SCORPIONS at the Gibson Amphitheatre

95.5 KLOS PRESENTS

SCORPIONS

Concert Review by Chris Goodson

September 15^th, 2007. Universal City, CA. Within the gates of Universal Studios is The Gibson Amphitheatre. Classic guitars line the walls, hundreds of lights pour out a spectrum of colors and the sound system is top notch. Though the amphitheatre has thousands of seats, it seemed that people were spilling out of them. The place was packed to the brim with fans of all ages, ready to rock.

The SCORPIONS have been touring consistently, but they show no sign of fatigue. Their vibrant energy came off not in waves, but rather (excuse the unavoidable pun), like a hurricane. The audience stood and participated in most every song, proving that their music is more than mere power ballads, it is transcendent, full of variety and just plain fun.

As an opening act, “3” were consistently engaging and often jaw dropping. They played several tracks from their lasted album, including “The End is Begun,” and “These Iron Bones. The lead singer has a voice and flamenco/slap guitar technique that must be seen to be believed. They were the perfect compliment to the main event and are astonishingly good in their own right.

No strangers to American audiences, the SCORPIONS still kicked up plenty of special treats for the audience. The bassist’s memorable solo stride through the amphitheatre floor seats, the drummer’s wife playing his kit, as good as him, and even at one point, we heard an incredible interlude of a bass and drum solo version of Rush’s YYZ.

The SCORPIONS played a vivid barrage of pristine rock and roll, and also did an excellent job of melding the set list around new and classic material. “Big City Nights,” “Holiday,” “Send Me An angel”, “No One Like You,” were played to perfection and nestled in with tracks from the newest album, like the ferocious and irreverent “Humanity.”

Individually, every member played with succinct power and coordination. Klaus Meine sung with profound enthusiasm and endurance. James Kottack made his love for LA as loud and clear as his drumming. The guitar wielding Matthias Jabs and Rudolf Schenker tore sonic shreds through the amphitheatre and Pawel Maciwoda’s bass playing summoned up the best of his enormous talent.

The whole performance felt unique and interactive, something bands decades younger often fail to accomplish. They played their collective hearts out and put on a truly spectacular show, one that you should not miss when it comes your way.

SCORPIONS are currently on tour nationally. Humanity Hour 1 is available now from New Door Records

Originally posted on iesb.net