Deep Purple Romanian Symphony Review
Jan Bagger, Denmark
Concert review:
Deep Purple with a Romanian Symphony orchestra and mr. RONNIE JAMES DIO - at "Scandinavium" in Gothenburg, Sweden, October 6th 2000
I have to say, that I really like Deep Purple - great musicians and they have done so many great songs in the past many years, BUT I did not drive the many kilometers from my home in Denmark to Gotheburg in Sweden if it was not for my all time favourite singer Ronnie James Dio, to hear him sing four songs and one verse on Smoke On The Water.
But it sure was worth the effort. I have been to all DIO shows in Copenhagen, Denmark since the Holy Diver tour, and he still can surprise me with his great voice - I mean, I can never ever become tired of his powerful voice and great stage presence - In my opinion Ronnie James Dio in second to NONE !
I took a day off that Friday, and at 2:00 P.M. me and my brother in law Michael drove the 90 km. to north sealand and took the ferry to Sweden (20 min. ailing time) - Denmark have now build a bridge to Sweden, but the other way were faster, at least when we were going to Gothenburg.
We arrived
at the "Scandinavium" in Gothenbourg at 7.15 P.M. and the show were
supposed to start 7:30 P.M., but it has been changed to 8:00 P.M., and the
show lasted for 2 hours and 20 min. The venue were packed - I really don't know
how many people the "Scandinavium" holds, but there must have been
6-8000 people or more
First a welcome from keyboard legend Jon Lord. He told us this night would
not be the same as a usual rock show with DP. And the man was right.
They started with the slow silent song "pictures within" feat. a guest singer (can't remember his name, I guess it was the same singer that sings the song on the CD), and after that Ronnie James Dio entered the stage and people were giving him a standing ovasion. First song was "Sitting In A Dream" and then "Love Is All". Ronnie was SO prepared, and his voice were strong and sharp and right on the notes (as usual) - it was an awesome experience to hear these songs live. The sound were very good during the entire show.
Then Steve Morse started FEAVER DREAMS from Magica, and I went wild and then they played RAINBOW IN THE DARK with DP as "backing group" - It was so great to see and hear - Ohh man, I was in the seventh heaven, and this large arena were filled with Ronnies great voice......awesome !
It seems like he sings better the older he gets ! - and Ronnie and the band (especially Steve Morse and Roger Glover) were having a great time on stage, and they seemed to really enjoying themselves - what is more enjoyable than to see a great band/singer loving to play their music on stage.
After that Ian Gillan entered the stage and they continued with older DP stuff mixed with some new stuff - also great - and I must say that Steve Morse impressed me with his technique and his "casual" stage presence - seems like a really nice guy.
But then
they did a like 30 min. piece og classic songs (three classic songs). In my
opinion it was too long time, and several of the long haired dudes left the
place so have a drink and to smoke (in Sweden you're now alowed to smoke in the
arena, which is nice for us non-smokers) but OK ! - the classic part is
important in the show this time around.
Then they did some DP songs again, finished the set and left the stage. But they
did one encore. SMOKE ON THE WATER with everybody on stage, and by that time I
ran down to the front row, and even some of the fans (everybody has
been sitting on their chairs all the time !!) moved their asses from the
chairs an rocked in front of the stage with me !!! - I turned back at some point
and the sight of SO many people, and Ronnie singing the second verse in that
song filled me with a VERY nice and warm feeling !
And when us fans sang "Smoke on the water" alone at the end of the song, Ian said "Please turn it down, not so loud I have a headache" and Ronnie were laughing his but off - it was so nice to see.
The show ended and we drove to the highway again, heading south for Denmark - I was home in my bed at 3:30 A.M.
I was so tired but happy and a great experience with Ronnie James Dio richer.
I know DIO will your the US from in November/December (does this man never get tired of touring ? - NO ! and thank god for that) , so I'll not be able to see him again this year, but I definately hope to see/hear the greatest rock singer in the world again sometime next year.
I love Magica SO MUCH (one of my all time favourite DIO albums), So Ronnie - pick your choice - do a Magica style album or tour near Denmark again soon.....or even better DO BOTH ! - and thanks for another great show !
Jan Bagger
Denmark