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Arrow Rock Festival, Biddinghuizen, The Netherlands30th June 2007
Aerosmith, Toto, Europe, Riders On The Storm, Steve Vai, Rodger Hodgson, Scorpions, Outlaws, Thin Lizzy, INXS, Tesla
Arrow Classic Rock had a lot to celebrate this day. First of all it was an anniversary because it was the fifth Arrow Rock Festival. It was the first time that it took place at the festival area in Biddinghuizen. This is a larger then the former festival area and so were the names attending. Then there was another reason to party. This was the day that Arrow Classic Rock Radio went on FM radio. There was a little rain but nothing could spoil the fun for all the rockers attending this rocking festival. When arriving at the festival area the festival had already started. It was quite busy by that time and it was remarkable that this year there were many young people. When walking you could smell the wood chips on the floor which were there to make the ground firmer. There were two large stages and one small, more intimate stage.
Tesla
Tesla was the first band to perform that day. Unfortunately we could only see them very shortly due to the traffic on the way to the festival. Tesla has released its debut album in 1986 and they are still here today. And from what I have seen they are still very energetic and their vocalist has a very appealing voice. You have to listen to it.
Tesla was the first band to perform that day. Unfortunately we could only see them very shortly due to the traffic on the way to the festival. Tesla has released its debut album in 1986 and they are still here today. And from what I have seen they are still very energetic and their vocalist has a very appealing voice. You have to listen to it.
INXS
Since the death of their original lead singer Michael Hutchence they have been in search of replacement. It seems they have now found it in J.D. Fortune (what’s in a name). They were the first to play on the largest stage of this festival.
Since the death of their original lead singer Michael Hutchence they have been in search of replacement. It seems they have now found it in J.D. Fortune (what’s in a name). They were the first to play on the largest stage of this festival.
Music
Of course some of the most famous INXS songs are played, such as ‘Never Tear Us Apart’. But there were some musical surprises as well. And this day the surprise was a song by Johnny Cash. The guitarists seemed to love to play this song and that could be heard in the music. J.D. made the songs his own, a the end of a song he would improvise with some lyrics of his own, which suited the festival. Describing what he was seeing all around him. Near the end of the performance they played song from their latest album ‘Switch’ which was called ‘Pretty Vegas’. It has a very swinging start to it which immediately energised the audience. After this they played ‘New Sensation’ and it sounded just like its title. As if they hadn’t played it a thousand times before.
Of course some of the most famous INXS songs are played, such as ‘Never Tear Us Apart’. But there were some musical surprises as well. And this day the surprise was a song by Johnny Cash. The guitarists seemed to love to play this song and that could be heard in the music. J.D. made the songs his own, a the end of a song he would improvise with some lyrics of his own, which suited the festival. Describing what he was seeing all around him. Near the end of the performance they played song from their latest album ‘Switch’ which was called ‘Pretty Vegas’. It has a very swinging start to it which immediately energised the audience. After this they played ‘New Sensation’ and it sounded just like its title. As if they hadn’t played it a thousand times before.
Performance
It started out as an easy going performance. They didn’t seem to have the ability to fill up this large stage. But later on during the show it all came to live. J.D. made contact with the audience and used the catwalk in front of the stage to get closer to them. The sex appeal of J.D. must have charmed a lot of people (especially women of course). He seems to live the songs he is singing and that is great to see. At first very sedate but later on more intense. His energy is the same as the energy of the song he is singing.
It started out as an easy going performance. They didn’t seem to have the ability to fill up this large stage. But later on during the show it all came to live. J.D. made contact with the audience and used the catwalk in front of the stage to get closer to them. The sex appeal of J.D. must have charmed a lot of people (especially women of course). He seems to live the songs he is singing and that is great to see. At first very sedate but later on more intense. His energy is the same as the energy of the song he is singing.
Rating
Music 8
Performance 7
Sound 7
Light – (it was too bright for lights to have any effect)
Total 7 (7,4)
Music 8
Performance 7
Sound 7
Light – (it was too bright for lights to have any effect)
Total 7 (7,4)
Thin Lizzy
Due to a technical problem Thin Lizzy had to start half an hour to late. By then the tent was so full nobody could get in anymore by the time they started. After having survived their goodye tour the band decided that it wasn’t time to say goodbye yet. And here they are today at one of the biggest rock festivals in the Netherlands.
Due to a technical problem Thin Lizzy had to start half an hour to late. By then the tent was so full nobody could get in anymore by the time they started. After having survived their goodye tour the band decided that it wasn’t time to say goodbye yet. And here they are today at one of the biggest rock festivals in the Netherlands.
Outlaws
Tampa 1968, the Outlaws are founded. They had the honour of having their debut produced by Paul Rothchild, who also produced the Doors and Janis Joplin. They have even played at the Dutch Pinkpop festival back in those days. Today they are working on their new album ‘Full Circle’.
