Just got back from The Rock at downtown Copenhagen where Brainstorm just played the first concert on their Downburst tour. I know you all want me to say that is was a kick-ass concert, but I exited the venue with mixed feelings.
First of all, the turnout was rather bad. I know that Brainstorm is not exactly big in Denmark, but come on! Not even half full, and The Rock is a very small place. I am somewhat ashamed on behalf of my fellow Danes.
That aside, the band was without Torsten, although his replacement (whose name escapes me, it is late) did a good job, it was not the same. Some of the solos were completely different, which was ok in some cases, but not in others.
Worst of all, during the third song (Fire Walk With Me) we could hear something was wrong with Andy's voice and he had to stop singing halfway through. Afterwards he sincerely apologised about this, and said that he had some sort of cold, but hadn't thought it would affect his voice that much. I almost thought that they would end the concert right then and there!
A few minutes passed, and he apologised once more, but said that they'd continue, but that he didn't knew how long his voice would last. Then followed a few songs with Andy at about 25 % capacity. Later it got to about 50 % when he had warmed up a bit, but it was nowhere near the Andy we know and love.
I am really impressed with the fact that, despite Andy's lack of voice, they did managed to play for quite a bit more than an hour, a credit to the dedication of both Andy and the rest of the band.
After the show was over, with huge applauses (for a small crowd), Andy did promise a 2+ hour show the next time they played in Denmark as an "apology" for his lack of voice. There was no doubt that the rest of the band DID deliver, as my neck and shoulders are still a bit sore.
A special mention goes out to "new guy" Antonio. He did a great job, with great stage presence and groovy bass riffs. 
So not Brainstorm at their best, even though slightly amputated they still kick behind. I hope that the illness plaguing the band will not affect the rest of the tour. Get well Andy, and I hope and pray that your next show on Danish soil will be from a Brainstorm in full force!
First of all, the turnout was rather bad. I know that Brainstorm is not exactly big in Denmark, but come on! Not even half full, and The Rock is a very small place. I am somewhat ashamed on behalf of my fellow Danes.
That aside, the band was without Torsten, although his replacement (whose name escapes me, it is late) did a good job, it was not the same. Some of the solos were completely different, which was ok in some cases, but not in others.
Worst of all, during the third song (Fire Walk With Me) we could hear something was wrong with Andy's voice and he had to stop singing halfway through. Afterwards he sincerely apologised about this, and said that he had some sort of cold, but hadn't thought it would affect his voice that much. I almost thought that they would end the concert right then and there!
A few minutes passed, and he apologised once more, but said that they'd continue, but that he didn't knew how long his voice would last. Then followed a few songs with Andy at about 25 % capacity. Later it got to about 50 % when he had warmed up a bit, but it was nowhere near the Andy we know and love.
I am really impressed with the fact that, despite Andy's lack of voice, they did managed to play for quite a bit more than an hour, a credit to the dedication of both Andy and the rest of the band.
After the show was over, with huge applauses (for a small crowd), Andy did promise a 2+ hour show the next time they played in Denmark as an "apology" for his lack of voice. There was no doubt that the rest of the band DID deliver, as my neck and shoulders are still a bit sore.
A special mention goes out to "new guy" Antonio. He did a great job, with great stage presence and groovy bass riffs. So not Brainstorm at their best, even though slightly amputated they still kick behind. I hope that the illness plaguing the band will not affect the rest of the tour. Get well Andy, and I hope and pray that your next show on Danish soil will be from a Brainstorm in full force!
