Sat 8 Nov – Motörhead, The Damned, The BossHoss

Having seen Motörhead earlier this year in Switzerland, I thought Lemmy was all back to the usual, but I was wrong. It is now that Lemmy is back with a vengeance and ready to kick some more arse for more years. This was the Motörhead we're used to: loud, brash, fast and simply and unapologetically awesome!

Let me start at the beginning though: I went into the arena with mixed feelings about The BossHoss. I knew they did metal covers of pop songs and wore silly costumes, but I'd never heard…

Mon 13 Oct – Flying Colors

As with any event that involves Mike Portnoy, a great time is almost guaranteed, and this one was no different.
John Wesley was a great choice as opening act as he is neither metal nor prog but some very enjoyable amalgamation of the two. It is also worth noting that until I'd seen his current band I never thought I'd ever see a bass player more modest than John Myung (not even special stage pants!).
With the tour almost over and the pressure of the DVD shoot behind them, Flying Colors clearly enjoyed themselves…

Fri 27 Jun – Motörhead, Gloria Volt

Gloria Volt, the support band, provided a great warm-up and restored my faith in Swiss rock. They are what Gotthard once were, a band devoted to rock. True, their music was as formulaic as Krokus' has become, but they made me a bit proud to hail from the same canton as a band that good.

Some time after 9pm, we finally got to hear that famous rumble of Lemmy's bass again. And for once, even a Swiss crowd was able to come alive and show the band that they're appreciated. True,…

Sun 1 Jun – The Rolling Stones, The Temperance Movement

Having known the Stones for almost all my life through my dad's preferences for music from their heyday, and having seen them on the event of my dad's birthday, I'm still not sure about the concert.
It's definitely something to have seen. Despite them being old men in tights (h/t Liam Gallagher), their effortless performance of a greatest hits setlist lasting two full hours has to be seen to be believed. In spite of the great stage design and video inserts, I'm also not sure why the various versions of…

Mon 28 Apr – The Flower Kings, Karmakanic

Whether it was because it was a Monday night or whether it was the absence of the crowd pulling power of Mike Portnoy, a much smaller than usual crowd assembled at the Z7 for an evening of excellent Swedish prog.

Karmakanic, Flower Kings bass player Jonas Reingold's side project opened the evening in place of the sadly still out of action Daniel Gildenlow. They appeared in a lighter line-up (without Erikson, Jonsson or Agren) and played a good cross section of their original material. Felix and Roine, also from The Flower Kings…

Wed 5 Mar – Transatlantic

Although individually, most members of Transatlantic have visited Switzerland frequently since their last concert in 2010, this was the first time since then that they were here again (same venue even) as Transatlantic.
Unlike some who will not be mentioned, Transatlantic know how do a proper "an evening with" event. Counting everything, they provided 3 hours of prog bliss, playing Kaleidoscope (entire album), a Whirlwind medley, All of the Above and more. You can tell when Mike Portnoy has been let loose on a tour's setlists.
The crowd may have been paying attention, but I…

Fri 14 Feb – Delta Machine World Tour

I can't shake the impression that the DM brand has grown stale these past few years. Tonight's show was like watching a Bluray on a giant screen. Great show, slick visuals and great songs played live, but only just.

Maybe I've gotten old, but somehow I miss the days of yore, even only 20 years ago. Where are the explosive statements of Songs of Faith and Devotion, Violator or even Ultra?

Depeche Mode now is still good, their Martin and Dave still write great songs, but somehow there's too much…

Thu 12 Dec – Shed Seven, Mark Morriss

Those who know the Barras and Shed Seven needn't read on. You know what you get when you combine the two.
Those who don't, listen to See Youse at the Barras and you'll get some idea.
I write this still buzzing from the unique energy loop that is characteristic of the Barrowland Ballroom. The crowds are mega and the bands know this too and bring their A game every time.
For a band who've not released (much) new material in over ten years, Shed Seven are in top form, kind of like…

Fri 6 Dec – The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown

Like others of his generation and career path, most notably probably Lemmy, Arthur Brown is one of very few left, who have always crafted originality from where there was only raw material. Both promoters and spectators don't know what they're missing out on by passing on booking or seeing him, he's that great.
Having probably lived a somewhat healthier lifestyle than others, Arthur Brown can still perform as animatedly and loudly as ever. He performed a good mix of songs from his latest album as well as classics, including of…

Thu 14 Nov – The Bad Shepherds

Better than any compilation and miles above cover bands, Adrian Edmonson and his Bad Shepherds reinterpret songs to highlight their message. You needn't be a folk fan to appreciate them, but it sure is helpful if you know the original versions. There may be many punk bands out there and many "proper" folk bands, but none demand that you listen to the words quite as well.

Ade will have to be careful to not outstay his welcome though. TBS is a great act, and there sure are lots of worthy songs to cover,…