04.08.2012 Gamma Ray

Wacken Open Air XXIII

Wacken (Germany)

(Pentax K-5 with Sigma AF 70-200mm 2.8 EX DC APO HSM II)

After the first big rain showers of the day the sun was showing again and so I went over to the True Metal stage where the guys of Gamma Ray opened the day.
They played a compilation of hits of former albums but also of the current one "To The Metal" and Kai Hansen as former "Helloween" front men, there of course classics like "I Want Out" and "Ride The Sky" may not be missing. The gig was as it was that early that day not extremely long but the numer of persons in front of the stage was therefore quite OK. The atmosphere increased directly at the beginning so that the band did not have to spend much efforts on that. Funny sayings with nice Hanseatic accent ("Oh by the way, we brought some sun with us. Yes it was us!") were there just as good moods on and in front of the stage. Shortly before the Wacken the band had to shuffle a little bit as drummer Daniel Zimmermann said goodbye and was replaced really good by Mathias Burchardt. Otherwise there was used Gamma Ray boarding.
After that really usable opening at the tent that was continued here. Overall not a stunner but quite solid made entertainment so that it could continue with slight improvements that way.

Setlist:

• Induction
• Dethrone Tyranny
• Heaven Can Wait
• Fight
• Empathy
• Ride The Sky (Helloween cover)
• To The Metal
• Rebellion In Dreamland (1st half only)
• I Want Out (Helloween cover)
• Send Me A Sign

Weblinks:

	Gamma Ray Homepage of the German band Gamma Ray.
	Wacken Open Air Homepage of the Wacken Open Air Festival at Wacken (Germany).

Map:

Pictures: