After the new album by DIE SKEPTIKER was released on 02.10.2009, it was finally time to celebrate the release properly. This Saturday, the band invited BETONTOD and two other combos to S.O. 36.
We completely missed the first band because we had to fill our stomachs with delicious pizza. Without a good base, the most beautiful evening is spoiled. None of my acquaintances could tell me how the first band FUSSGAS was that evening. So it must not have been that good; otherwise, a few people would have been there.
However, the second band, DIE ARBEITSLOSEN BAUARBEITER, had already filled the room well. I estimate it was about three-quarters full. That was quite decent. The audience was a colorful mix, with the older crowd predominating. There were hardly any very young people present. It was more the slightly older fans of BETONTOD and, of course, the fans of DIE SKEPTIKER, some of whom are already over 40 and have known this band since the beginning, in the room. Kids, back then there was still the GDR, and bands like DIE SKEPTIKER were a thorn in the side of every party functionary. Sometimes it feels so far away, yet it’s only been “just” 20 years.
DIE ARBEITSLOSEN BAUARBEITER are, in this context, a band for the post-reunification generation. The guys play pop-punk like SPN-X once did. Musically, it’s not bad anymore, but overall, I find this band somewhat suspicious. They are trying too hard to create a party atmosphere. And anyone who covers “Auswärtsspiel” by Die Toten Hosen but cannot give the song any new energy should just leave it alone. We left the band to themselves and chatted in the hallway between the entrance and the hall. While we stood there waiting for the band to finally stop, more and more people came out, but others were still coming in from the entrance. It promised to get really crowded.
When no loud sounds were coming from the hall anymore, we slowly went inside and waited for BETONTOD. Up front, it was appropriately packed and tight. The atmosphere was very good. Everyone wanted to celebrate a joint party, which was successfully achieved throughout the evening.
When BETONTOD took the stage, a jolt went through the audience. As the first notes were struck, a big but fair pogo started up front. It didn’t take long for the first stage divers to enter the stage and daringly throw themselves into the audience. Some landings looked very rough, but as far as I could tell, nothing happened.
Particularly one diver was repeatedly seen, who, with a bare torso and a green cap sewn all over with buttons, was among the most active jumpers. The cap stayed on his head, defying all physics. BETONTOD played a really good set. The fans sang along to everything and went wild, but I also enjoyed it, and I don’t consider myself a fan of the band. A good three-quarters of an hour later, the band from Rheinberg finished.
The younger audience left happily, either heading home or to the bar to catch their breath. The older crowd slowly made their way to the front.
When DIE SKEPTIKER took the stage, I was still on my way forward. I found a good spot and was almost paralyzed by the first songs of the band. A truly great sound came from the speakers; the lighting person could not have done a better job. It all set the stage for a band that gave everything on stage. Singer Eugen radiated joy from every pore. The atmosphere was fantastic. Every song was enjoyed by the audience, sung along to, and there was plenty of dancing.
Their powerful German punk, which has a unique style due to Eugen's distinctive vocals, captivated once again that evening. DIE SKEPTIKER combine musical skill with radical, personal, and sometimes metaphorical lyrics like hardly any other German punk band.
The new songs musically connect to “Dada in Berlin,” being atmospheric, metaphorical, personal, and radical. Life experience meets fighting spirit here. Injustice is highlighted, and the personal situation that arises from it is portrayed.
The new songs were great, and the old songs played live are, of course, great as well.
DIE SKEPTIKER are getting better with time.
It was a fascinating concert by the band. Considering the age of singer Eugen and guitarist Tom Schwoll, it is even more impressive what the two achieve on stage. Many young bands could take notes.
It was a magnificent concert by the band from Berlin. And at the latest next year, we will see each other again at the street festival “20 Jahre Mainzer Straße!”