Glory night
German rock band the Scorpions return to Cyprus, promising a night of classic numbers and new releases
“Take me to the magic of the moment on a glory night,” plead the Scorpions in what is perhaps their best-known song, ‘Wind of Change’. Now it’s our turn to ask. Can the Scorpions show us such a glory night?
Two years after gracing the stage in Nicosia, the legendary rock band returns to Cyprus. Word of their arrival has spread fast as teenagers take out their tight black t-shirts and prepare to scream in the crowded arena as they hail one of their favourite rock bands. The slightly older, teenage-at-heart crowd are similarly motivated by this German band that is still making waves after decades in the music industry and even took part in the opening ceremony of the World Cup.
Their Platinum album, consisting of their greatest hits, has been in the Cyprus charts for the past 17 weeks, hitting the number one spot. They have been praised by Rolling Stone Magazine as “heroes of classic rock”.
Like many youngsters born in post-war Germany, the band members’ musical careers were influenced by imported commercial delights – Elvis Presley, jeans, leather jackets, and most of all, rock and roll. In 1972, the Scorpions released their debut album, Lonesome Crow. The vocal and instrumental ingredients that were to develop into the typical, unmistakable Scorpions sound were already recognisable, most notably the uncompromising, guitar-orientated hard rock inspired by Jimmy Hendrix, Cream and Led Zeppelin.
Only a few years after the band was established, lead singer Klaus Maine declared his ambition: “one day the Scorpions will be one of the best heavy rock bands in the world!” Perhaps he had a secret recipe for success tucked up his sleeve, as it certainly didn’t take much for his wishes to materialise and the their first album paved the way for huge international success.
Throughout the 1970s and 80s, the Scorpions undertook tours of Europe, playing in countless venues and conquering one country after another. They soon went on to tour in Japan and the USA. When the Berlin wall fell, the Scorpions performed with Pink Floyd, sealing a greatly important moment in time with their songs and becoming themselves a part of history. “Our music has its share in a world which is pretty tough and we want to try and make people feel better with our songs,” says Klaus.
It was Klaus who composed their smash hit ‘Wind of Change’ in 1989, which had people singing their hearts away to lyrics that became world renowned. One hit followed another, and The Scorpions captured the hearts of hard rock fans around the globe. At the start of the new millennium, the band became involved in a collaboration with the Berlin Philharmonic orchestra. Together they released a CD in June 2000 aptly named Moment of Glory.
For the legendary Scorpions, the road continues as they intend to keep on going and performing until they can sing no more. “We love making trips around the world, we have been doing this for so many years and it’s always something nice because we can meet people and see so many new things,” said guitarist Matthias Jabs.
“For us to come back to Cyprus really means a lot to us. We have been working hard on our set because we know that many fans on the island like to listen to some ‘vintage’ Scorpions hits. They love to hear classic songs which we haven’t played for a long time that we made in the 70s and 80s,” Klaus says.
“Our song Holiday fits in perfectly with the Cyprus scene,” adds guitarist Rudolf Schenker. “It’s a great atmosphere with nice people, the crowd was truly fantastic last time we visited and we had a great time on stage”.
The rockers’ enthusiasm is really quite impressive for a band that began their music career over 30 years ago. On stage they promise to be an explosive force, letting out a teenage enthusiasm and indescribable dynamism. “We will give a lot of energy and power in our concert. It will be a full-on musical show… let’s just say we will definitely have a lot of fun rocking the night away,” says Klaus. These Scorpions really do have a sting in their collective tail.
Scorpions
German rock band live in concert. July 23. Tsirion Stadium, Limassol. Arena £20, benches £30. Tickets available from www.moonlightshow.com and www.InterTicket.com.cy. Tel: 77772939
