Englische Originalversionen

Donnerstag, 06.06.2019

Rock wedding
Sweden Rock is, besides all the great music, like a very nice party. Friends, who may not have been seen for a long time, meet to hang out and see a lot of concerts together. Love is also often in the air, and there are even those who choose to marry during this annual event.
The number of civil marriages in Sölvesborg has increased considerably with the rock weddings.

On one of the festivaldays about twelve couples are wed, from midday to early evening.
Most people who get married at the rock festival have in common that it was exactly here they met each other for the first time.
Given how popular Sweden Rock is and that there are always many different countries represented among all visitors, there are not many local bridal couples. Most are swedish, but for example 2018, one of the couples was from Germany.
If you want to get married here you must book in advance and of course also have a valid festival ticket for the special day in question, as well as everyone who wants to see the wedding ceremony.

A marriage officiant has said that the biggest difference, compared to other weddings, is that many here are very tough when they come to the festival and claim that they are not nervous, like it is not something special. Then they are extremely moved at the ceremony and cry just like everyone else. They are happy, in love and taken by the moment. Every wedding is unique, even though it is very many.

One of the brides last year said: “It was a short but lovely wedding. We had lots of friends who were here, so it was a great opportunity. You are calm and it's just fun and nice. It's just the best here. ”
Her husband agreed: "It is something you like. For us, this was more for real than a church."

My friends Malin and Jonas, who had been together for many years, agreed: "There is no better place for a wedding." Hardrock, festival joy and like a big sea of music lovers. Malin has never longed for a church wedding: "… dressed as a white cream cake or a big maringue".
After a long concert day in 2018 they sat in the caravan. Jonas suddenly came up with the suggestion: "Maybe we should get married here next year?" Malin took it as a proposal and answered "yes".
Among family and friends the news was received with joy. No one has complained that there was no ordinary wedding in a church. Instead, with a smile they have said that this is so typical Malin and Jonas.

A lot of caravans, with the husband and wife-to be and many of their friends, this year went down to small Norje, outside Sölvesborg.
At 16:00, on the festivals second day, it was time. Thursday was festive enough also Swedens National Day, which Jonas and Malin thought was absolutely perfect: "It will be easy to remember the wedding day every year, ha ha!"

Although the actual marriage ceremony only took a few minutes, each couple got attention half an hour in the "wedding booth". You gathered a while before, Malin got a very nice bridal bouquet, there was photographing and the couple got nice presents from the organisers.
On a hill between the main entrance and the 4Sound Stage, under a large flower arch, they exchanged rings and kissed one another for the first time as husband and wife.
They said, both before and after, that "this feels so awesome".

Wedding music was of course nothing the couple could choose. The ceremony was performed while different bands played at the festival areas scenes.
Anna: "Did you get the chance to choose time, considering artists you wanted to see, or didn't want to miss?"
Malin: "No, we did not get to decide the time."
That is understandable. It would probably be far too messy and hard to arrange if everyone wanted to decide themselves.
Malin continues: "So typical. I wanted to see SIR REG and Jonas wanted to see KROKUS, who both started to play at that time. But it was ok. Actually it doesn't matter so much.”
Anna: "In that moment, did you even think about the ongoing music?"
Malin: "No, we did not think at all about what was played and then we also went home pretty soon after."
With "home" Malin meant that they, and we who were there, walked the long classic road to the Rosenlundska campsite. The sun shone through the green leaves on the trees and the newlyweds looked so relaxed happy, walking hand in hand.

At the caravan they were welcomed by many friends, who had run in advance to prepare and decorate festively. The bride and groom were given champagne, raised the glasses and toasted, and received some more presents. They continued to enjoy the festival, listen to music and celebrate with their friends at the campsite. The weddingnight was spent in their caravan.

For all relatives and the friends who could not be there, a new opportunity will soon come. For a long time, a second wedding-celebration has been planned. In a week, I’m invited to their home for a summer party with homemade buffet.
Jonas and Malin have of course also thoughts on a honeymoon. Probably when winter comes, abroad to a warm place, such as Thailand or Malaysia.
Between wedding and wedding party came Midsummer, which was celebrated with more music, at the heavy metal festival "Copenhell" in Denmark.
"But now it's full focus on the party next week," says Malin.

