Scorpions LIVE!
June 23, 2010 at Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion in Gilford, N.H.
by Deb Rao
Guest Staff Writer
On Wednesday June 23, history was made as The Scorpions took the stage for their last hurrah in New England at Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion in Gilford, N.H. on the Get Your Sting And Blackout farewell tour. Anticipation filled the air, as fans arrived early for tailgating and turned up the new Scorpions CD Sting In The Tail up to 10!
For over 40 years, The Scorpions ruled the metal scene inspiring fans and musicians with their rock anthems such as “Rock You Like A Hurricane”, and “No One Like You.” Singer Klaus Meine is one of the influential singers to emerge out of the ’80s.
Motley Crue singer Vince Neil and his solo band kicked off the night’s festivities. Opening with “Live Wire,” ince and company got the fans on their feet with many Motley Crue Hits. Vince sounded great and we are looking forward to Ozzfest this summer with his band Motley Crue.
The ’80s were known for their party rock and tonights show featured all of the fun elements that go into a Vince Neil show. Vince announced that Tuesday his solo album Tattoos & Tequila as released and this would be the first time the band would be performing the title track live. Vince commented to the audience, “If you drink a lot of Tequila would you get a tattoo tonight?” (Priceless) The new song went over very well. Be sure to pick up a copy today.
Highlight of the show was the dedication to Ronnie James Dio made by guitarist Jeff Blando as he sang “Heaven And Hell.” Favorite songs and fan responses of the evening were the Motley hits “Kickstart My Heart”, and “Girls, Girls, Girls.”
Vince Neil Set List:
Live Wire
Dr. Feelgood
Piece of Your Action
Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away) S.O.S.
Tattoos & Tequila
Heaven and Hell
Whole Lotta Love
Kickstart My Heart
Girls, Girls, Girls
Wild Side
In just a few moments the concert of the summer featuring The Scorpions was about to transpire. It is hard to fathom that such a great band with a mega legacy are saying farewell. But not before performing one of the most amazing shows I have ever witnessed. Earlier last week, Rudolf Schenker informed us that the stage show was going to be spectacular. Well, he was right on the money. The Scorpions hit the stage at 8:30 P.M. for a 2 hour and twenty minute set in which every song was a highlight. The stage set was very impressive with a massive light show full of purple, and green lights. A drum rise that was lifted high into the air holding James Kottak. But most of all, the extensive stage show did not outshine The Scorpions dynamic performance and songs that have survived the test of time. As each member of the band gave the performance of a lifetime. All smiles, Klaus and company opened the show with their new hit single, Sting In The Tail.
It has been 7 years since I have seen the band perform on Long Island with Dokken and Whitesnake and this show combined all of the magic that ’80s rock is made of. Highlights of the concert were new song “The Best Is Yet To Come.” In which singer Klaus Meine asked the crowd,” Do you believe the best is yet to come?” I do. Guitarist Rudolf Schenker brought out the acoustic guitar. It was so exhilarating to watch Rudolf crank out all of the hits. His performance was flawless. “Winds Of Change” (anthem for the Cold War) was magical and new song “Raised On Rock” rocked the house.
Drummer James Kottak held the audience spellbound during his drum solo, as his drum rise was lifted high into the air and three videos screened displayed a very entertaining segment regarding James flying in the air and portraying different acting parts with different women who turned into aliens!
The Scorpions belted out hit after hit with much conviction. The set took the fans into the now and also relinquished all of the older hits. There are so many hits, they could have gone on for hours and hours but N.H. has a curfew. So the band ended on a high note with “Big City Nights”,”No One Like You” and “Rock You Like A Hurricane.”
Tonight’s concert was a celebration of the legacy of one of the greatest rock bands in the world The Scorpions. It was bittersweet watching The Scorpions perform. It was also so inspiring to see families bring their younger children to the show. The audience really did span a 40-year generation. The ’80s were a time that knew boundaries. Everyone lived life large and rock and roll dreams really did come true. Tonight, The Scorpions, as Rudolf refers to as (The Gang) from Germany that traveled across the world living the dream claimed their crown as a band that is still on top of their game after 40 years. Making rock history once again and leaving you believing the best is yet to come!
The Scorpions Set List:
1. Sting In The Tail
2. Make It Real
3. Bad Boys Running Wild
4. The Zoo
5. Coast To Coast
6. Loving You Sunday Morning
7. The Best Is Yet To Come
8. Holiday
9. Wind Of Change
10. Raised on Rock
11. Tease Me Please Me
12. Dynamite
13. Kottak Attack
14. Blackout
15. Six String Sting
16. Big City Nights
17. Encore: No One Like You
18. Rock You Like A Hurricane
The Staff Of Hardrock Haven would like to Thank MSO for letting us cover The Scorpions farewell tour.