04.08.2011 Stier

Wacken Open Air XXII

Wacken (Germany)

(Pentax k-x with Tamron SP AF 17-50mm 2.8 XR Di II LD Asp IF and Sigma AF 50-150mm 2.8 EX DC APO HSM II)

Already during the 70s a band called Törner Stier Crew was formed stiring up the German rock-scene but disappearing already during the 80s. Of the former cast H. Martin Stier (maybe known to many from TV, e.g. Hausmeister Krause), keyboarder Charlie Steinberg as well as bassist Walter Stoever thought of that this could not have been the end. So, the three reunited 2007 and completed by guitarist Lee C. Pinsky (meanwhile replaced by Peter Koller) and drummer Tom Guenzel formed a new band first called Die Kahlen Mönche and later renamed to the final name Stier.
Overall there was more than a quarter millennium of experience of music at Thursday noon on stage but they really knew how to treat an audience. With their fantastic German metal (hard to classify, it has something of Rammstein but overall more melodic, there are also not only faster and harder songs but in contrast to that slow and emotional songs as well in their repertoire, comparable to Rammstein) they immediately cast a spell over the listeners. The great charisma and impressive voice of front man Hans Martin Stier convinced the audience not only during melodic songs like "Ich Will Dich Küssen" but also on rap dominated songs like "Stalker" or "Diesesmal".
Enthused by the terrific atmosphere not only Stier but guitarist Koller as well used the catwalk for short excursions to animate the crowd. Charlie Steinberg was not only playing his keyboard but additionally proved his abilities on the acoustic guitar. Also the other two: bassist Stoever and drummer Guenzel had a lot of fun during this concert and so the end came not only for them too early.The audience wanted encore but unfortunately, due to the tight schedule that was not possible. A very good start into the day and a concert that was fun for both: band as well as audience.