On Monday I attended my first concert after a well deserved summer break, and what can be best than an orchestra playing some of the greatest rock hits with their mostly classical instruments? that was something I didn’t want to miss.
The host was AB, who chose the ball room plus some seated seats on top, mostly filled by the early comers with their VIP ticket, recognisable by their souvenir t-shirt of the show. After 1h and a half waiting, the organisation announced that there were 5 remaining minutes before the big show started. Suddenly, a storm hits announcing the beginning of the show. And it didn’t disappoint. The stage was decorated with plastic artificial candles spread all over, and a giant skull hanging from behind the drum set that was dancing along with the music. I personally had a blast as the sole photographer in the pit, being able to capture great shots first hand from the front row musicians, all masked and dressed up with black costumes, feeling more like a mascarde party for which, I was a tad underdressed. On the third song of the show, the lead singer came on stage to perform Paranoid of Black Sabath, making everyone sing along and displaying a burst of energy that added another dimension to the performance. He came on stage on several occasions, even sometimes as an off-voice when performing Bring Me To Live of Evanescence, and although I was maybe missing a female character there, I had to remember myself it was not a regular concert but mostly orchestral songs without lyrics. The group divided the set in two parts, with a 15 break in the middle to allow people to have a refreshment in an otherwise really warm AB. But the cherry on the cake were the two last songs of the set, Du Hast (Rammstein) and ending with Enter Sandman (Metallica), again with the lead singer on stage, and making all the headbangers in the room have a blast on the last song.
Maandag 4 september 2023, Ancienne Belgique (Brussel, BE) | Foto's & tekst: Cristina Vergara