Bob Geldof - Gig Review

Augsburg, Germany

03.11.2002

Written and submitted by Petra Leibing

As this concert was the 3rd this year where I saw Bob, I knew what me expected: A great show, wonderful songs and a fascinating Bob. But this gig here in Augsburg exceeded all my expectations: This was absolut the best show I´ve ever seen !!

The weather was not very inviting when my friend and I finally found the "Spectrum": It rained without end. And then exactly 3 people waited in front of the "Spectrum" when the door opened! Inside it looked like an English pub, bar chairs around high tables, a familiar atmosphere. Fortunately the room filled very soon, most of them were sitting on the bar chairs. At 8 p.m. the show began: Bob came in with the band, obviously in good temper, and suddenly all people (me too, that´s clear...) stood straight in front of the stage !

The audience clapped when Bob lost one string of his guitar already at the 1. song he played ! He laughed and someone brought him a new guitar.
After the first 3 songs he told the audience that they were walking in Augsburg this rainy Sunday afternoon, and no one was on the streets. Only 2 dogs! "I wonder what the f... you do here in Augsburg on such a rainy day !!"

When playing the 3 songs from his new CD, he told us that all songs of this CD are memories from his own life, they are very subjective, actually still too fresh and therefore it is not easy to perform them in front of an audience. You felt that he laid his heart and his soul in these songs, and all of us listened to him speechless...

He asked if someone had a special song wish. I shouted "Drag me down" ! "Oh, thats a long time ago. How was it?" He began playing alone with his guitar, softly and carefully trying to find the right tunes and words...It was great !

He smiled and tried again... The people clapped and were enthusiastic!! Or have you ever seen Robbie Williams on stage playing a song from which he doesn´t remember all the words?? And where even his band cannot help him as they never have played this song?? Bob had at once all sympathy on his side. "I´ll give you the record" I said. He smiled: " I already have it..."

Also when he began - later - to play and sing like Heino (a popular folk singer in Germany) - "Schlagermusik" he told us in German ...- the audience was fascinated. The song out of that was then "The end of the world".

He talked so much, told us so many anecdotes from his life, from the origin of the songs, I never recognised that he is such a witty entertainer ! Not only a perfect musician and a good song-writer, where you feel that his favourite thing on earth is playing live and having fun with it !

"After Live Aid I only wanted to continue making music, but everyone expected me to save the whole world. "

At "Mary of the 4th form" he told us that he was not able to persuade her to f... with him. "I begged to her, only a little bit - it will last only 2 seconds, you won´t even feel it... No chance !" - Laughter -

It was really a great show, the whole band played fantastic, they were all in such a good temper. There was nothing what could have been better, in fact !
After 2,5 hours he waved us "good-bye" and disappeared.
We waited then in front of the wardrobe, many people waited there. He finally came out, smiling, very friendly, relaxed, and signed many posters and tickets.
Also my ticket, after 22 years of being a fan of him ..

I could hardly believe it, and never had I thought that I would manage to get a photo, Bob and me together, wrapping his arm around my shoulder... Oh god...

Bob, you will see me again at your next Germany trip, that´s clear. OK ?

Petra Leibing