The dragons have arrived in Frankfurt – live report of Avantasia’s show 05.04

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, there’s nothing better than spending a Saturday evening at a live show. Which is why the Chaoszine team took a trip to Frankfurt, Germany to see the mighty Avantasia in their “Here Be Dragons” European tour. First of all, a huge thank you to Napalm Records for hosting us! Then, let’s dive into the evening. 

Doors opened at 6 PM, and the show was scheduled to start at 7:30, but it started at 7:45. In Germany usually we’re usually met with lots of punctuality and precision, but I guess that 15 minutes is an acceptable delay time to wait. There was a black curtain on the stage with “Tobias Sammet’s Avantasia” written on it, and then it fell, revealing the detailed scenography and all the band members already in their positions. 

Tobias Sammet is not only an extraordinary vocalist but a hell of a frontman as well. He knows exactly how to engage with the crowd, eliciting laughter, applause and chants all throughout the evening. His enthusiasm, passion and strength were unwavering, commanding the stage for almost three full hours without skipping a beat. 

But he’s not the only star of the show: his band is composed of incredibly skilled artists and performers. Let’s not forget the numerous special guests that adorned his live show, like Tommy Karevik, Eric Martin, Kenny Leckremo and Herbie Langhams. Also, one of my favorite parts, the three almost permanent vocalists Adrienne Cowan, Ronnie Atkins and Chiara Tricarico. They looked like a group of friends hanging out, singing, bothering Miro Rodenberg (but I think he was enjoying it!) or making silly faces for the audience. I want to hang out with them too! 

The only sort of disappointing aspect of the show was the setlist, which completely disregarded the last two albums, “Moonglow” and “A Paranormal Evening”, and yet left out of the setlist “Mystery of A Blood Red Rose”. But there were plenty of new songs, and in the encore, Tobias performed “Lucifer” on piano like he did in Wacken last year and left everyone speechless. 

So all in all, get ready because this show will demand all of your attention and your energy, if you wish to arrive at the end with some voice in your or some strenght. Tobias and company put on a hell of a show, and if you’re still undecided if you should attend it, don’t think anymore! Grab a ticket and enjoy Avantasia!

Photo: Dario De Marco.