In my mind I went back to their special moment at Sweden Rock a few weeks ago and asked if they were nervous or otherwise emotionally taken.
"We got some tears in our eyes when we were watching some others who were wed before us, but then it went so fast that we didn’t have the time to get emotionally moved," replied Malin.
Anna: "What did you eat as a wedding dinner? Was it as you thought earlier, a piece of pizza and beer? Hi hi!”
Malin: "I don't remember. Maybe it was then I ate meatballs and mashed potatoes, ha ha ha!” (Anna)

IN SILENCE (RockKlassiker Stage)
There will be no silence when this band comes on stage. Instead we were offered raw heavy metal in the style of HALESTORM, which was heard in ”Open Your Eyes” for example. Erika Jonsson has a nice strong voice full of drive. Her pipe and even the music lean a little towards punkrock. Energetic and exciting in a simple, straightforward way. The melodies have power and the two guitarists Daniel Delin and Sebastian Elmlund delivered heavy riffs.
The group started in 2016 and feels like a diamond, that with time and work can begin to shine. Jonsson is cool and it felt like she has more experience on stage and especially more presence than the men behind her. The guys in the band more often looked down into the floor in front of them, but Erika had an inner charisma that she sometimes showed, which led to maintaining interest from the audience.

Drums and bass were pumping in a delightful beat. The guitarplaying was full of speed, while the melodies were easy to follow. Here we found everything, both headbanging and sing along-moments. Around me stood people of all ages and sang like a big family. The woman behind the microphone rocked to the rhythm and tossed with her hair, containing all colors of fire.

”One For All” is a song against bullying, from the EP with the same name. While the festival was going on the music video was released, which is a cooperation with "Metalheads Against Bullying", an non profit organisation. The tough girl on stage made us easily sing along in the chorus. She started and we continued with the words “… all for one…” and “we will stand strong” felt good, right down the gut.
Elmlund sometimes bursted into growling, which was heard in the background with a final long, drawn-out, bright roar. Even for those who normally are not so fond of this type of using the voice, it worked just fine as a spice.

A nice atmosphere and the crowd wanted more, so much that IN SILENCE the evening after made an acoustic extra gig. Of course that meant a lot to the swedish newcomers. Now they got the chance to show who they are for a new and significantly bigger amount of people. The dream is to get out and play more, even outside Swedens borders. Finally being able to have the music as a profession is a wish.
A glowing interest exists, so suddenly the spark may light up into flames. (Anna)

Freitag, 07.06.2019

THUNDERMOTHER (4Sound Stage)
Under a clear blue sky swedish THUNDERMOTHER struck down as a flash and met a charged amount of people who welcomed them with open arms.
Since I had never seen this band before, I was greatly impressed by the founder Filippa Nässil. She turned out to be one of the most skilled guitarists I have ever seen. A cool person, full of exuberant vivid music, like the wide and deeply nuanced tones that came from her instrument.

On their first two albums the group was strongly influenced by AC/DC and this is where we find their basic sound. The third and self-titled “Thundermother” came last year and has a slightly different style, with a kind of groovy blues, even though it is still strong and heavy rock.
They were formed almost ten years ago, but except Nässil, the rest of the members were newly added during the last two years.
The new singer Guernica Mancini was an excellent choice with her more mature voice. It contains a small huskiness that adds a genuine feeling and intensity. Along with her charisma or look she reminded a little about JANIS JOPLIN.

The sunrays made the white and gold-colored guitar, plus the metal rivets on Filippas blue vest, shine stronger than a spotlight. After a solo, on which she also played with a glass bottle, the audience cheered so loudly that it was not possible to hear what she was saying.
Emlee Johansson threw up her drumsticks in the air. With a flirty glance in her eyes, she caught them again.
The band tore off song after song. When guitar and bass met, side by side or against each other, a huge energy spread to everyone.

We saw a band that performed very well together and really knew what they were doing.
Their classic "Shoot To Kill", the newer "Racing On Mainstreet" and "We Fight For Rock'n'Roll" are just a few examples of songs they performed with both cockiness and friendly fellowship.
Suddenly the tough guitar-chick disappeared and turned up sitting on a crew members shoulders. In this way, she moved slowly through most of the crowd, while continuing to play. This little lady is a star, who is one with her guitar. Besides that she is natural and one of the nicest people I have met.

The audience was amazing and were thanked more than once with a "Skål!" As a wave, the party feeling came over us all. An extra greeting was also directed to all their german fans and the author of these lines can recommend you to visit their website, because there will be many shows in Germany this year.
Thundermother-Nässil then for a moment became very serious and thoughtful, when introducing the next song. She had met Mikkey Dee and Lemmy Kilmister from MOTÖRHEAD two weeks before Lemmy died. "Deal With The Devil" she wrote to him. From the smoke on stage she came out and it was no sad ballad, but a piece filled with speed, that had suited Mr. Kilmister himself perfectly.

Ballads are something that has not been on these womens repertoire before, but on the last album came their first. "Fire In The Rain", with Mancinis powerful singing, captivated everyone in a melancholic, groovy kind of way.
Then they hit it again, so it almost started to smoke. As a concert-visitor it was difficult to stand still. It was just to give all you got, just like the artists on stage. (Anna)

THE QUILL (Rockklassiker Stage)
They have performed at Wacken and in the US, and of course at Sweden Rock more than once. The first time was for exactly twenty years ago and they were praised. Now swedish THE QUILL again made an highly acclaimed concert with cheering people.
I was barely born then, but felt for a while moved to the late sixties or early seventies. Think heavy classic rock, like BLACK SABBATH, DEEP PURPLE and LED ZEPPELIN. Then mix in some of the nineties grunge and stoner metal, such as SOUNDGARDEN, ALICE IN CHAINS and MONSTER MAGNET. These four men I saw in front of me played groovy hardrock in a fantastic way, with catchy riffs and thumping bass. "Ghosthorse", from the latest album "Born From Fire" (2017), was a perfect example of what this group is made of.

The show started with the very good “Snake Charmer Woman”, from just mentioned brilliant work. In bandana we saw the cool guitarist Christian Carlsson, with a silver jewelery hanging from his beard. Behind him sat the awesome drummer Jolle Atlagic. In the hat we found the bassist Roger Nilsson among all the smoke on stage and the singer Magnus Ekwall called himself an old man, but I did not agree. He still sang like a young man and has been compared to Chris Cornell and Sammy Hagar. You floated away to Magnus voice and together with the music, the entire audience was caught in a magical moment during "Keep It Together".

Suggestive tones came from the guitar in "Hole In My Head", from the album "Voodoo Caravan" (2002). More progressive and almost psychedelic, it was in the title song from the same record. Maybe it was a little too long, but some in the crowd seemed to enjoy it very much and moved a bit like in a flower power-dance.

Like many other groups, the members have changed from time to time. In 1999 THE QUILL not only played at this festival for the first time, but also released the longplayer “Silver Haze”. So now, with that classic set of bandmembers again, they of course celebrated this with performing a couple of pieces from that material. Among other things, "Into The Volcano" pleased the fans.

The best was saved to last. Hearing "Stone Believer" made me so happy. Jolles drumming energy spread all the way into everyone who listened and the joy rushed through us all, I think. It was impossible to stand still. Instead I let the rhythm of the music take over my body. Ekwall did not even have to ask us to sing. As the most natural thing in the world, the whole audience sang the chorus instead of him. The entire place was almost lifting off the ground from an outstanding great atmosphere. Smiling people all around, already longing for the next time. (Anna)

Setlist THE QUILL:
Snake Charmer Woman
Freedom Mountain
Ghosthorse
Keep It Together
American Powder
Hole In My Head
Into The Volcano (I Fly)
Voodoo Caravan
Stone Believer

KISS (Festival Stage)
Since 1977 they have come to Sweden to give concerts. Through the years, they have even experienced a traditional Midsummer celebration, a seemingly greater feast than the national day of this country.
Now they were here for a final concert, on their "(One Last Kiss) End Of The Road (World) Tour”.
Gene Simmons long tongue, the familiar gestures, lots of pyrotechnics, everything we wanted to see, and a little more, were there. Or, did they actually deliver so much more than expected? Anyway, it was exactly a show like this you wanted when you saw them for the last time.

Opening classic "Detroit Rock City" contained wonderful guitar loops and we all moved our feet.
During "Shout It Out Loud" Paul Stanley held the guitar between his knees and played. A while later he held a short competition between the different sections of the crowd, where it was about singing and shouting loudly.
"Say Yeah" from Sonic Boom (2009) calmed down the tempo on the stage, to then make it boil again in "I Love It Loud".

In "War Machine" balls of fire pumped up, in pace with the song and then Gene Simmons took a sword in one fist. He held it like a torch and against the handle he blew a fire, a classic thing we always long to see, after which he throws down the weapon so that it stuck upright.
The bassplayer flirted with the audience and sometimes found someone who stood still with an indifferent facial expression. Then he jokingly crossed his arms and requested some more energy. Many of us jumped and bounced on the spot. Gene also moved his hips in front of the ladies and teased them with his tounge, which is well known of him to do.
One of all the highlights was when Simmons, Thayer and Stanley played in a row in "Deuce" and "Let Me Go, Rock'n'roll", swinging in determined synchronised movements. Something I never get tired of to see, because it is absolutely wonderful. Tommy and Paul also played a duel in a way filled with fun.

The drummer could almost be a relative of Peter Criss, because he in interviews talks and talks, just like him and is equally funny. In his drumsolo we found the entire artillery. A lot of smoke came out from below the podium and it slowly lifted from the ground, while the word "KISS" flashed on the two bass drums. Eric pumped on with his feet, juggled with the drumsticks and shouted "hej, hej!" to the public.
Paul held the microphone only in its cord, and swung it around. I actually do not want to admit it, but his voice sounded a little wobbly. Though I forgive him. Neither of us gets younger and he is still a star who succeeds in keeping peoples interest.
About "I Was Made For Loving You" Paul has said: "When we first recorded this one, some people did not like it, some people didn't want us to play it, but when you hear it live it sounds the way it's supposed to sound, and we love it.” Me and many others absolutely agree.
Right as it was, he shouted "I'm coming out there to see you ...!” and went out with the wire that took him to the mixer table. There on a small mini-scene, he performed "Love Gun" in a teamwork with his friends on the big stage. We have seen it before, but it is always a nice part of the show. A cheerful moment with a lot of hands held up towards the sky when Starchild, kind of flew, over a lot of fans.

Large octagonal “pods”, with many metal rivets, made cool effects. These designs worked both as small platforms to stand on, as well as flying video screens above the whole scenery.
In "100,000 Years" they changed in many different colors over the guitar solo and during "Cold Gin" the name "KISS" flashed. The cool man behind the bass took big steps in his dragonboots and bat wings. From Tommy Thayers guitar fireworks were shot during his solo, twice on each side of the drumset, which caused Singer to twitch a couple of times.
The lead guitarist has now been in KISS longer than Frehley was, so even if we love Ace, we can all admit that Tommy is great. So please stop comparing and give him some credit, because he is an awesome guitarplayer.

In a green light, the smoke poured over the stage and Gene came with the bass shaped like an axe. The Demon moved and stared at us like a wild animal. Suddenly he seemed to have caught his prey, shaking his head and from his mouth blood was running. This beast then stood on one of the “pods” that slowly went up. With the smoke around him, which was now colored red, he sang "God Of Thunder".

My personal favorite "Black Diamond" finished original setlist. Paul made a short, cool solo on a glittering guitar, and spins like windmills behind him ejected a gold-colored fireworks.
Of course there were encores. Neither we nor the band were satisfied with anything else.
In the spotlight stood a glittery grand piano and Eric Singer sat behind the keys. A swoosh was heard from us who were there and he performed the lovely classic "Beth" atmospheric. Many of us were emotionally touched and afterwards Singer gratefully took a selfie with all fans in the background.
Then the pace quickly went up in "Crazy Crazy Nights", from the album "Crazy Nights" (1987). Big black and white balloons, with the KISS logo on, bounced playfully around among the audience.
It became even better with ending "Rock And Roll All Nite", when red and white confetti sprayed out like a happy storm over all concert-visitors. With a swirling feeling inside we sang, while the podiums Simmons and Thayer were standing on made a ride upwards. Stanley swung his guitar, smashed it like he usually do, and a couple of lucky fans got one piece each.
Longer confetti whirled over us, while the idols said "Thankyou and good night!"
After a photo of 35,000 happy devoted enthusiasts in the background, they disappeared while a large fireworks was going on.