Tampa 1968, the Outlaws are founded. They had the honour of having their debut produced by Paul Rothchild, who also produced the Doors and Janis Joplin. They have even played at the Dutch Pinkpop festival back in those days. Today they are working on their new album ‘Full Circle’.
Riders on the Storm
Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger. These names might sound familiar to you. And so does the name of this band. They should, this are the original keyboard player and guitarist of The Doors. Riders on the Storm used to be a name of one of their songs and now is the name of their new band.
Music
Because they kept a name so close to the original band I expected a performance just as close to it. But you will be very disappointed with those expectations. Of course the keyboard tunes sound alike, which is great to hear. But unfortunately their new vocalist Bret Scallions is no competition for Jim Morrison. And that while is hasn’t been around anymore for a very long time. It sounded like they were compensating for the lack of vocal power by enhancing the lyrics with the music. He is an ok singer, but there is no dedication, no complete surrender to the songs.
Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger. These names might sound familiar to you. And so does the name of this band. They should, this are the original keyboard player and guitarist of The Doors. Riders on the Storm used to be a name of one of their songs and now is the name of their new band.
Music
Because they kept a name so close to the original band I expected a performance just as close to it. But you will be very disappointed with those expectations. Of course the keyboard tunes sound alike, which is great to hear. But unfortunately their new vocalist Bret Scallions is no competition for Jim Morrison. And that while is hasn’t been around anymore for a very long time. It sounded like they were compensating for the lack of vocal power by enhancing the lyrics with the music. He is an ok singer, but there is no dedication, no complete surrender to the songs.
Performance
Scallions is fun to see on stage, he moves around a lot and has uses his body to emphasise what he is singing. Even though this is not convincing enough. The band seemed to enjoy being on stage. They did their thing and the audience was responding. All in all it was an ok performance but that was it.
Scallions is fun to see on stage, he moves around a lot and has uses his body to emphasise what he is singing. Even though this is not convincing enough. The band seemed to enjoy being on stage. They did their thing and the audience was responding. All in all it was an ok performance but that was it.
Rating
Music 7
Performance 6
Sound 7
Light -
Total 7 (6,5)
Music 7
Performance 6
Sound 7
Light -
Total 7 (6,5)
Rodger Hodgson
The voice of Supertramp. One of the leading bands in the seventies and today he was to perform at the smallest and most intimate stage of Arrow Rock Festival. It seemed as if we were getting a private concert, what more could you wish for.
The voice of Supertramp. One of the leading bands in the seventies and today he was to perform at the smallest and most intimate stage of Arrow Rock Festival. It seemed as if we were getting a private concert, what more could you wish for.
Music
We were treated to a mixture of Supertramp songs and songs of Hodgson himself. Lyrics such as “Give little bit, give a little bit of your love to me” were sung along loudly. As if excusing himself he announced he was going to play one of his own songs. It was called ‘Love is in the Wind’ and it was a soft ballad. His voice is so recognisable which makes it great to hear those songs from the old days again.
We were treated to a mixture of Supertramp songs and songs of Hodgson himself. Lyrics such as “Give little bit, give a little bit of your love to me” were sung along loudly. As if excusing himself he announced he was going to play one of his own songs. It was called ‘Love is in the Wind’ and it was a soft ballad. His voice is so recognisable which makes it great to hear those songs from the old days again.
Performance
I have to say, this was the sweetest performance of the day. The stage decorated with his plants, piano and keyboard. As if we were looking in to his living room. He told us “I have the best seat in the house, I look out at all you wonderful people. Sometimes I close my eyes otherwise I would only be looking at you”. It was a small party and each song was announced with a the shy and soft voice of Hodgson.
I have to say, this was the sweetest performance of the day. The stage decorated with his plants, piano and keyboard. As if we were looking in to his living room. He told us “I have the best seat in the house, I look out at all you wonderful people. Sometimes I close my eyes otherwise I would only be looking at you”. It was a small party and each song was announced with a the shy and soft voice of Hodgson.
Rating
Music 9
Performance 8
Sound 8
Light 7
Total 8 (8,2)
Music 9
Performance 8
Sound 8
Light 7
Total 8 (8,2)
Steve Vai
With two violinists and a guitar all at one time, you’d better be prepared for a wall of sound. It seems as if the band is constantly playing a brilliant ending to a show. Only now it never ends. It just keeps going. With a green lit guitar which actually sung to us, Steve Vai showed some phenomenal craftsmanship. This man knows his guitar, and brings it to live.
Scorpions
Unfortunately I had to miss the scorpions but I have only heard positive things, they have given a brilliant performance. But that is what is to be expected of these real live rock legends of course. A German band, know for the German accent of their singer and their great music. Rudolf Schenker himself says, music is like nature. You plant seeds and later on you can harvest them. Sometimes the seeds are right at the surface but sometimes you have to wait for them.
