Music Existence Because of Music, We Exist
Most bands aren’t even around for 50 years. However, that’s not the case for the Scorpions. My jaw is still on the ground and I’m not sure when I’ll be able to pick it back up after seeing them this past Saturday. I first saw the Scorpions in 2002 at the young age of 14. Fast forward 13 years later and I find myself standing in front of the Barclays Center in New York City. The flashing LED screen showed “SCORPIONS 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR HERE TONIGHT.”
The Scorpions took the stage slightly after 9:00pm and played over an hour and a half of electrified rock n’ roll music. I got to hear some of my all time favorite Scorpions songs. One fond memory of the evening was being in the photo pit and head banging to “The Zoo”. They also played one of their most iconic hits “Wind of Change”, which had the crowd singing at the top of their lungs, waving their lighters and cell phones in the air. It was an emotional connection between the band and the fans, which only fans at the concert will be able to remember.
James Kottak played one of the best drum solos I have ever seen. His drum kit was lifted high into the sky, he pounded the skins on his drum set in one of the most amazing solos I’ve witnessed at a concert. And hey, I’ve been to quite a few!
However, one of my favorite moments of the night was “No One Like You”. Klaus Meine brought up 12 year old guitarist Brandon Niederauer “TAZ”. Brandon got to play along with the Scorpions and did one hell of a job playing with the Scorpions. He had a huge smile on his face, as he stood next to Matthias Jabs and was in an utter dreamland, doing what he loved to do. I was very impressed by Brandon’s playing and could not believe he is only 12 years old.
If you get the chance to catch the Scorpions on this run, you won’t want to miss it. Between playing new tunes off their new record “Return To Forever” and plenty of classics to make any Scorpions fan smile ear to ear, this is a show you won’t want to miss. Klaus Meine did mention they’ll be back on the road next year, which is very impressive since Klaus Meine and Rudolf Schenker are in their late 60’s. But by the way they played, they don’t look it one bit and I hope they’ll be on the road for many years to come. It’s great to see a band that has been around for years and that are in their best form ever.
For more information on the Scorpions:
For more information on Brandon Niederauer “TAZ”:
