Scorpions with opener Queensryche Concert Review
HEADBANGING TO SCORPIONS WITH QUEENSRYCHE’S EDDIE JACKSON
Date: September 26, 2015
Venue: Allstate Arena
Location: Rosemont, Illinois, USA
Reviewer: Metal Headz Media
This weekend, I was very fortunate to see two of my all time favorite bands, the Scorpions and Queensryche. I was also lucky enough to be a guest of Eddie Jackson of Queensryche. I would like to thank my cousin’s husband, who had coached Eddie’s son in soccer, for making this happen.
Before heading to the show, we grabbed a few beers at the hotel. We were waiting for Eddie to call us with instuctions on where to meet him at the arena. When he did, we were told he would meet us by the tour buses. As we arrived, Scorpions drummer, James Kottak, was just getting off their bus to go into the arena. He happily greeted a handful of eager fans looking for autographs. I jumped right in and handed him my CD sleeve from their new album Return To Forever. After he left, we were directed to the doors where we would meet Eddie. As we approached, he came out and greeted us with a big smile and handshake. He brought us into their dressing room where Michael Wilton was on his laptop as Eddie introduced us. He then gave us a tour of the stage where we ran into Mathias Jabs, who took a quick minute to sign Love At First Sting for me. Eddie then said his goodbyes because he had to be on stage in twenty minutes.
Waiting for the show to start, we grabbed a few beers and made our way to our seats just in time for Queensryche to hit the stage. The lights went out and the three quarters full area erupted with cheers. They hit the stage playing “Anarchy-X” leading into “The Needle Lies” off of the classic album Operation: Mindcrime. The band sounded as good as ever and Todd LaTorre’s vocals did not disappoint. Wilton and Parker Lundgren make a great guitar tag team while Jackson and Scott Rockenfield held it all together. As they only had forty-five minutes on stage, they stuck to classics off of their first four albums along with “Arrow of Time” off of their soon to be released Condition Hüman album. My favorites of the night were “Walk in the Shadows,” “Empire” and the last song of their set, the song that started it all, “Queen of the Reich.” Hearing LaTorre’s vocals during that closing song assured me that the band made the right choice for Geoff Tate‘s replacement.
Queensrÿche “Arrow of Time” (HD) (HQ Audio) Live Chicago 9/26/2015
North American Tour 2015 w/ScorpionsNew track from Condition Hüman Allstate ArenaRosemont IL
Before the Scorpions came out to play, my expectations were quite low. The last time I saw them was 2003. They had sound problems and their stage show was boarder line cheesy, especially the lit up cloth flames that were being blown with fans for movement. At last, they came roaring out to a near full arena playing “Going Out With A Bang” the first track off of their new album Return To Forever. They did not disappoint this time around with what seemed like floor to ceiling LCD screens with everything from speakers, explosion, album covers and of course themselves, larger than life. Next up were the classics “Make it Real” and “The Zoo.” Klaus Meine sounded youthful and the backbone of the band, bassist Pawel Maciwoda and drummer James Kottak were spot on.
At that time we got a text from Eddie to come backstage and meet the band. After introductions, a few pictures, autographs, beer and a tour of their bus, Eddie decided to join us in our seats to watch the rest of the Scorpions‘ set.
We made it back out as they were finishing their acoustic medley which lead into “Wind Of Change.” We were treated to great songs like “Dynamite,” “Blackout,” “No One Like You,” and “Big City Nights.” I don’t know if I was more entertained by the great band on stage or watching Eddie as a fan. He was enjoying the show, using his forearm as a fret board, jamming out solos along with guitarists Jabs and Rudolf Schenker. The Scorpions then came to the front of the stage to say goodnight, but with all bands, you knew they were not done. As they left the stage, Eddie signaled us to follow him. He led us through the crowd, shaking hands with those who recognized him. He brought us back to the sound boards just in time for their encore and to see the giant LCD screens in their full glory. Saving two crowd favorites until the end was no surprise. They led out with the laid back ballad “Still Loving You” and closed the night by slaying the mega hit “Rock You Like A Hurricane.”
Even though I missed half of their set, I was completely satisfied with everything they played. And one last note, if a band ever disappoints you, give them another chance. The Scorpions reaffirmed me that they are still one of the greatest live bands of all time.
Scorpions live up front “Rock You Like A Hurricane” Rosemont (Chicago) 9-26-2015
Scorpions live up front “Rock You Like A Hurricane” Rosemont (Chicago) 9-26-2015
Queensryche’s setlist:
01. Anarchy-X
02. The Needle Lies
03. Walk In The Shadows
04. Jet City Woman
05. Silent Lucidity
06. Arrow Of Time
07. Eyes Of A Stranger
08. Empire
09. Queen Of The Reich
Scorpions’ setlist:
01. Going Out With A Bang
02. Make It Real
03. The Zoo
04. Coast To Coast
05. Top Of The Bill / Steamrock Fever / Speedy’s Coming / Catch Your Train (’70s medley)
06. We Built This House
07. Delicate Dance
08. Always Somewhere / Eye Of A Storm / Send Me An Angel (acoustic medley)
09. Wind Of Change
10. Rock ‘N’ Roll Band
11. Dynamite
12. In The Line Of Fire
13. Kottak Attack (drum solo)
14. Blackout
15. No One Like You
16. Big City Nights
Encores:
17. Still Loving You
18. Rock You Like A Hurricane