Europe
Such a grand band, on such a small stage. I think they would have done wonderful on of the bigger stages. Joey is a vocalist who lives on the attention of the audience. It is fun to see this. He knows how to handle his microphone standard, constantly doing tricks with it. Swinging it around and holding it out to the audience. ‘Superstitious’ and ‘7 doors hotel’ still sound great, although the high notes are skipped or sung lower these days. But that is what you get with bands that are able to stick around this long. New songs are sung along by the audience in the front, the die hard fans. Older songs are sung along by all.
Such a grand band, on such a small stage. I think they would have done wonderful on of the bigger stages. Joey is a vocalist who lives on the attention of the audience. It is fun to see this. He knows how to handle his microphone standard, constantly doing tricks with it. Swinging it around and holding it out to the audience. ‘Superstitious’ and ‘7 doors hotel’ still sound great, although the high notes are skipped or sung lower these days. But that is what you get with bands that are able to stick around this long. New songs are sung along by the audience in the front, the die hard fans. Older songs are sung along by all.
Toto
They have had such prestige’s careers when coming together it had to be a success and it was. Each band member has performed with some of the greatest artists on the planet. Steely Dan, Paul Mc Cartney, Elton John, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Barbara Streisand… to name a few. But today they were here to play their own songs.
Music
They have had an immense amount of hit songs, ‘Pamela’, ‘Hold the Line’, ‘Rosanna’, ‘Africa’ and they were all sung tonight. It was a great feast of recognition, singing along, and remembering the memories associated with these songs. It is a shame that Bobby and Steve don’t have the vocal power they used to have. There were long instrumental bridges, so they didn’t play all the songs as they used to be played, they kept them alive.
They have had an immense amount of hit songs, ‘Pamela’, ‘Hold the Line’, ‘Rosanna’, ‘Africa’ and they were all sung tonight. It was a great feast of recognition, singing along, and remembering the memories associated with these songs. It is a shame that Bobby and Steve don’t have the vocal power they used to have. There were long instrumental bridges, so they didn’t play all the songs as they used to be played, they kept them alive.
Performance
The band members were alive and well to, bringing the songs full of enthusiasm and power. They still love being on stage. From a distance Bobby and Steve seem like brothers with those moustaches. As soon as Greg had taken place he started jumping behind his keyboards and he kept doing this for quite some time. The band had a lot of energy, it was a great performance. Nobody wants to say it but fortunately the band introduced their bass player themselves: stolen from Lord of the Rings, I like to call him my precious (Lukather). The encore was ‘Africa’ and it was a wonderful end to this great show.
The band members were alive and well to, bringing the songs full of enthusiasm and power. They still love being on stage. From a distance Bobby and Steve seem like brothers with those moustaches. As soon as Greg had taken place he started jumping behind his keyboards and he kept doing this for quite some time. The band had a lot of energy, it was a great performance. Nobody wants to say it but fortunately the band introduced their bass player themselves: stolen from Lord of the Rings, I like to call him my precious (Lukather). The encore was ‘Africa’ and it was a wonderful end to this great show.
Setlist
01. Gypsy Train
02. Caught in the Balance
03. Pamela
04. Bottom of your Soul
05. Falling in Between
06. Rosanna
07. Stop Loving You
08. Hold the Line, Band introduction
09. Drag Him to the Roof / I Want to Take You Higher
---
10. Africa.
01. Gypsy Train
02. Caught in the Balance
03. Pamela
04. Bottom of your Soul
05. Falling in Between
06. Rosanna
07. Stop Loving You
08. Hold the Line, Band introduction
09. Drag Him to the Roof / I Want to Take You Higher
---
10. Africa.
Rating
Music 8
Performance 9
Sound 8
Light 7
Total 8 (8,3)
Music 8
Performance 9
Sound 8
Light 7
Total 8 (8,3)
Aerosmith
After an hour of sitting on the ground in a forest of legs it was time to get to my feet and party. For that was what Aerosmith was about to bring to the stage. It stayed dry to everybody’s relief so that only attributed to this party. It was one big flow of energy banging from the stage, overwhelming the audience.
After an hour of sitting on the ground in a forest of legs it was time to get to my feet and party. For that was what Aerosmith was about to bring to the stage. It stayed dry to everybody’s relief so that only attributed to this party. It was one big flow of energy banging from the stage, overwhelming the audience.
