Credit: Chronicle.lu

On Monday 3 March 2025, the Classic Rock Show performed in the Rockhal Club in Esch-Belval.

With a 1,200 standing-only capacity, the area was thronged but there was plenty of space to enjoy the two-hour high-energy performance in comfort. In fact, there was probably less space on the stage, with eight musicians and their equipment (drums kit, keyboards, multiple guitar racks, microphone stands...).

Performed in 2005, they played the last date of their UK and Europe two-and-a-half-month tour in Luxembourg, giving it their all and seeming to thoroughly enjoying their time on stage. Donned in black and leather, and most with long hair, but without the flares, this was a throwback to the high-tempo electric music live performances of the 70s and 80s, featuring many of the greats. With guitar riffs abounding and some guitar solos towards the end, the repertoire showcased the individual talents of all performers who each bring something to the collective. As they say, they are greater than the sum of their parts, having the audience eating out of their hands from the off.

The stage's backdrop was used to project images, sometimes concert videos of the original artists, and sometimes still photos, with kaleidoscopic shapes also featuring, with a tremendous light show to boot.

This celebration rock music started off with "The Boys are Back in Town" by Irish band Thin Lizzy, followed by a mix of songs by Fleetwood Mac, ZZ Top, Led Zeppelin and Guns N'Roses ("Welcome to the Jungle"). They made a point too of performing songs by female artists, with "Black Velvet" by Alannah Myles the first up, also "Back on the Chain Gang" by Chrissie Hynde and the Pretenders.

Sometimes the tempo dipped, with "Romeo and Juliet" by Dire Straits earning rapturous applause.

While most artists covered only got one song on the evening, Van Halen was the exception, with "You Really Got Me" the first… White Snake ("Here I Go Again") and Pink Floyd were other popular hits, with "Still Got The Blues" (a tribute to guitarist Gary Moore) and "Alone by Heart" also making the playlist.

But the roof nearly came of the auditorium when they performed "Bat Out Of Hell" by Meatloaf, an incredible high-energy rendition, before they closed off the evening with "Dancing in the Dark" by Bruce Springsteen, "Whatever You Want" by Status Quo, "Jump" by Van Halen and a classic by AC/DC.

While this time round there was no time for the likes of Queen, The Rolling Stones, The Eagles, Eric Clapton, The Who, etc., the Classic Rock Show vowed to return to Luxembourg in the future - a date not to be missed!

ED