KISS have an army of loyal fans, the biggest one on earth, so it was with sadness we said goodbye and reluctantly walked away. Deep inside many hope that this was not the last time, because other artists have had farewell-tours and then made a comeback. But even though the slightly younger Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer could continue for many years, it will be difficult to find new front figures like Paul Stanley and above all Gene Simmons. These two gentlemen have always been devoted to their band and always been there. Without them it would not be the same. My wish was that their sons would take over and do those roles, although of course I have no idea if it would work.

It was a crazy crazy, but wonderful, night on Sweden Rock . They brought their biggest, most explosive and bombastic show. These face-painted icons gave it all to us.
Congratulations to an amazing career and enjoy your retirement. (Anna)

Setlist KISS:
Detroit Rock City
Shout It Out Loud
Deuce
Say Yeah
I Love It Loud
Heaven’s On Fire
War Machine
Lick It Up
Calling Dr. Love
100,000 Years
  -Drumsolo-
Cold Gin
  -Guitarsolo-
God Of Thunder
Psycho Circus
Let Me Go, Rock’n’roll
Love Gun
I Was Made For Lovin’ You
Black Diamond
-------------------------------------
Beth
Crazy Crazy Nights
Rock And Roll All Nite

(Photos: SwedenRock)

Samstag, 08.06.2019

JARED JAMES NICHOLS (Rockklassiker Stage)
He has been awarded several times for his guitarskills and also entered the stage as an support of ZZ TOP, LYNYRD SKYNYRD, GLENN HUGHES, SAXON and UFO among others.
This guy is a perfect example of the fact that music, and especially blues, cannot be teached. It comes from within and is something you are born with. JARED JAMES NICHOLS has the bluespower.
From the very first moment he came out on stage, with his two friends on bass and drums, this guitarist and singer caught your interest. Nichols delivered bluesrock with sting and feeling.

Already after a few songs even the crew behind and beside the stage started to dance. “End Of Time” was a real smoker. To the catchy refrain we all joined and clapped our hands.
The guitar God looks like an impressive lion, in his thick mane, which he shook now and then.
In “Can You Feel It?” his hands rhythmically hit the instrument several times and Jared James fingers moved quickly over it.
He started to play in the age of fourteen, but seems to be born with a guitar in his hands. It is like a part of his body, as well as the music, that just pours up inside and comes out in a wonderful flow to delight us all.
A distinctive feature is that Nichols does not use a pick, like ninetynine percent of all guitarists always do. However, this “pick-less” electric guitar playing technique may be nothing to follow, because he sometimes really plays until his fingers bleed.

A newly written work, “Nails In My Coffin”, was performed. After that he almost did not have to ask “How are you doing Sweden? Are you ready to rock?” because everyone cheered with happy faces. A cool and playful bass solo made the long intro to “N.I.B”. This BLACK SABBATH-cover was rough and tough with some softer parts. JARED JAMES NICHOLS made it even better than the original, like when american southern bluesrock is showed from its best side. The lionking walked over to one of the speakers and held his guitar against it for a while. The rhythm spread all around and inside of everyone.

Actually there is no need to mention that a guitarsolo was made, because the entire concert contained a lot of those. Like JOE BONAMASSA the music is based on this instrument. It is a characteristic feature, a part of their shows and the fans love it. After the longest solo Nichols thanked us in swedish, “Tack så mycket”, which made us say the same to him.
We found many instrumental sections, where we experienced his excellent, magic skills.

“Now Or Never” was delivered both groovy and sexy. Guitar-attacks came in a smooth way and the frontman shook out every last tone.
In “Playin’ For Keeps” he handled the guitar behind his back. When the instrument was in front of him, he held it more like a piano and all ten fingers moved fast over the strings.
Power and heaviness also came from swedish drummer Dennis Holm.

Finishing words after a high-energy performance were “See you all out there!” Jared James burned off yet another guitar solo, followed by rapid beats from the drums.
I think everyone felt that the concert could have lasted forever. No one wanted them to stop. At home I often play the discs over and over again, but live was of course even better.
This is music for the soul. (Anna)

Setlist JARED JAMES NICHOLS:
Last Chance
Don’t Be Scared
Honey Forgive Me
End Of Time
Can You Feel It?
Nails In My Coffin
N.I.B (Black Sabbath-cover)
-Guitarsolo-
Now Or Never
Mississippi Queen (Mountain-cover)
Playin’ For Keeps
The Gun

Alle Photos sofern nicht anders vermerkt von Anna