Music
As you can see the set list was fantastic. Swinging, energetic, powerful and simply wonderful. The sound was great and the band as well. They played us a great deal of hits which was of course very well received. There is still the same power in the music. Tyler still has the strength in his voice which is needed for their songs. It seems as if they haven’t aged. There are swinging songs such as ‘Elevator’ but the show also has a more sensitive site to it. ‘Cryin’ hits you right in the heart and ‘Dream On’ even more. It is an overwhelming song. Band members give each other room to play and there is room for solos. Which are not only great to see but great to hear as well. If there is a thing called an eargasm, many people must have experienced that tonight. Nobody left this festival with a sad feeling, perhaps only because the show was over.
As you can see the set list was fantastic. Swinging, energetic, powerful and simply wonderful. The sound was great and the band as well. They played us a great deal of hits which was of course very well received. There is still the same power in the music. Tyler still has the strength in his voice which is needed for their songs. It seems as if they haven’t aged. There are swinging songs such as ‘Elevator’ but the show also has a more sensitive site to it. ‘Cryin’ hits you right in the heart and ‘Dream On’ even more. It is an overwhelming song. Band members give each other room to play and there is room for solos. Which are not only great to see but great to hear as well. If there is a thing called an eargasm, many people must have experienced that tonight. Nobody left this festival with a sad feeling, perhaps only because the show was over.
Performance
For the first time today the video screens were used. A large globe appeared, with the Aerosmith logo on it. Then there were images of the band, both live and in clips. One by one the band members took to the stage. Steven Tyler had a leopard print scarf tied to his microphone standard which he took with him all over the stage. The band played every corner of the stage. There was a lot of action at the front of the catwalk, which was a pity if you were standing at the front of course. But fortunately the video screens showed you everything that was happening. During ‘Dream On’ the image of Tyler became a flaming cross. He was constantly keeping the camera men at their toes. They had to follow him all over the stage and even off it. He took a dive to the side of the stage a few times, to show the people who were watching the show from there, such as the band members of Toto. He even let them sing along for a bit. At one time he was standing at the front of the catwalk and whistled for the camera man, when he arrived he lifted his shirt and ‘LIK MIJ’ was written on his belly, which means lick me in Dutch. Both Tyler and Perry are the most spotlight seeking performers of the band. Perry taking of his shirt, playing guitar behind his back and by hitting his guitar with his shirt. There is a great cooperation between Tyler and Perry, all these years haven’t driven them apart but only brought them closer. And that is the power of their show, the band is still a team after all these years.
For the first time today the video screens were used. A large globe appeared, with the Aerosmith logo on it. Then there were images of the band, both live and in clips. One by one the band members took to the stage. Steven Tyler had a leopard print scarf tied to his microphone standard which he took with him all over the stage. The band played every corner of the stage. There was a lot of action at the front of the catwalk, which was a pity if you were standing at the front of course. But fortunately the video screens showed you everything that was happening. During ‘Dream On’ the image of Tyler became a flaming cross. He was constantly keeping the camera men at their toes. They had to follow him all over the stage and even off it. He took a dive to the side of the stage a few times, to show the people who were watching the show from there, such as the band members of Toto. He even let them sing along for a bit. At one time he was standing at the front of the catwalk and whistled for the camera man, when he arrived he lifted his shirt and ‘LIK MIJ’ was written on his belly, which means lick me in Dutch. Both Tyler and Perry are the most spotlight seeking performers of the band. Perry taking of his shirt, playing guitar behind his back and by hitting his guitar with his shirt. There is a great cooperation between Tyler and Perry, all these years haven’t driven them apart but only brought them closer. And that is the power of their show, the band is still a team after all these years.
Setlist
01. Love in an Elevator
02. Same Old
03. Cryin
04. Eat the Rich
05. Miss a Thing
06. Jaded
07. Baby Please
08. Seasons
09. Dream On
10. Edge
11. Stop Messin
12. Sweet E
13. Draw the Line
---
14. Walk This Way
01. Love in an Elevator
02. Same Old
03. Cryin
04. Eat the Rich
05. Miss a Thing
06. Jaded
07. Baby Please
08. Seasons
09. Dream On
10. Edge
11. Stop Messin
12. Sweet E
13. Draw the Line
---
14. Walk This Way
Rating
Music 9
Performance 9
Sound 9
Light 9
Total 9
Music 9
Performance 9
Sound 9
Light 9
Total 9
Note by the photographer:
Just like at the Fields of Rock festival we had to take photos from the audience. With so many people there at the festival, too many for the area it seemed, it was very hard to get to all the stages. I'd like to thank all those fans, known and unknow to me, that have allowed me to get up front and take these photos for you. Without the help of these kind people none of the above photos would have been possible!
for more information: official website Arrow RockJust like at the Fields of Rock festival we had to take photos from the audience. With so many people there at the festival, too many for the area it seemed, it was very hard to get to all the stages. I'd like to thank all those fans, known and unknow to me, that have allowed me to get up front and take these photos for you. Without the help of these kind people none of the above photos would have been possible!
for a dutch discussion on the subject: Arrow Rock weblog
More photos on page 2
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