Harsefeld 30 March 2008 - Hogan's Heroes' first gig at Eichhorn's Saal. The gig was arranged by Stadtmarketing Harsefeld (details see preview at the bottom, in German only).
Band:
Albert Lee, git, voc, key
Gerry Hogan, steel guitar, git
Peter Baron, drums, voc
Brian Hodgson, bass, backgr voc
Elio Pace, key, acc, voc
Some comments by Gudrun, originally sent 31/03/2008
Just a few words about the gig. We had a warm welcome at the Hotel Eichhorn where we could take a peep to the sound check while chatting to the promoter who had managed to get Albert and the band. He was proud about the lighting he had installed and obviously enjoyed telling us all about the unique ballroom which met with the bands' approval. The promoter is a busy guy, supporting live music and - as he told us - fighting hard to get good acts together despite getting no support from official sites. The region offers very little entertainment and this guy wants to change it which deserves a special mention as this is a tricky business. He was anxious about the ticket sale but to his satisfaction 200 tickets had already gone in advance.
We went down on time, met up with 2 other friends, picked our wristbands and moved to the front row. Although the gig was in the middle of nowhere, the room got finally packed. Somebody climbed the stage and introduced the band. When Albert & HHs started, the spark jumped immediately, the audience were responsive, happy faces all around, band and audience had so much fun. After the 2nd song I knew definitely that this would become a fantastic gig!
Albert & HHs were brilliant, of course the encore was given (excellently done despite of technical probs with Gerry's steel). At the end of the show Albert made it clear that they did enjoy playing here and it might not be the last time. Later more work for the boys - people queued to get their CDs and all kind of stuff signed. Elio gave me his camera asking me to take as many photos as I could of the happy crowd with him and his bandmates.
I must say, I have seen this band so often, but every gig is different, it is never boring and I wouldn't miss it for a million dollars.
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Left: A photo tells a story
During Country Boy, Gerry's steel broke down so he went over to Elio and both fooled around with the piano. This photo was taken by photographer Elvira Homfeld (my own photo didn't come out so well). I printed it out and both Elio and Gerry signed it for me in Southport some time later, and all of us enjoyed sharing the memory.
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Set List / not complete and not always in the right order.
Restless
Two Step Too
Tiger Rag
I'll never get over you
Why me
Breathless
Barnyard Boogie
Rad Gumbo
Crying in the Rain
Can your grandpa rock'n roll like this
Leave my woman alone
Till I gain control again
Country Boy
Encore:
Don't
Hound Dog
Tear it up
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Vorschau aus Tageblatt online:
Konzert mit Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes. Einer der weltbesten Gitarristen mit den „Hogan’s Heroes“ in Eichhorns Saal.
Ueber einen „absoluten Knaller“ freut sich May-Britt Mueller vom Stadtmarketing Harsefeld: Am Sonntag, 30. Maerz, kann sie mit Albert Lee einen der weltbesten Gitarristen der Country Szene praesentieren. Albert Lee und seine „Hogan’s Heroes“ legen auf ihrer Europatournee zwischen Muenchen und Hamburg in Harsefeld einen Zwischenstopp ein. Das Konzert in Eichhorns Saal in der Herrenstrasse beginnt um 20 Uhr.
Der in England beheimatete Lee ist Gewinner des Grammy Award 2002. Das „Guitar Player’s Magazine“ waehlte ihn 5 Mal zum besten Country Gitarristen. Er spielte mit Stars wie Eric Clapton und tourte jahrelang mit den legendaeren Everly Brothers durch die Welt. Bei Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings“ spielt er heute, wenn er nicht mit seiner ebenfalls hochkaraetig besetzten Band „Hogan’s Heroes“ unterwegs ist. Gerry Hogan, ein Meister auf der meist zehnsaitigen Pedal-Steel-Gitarre, gab ihr den Namen. Bassist Brian Hodgson arbeitete in den 70er Jahren unter anderem mit George Harrison und Eric Idle (Monty Python). Schlagzeuger Peter Baron spielte frueher u.a. in der Elkie Brooks Band. Der Keyboarder Elio Pace stand mit Groessen wie Bob Monkhouse, Shirley Bassey und Harry Hill auf der Buehne.
Die seltene Mischung solcher Talente ermutigt May-Britt Mueller in stolzer Erwartung des Harsefelder Konzerts, „einen magischen Leckerbissen zeitloser und beeindruckender Musik“ zu garantieren.
