As A Bat. He sang it with so much energy ... I'm sorry I don't find the right words, this is a song you have to feel and it is too personal to discribe my feelings.
Still felt the song as he introduced Marion for It's All Coming Back To Me Now. It is was woonderful and it doesn't matter to me that Meaty started a bit early: „Oh, I'm to early .. let's try it again:“ and Marion's mic didn't work at the beginning. That's live!!! Great !!!!!
Hearing them together brought the thought to my mind that the show will soon be over and how much I love him for singing all these great songs.
He introduced the band in a lovely way, with fun and much respect for the wonderful work the band did and does every night on stage. For example there was Paul with his white guitar collection, „buy me a guitar“ from Tennessee Randy, a sexy CC and out of this world Aspen. And of course there were, Dancing Dave, Kasim, Mark and of course John (to whom I had the honor to talk again).
Then he thanked us stretched his arms out to recieve the big applause he deserved so much, you could see how he got energy back by standing there. He thanked us again and reminds us: „ Don't for get never ever stop rockin'!“
Still had that thought in my mind of loving him for singing all these great songs as they started Bat Out Of Hell ... this is like a bang. The first notes of this song changed the energy again to another higher level ... and yes we follow him, sang with him ... this song had something holy. He's the preacher and we follow him wherever he goes. It isn't just a song it is a hymn and when you believe in Meaty and his music you have to sing along.
We're left in the dark but the encore call of the audience brought him back for a rocking Black Batty and the perfect end with Gimme Shelter ..off he went, the lights went on but he stayed in my heart.
All I can say (and it seems so less) is thank you very much.

We had to left the building immediately. We went back to the hotel.
We sat down in the lobby had one or two drinks and nice conversations about the show and Meaty. At 1.00 am I said good-bye and thanked all the nice people I met. My alarm clock was on for 6.00 am ....
to make it short I had a nice trip home, no problems ...maybe except that fact that I was a bit sad during the flight that it was over and left it all behind.
It was a great time and I'm looking forward to see Meaty in June in Germany - oh and I'll be back at Wembley in November