INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 06/11/2002
From the Indianapolis, Star 6/12/02
High energy, 1980s hits create entertaining formula
By David Lindquist
david.lindquist@indystar.com
June 12, 2002
The Scorpions have recorded some of the most formulaic songs of the rock
era.
But when the band plays them with the intensity and showmanship displayed
Tuesday night at Verizon Wireless Music Center, it adds up to a highly
enjoyable evening.
The ageless Scorps -- perhaps fueled by Germany's big victory in World Cup
soccer earlier in the day -- pounced on a set list that included "Bad Boys
Running Wild," "Big City Nights" and "No One Like You."
Vocalist Klaus Meine and guitarists Rudolf Schenker and Matthias Jabs remain
the unchanged core of the group.
All three wore smiles throughout the performance, which was a clinic in
melodic metal.
Meine kept his grating screams under wraps for the most part, leaving room
for more satisfying tones from Schenker and Jabs.
"Tease Me Please Me," performed under Technicolor lighting, provided an
instant time warp to MTV's playful mid-'80s era.
The Scorpions also direct more naked lighting toward their audience than
most bands. Unfortunately, a modest-sized crowd of 3,918 was revealed.
Of course, not every advancing-age rock star can enjoy the current notoriety
of Ozzy Osbourne.
Ronnie James Dio followed Osbourne as vocalist in Black Sabbath, and these
days Dio is touring as the opener for the Scorpions and middle act Deep
Purple.
But Dio should be applauded for actually having a new album to promote. He
earns greater praise for maintaining his still-classic vocal skills.
"Rock and Roll," a track from new release "Killing the Dragon,"
distinguished itself as a thudding anthem of 21st century blues.
Still, as Dio noted of his early time slot, "It's tough to be evil in the
daylight."
I'd vote for moving Dio up to second on the bill. Amazingly, though, Deep
Purple is appearing as the headliner on some dates of the tour.
This creaky outfit seemed in every way to be a band coasting on a handful of
hits from long ago. Deep Purple wisely jammed "Smoke On the Water," "Hush"
and "Highway Star" at the end of its set in hopes of a graceful exit.
Until that point, vocalist Ian Gillan ducked high notes while wandering the
stage as if he were on a quest for unclaimed coins.
Nostalgia shows hinge on energy and charisma, and Gillan produced neither.
At least guitarist Steve Morse (ex-Dixie Dregs, Kansas) helped the cause.
His instrumental "Well-Dressed Guitar" was a regal and ferocious keeper.
Chris Parsons
High energy, 1980s hits create entertaining formula
By David Lindquist
david.lindquist@indystar.com
June 12, 2002
The Scorpions have recorded some of the most formulaic songs of the rock era. But when the band plays them with the intensity and showmanship displayed Tuesday night at Verizon Wireless Music Center, it adds up to a highly enjoyable evening. The ageless Scorps -- perhaps fueled by Germany's big victory in World Cup soccer earlier in the day -- pounced on a set list that included "Bad Boys Running Wild," "Big City Nights" and "No One Like You." Vocalist Klaus Meine and guitarists Rudolf Schenker and Matthias Jabs remain the unchanged core of the group. All three wore smiles throughout the performance, which was a clinic in melodic metal. Meine kept his grating screams under wraps for the most part, leaving room for more satisfying tones from Schenker and Jabs. "Tease Me Please Me," performed under Technicolor lighting, provided an instant time warp to MTV's playful mid-'80s era. The Scorpions also direct more naked lighting toward their audience than most bands. Unfortunately, a modest-sized crowd of 3,918 was revealed. Of course, not every advancing-age rock star can enjoy the current notoriety of Ozzy Osbourne. Ronnie James Dio followed Osbourne as vocalist in Black Sabbath, and these days Dio is touring as the opener for the Scorpions and middle act Deep Purple. But Dio should be applauded for actually having a new album to promote. He earns greater praise for maintaining his still-classic vocal skills. "Rock and Roll," a track from new release "Killing the Dragon," distinguished itself as a thudding anthem of 21st century blues. Still, as Dio noted of his early time slot, "It's tough to be evil in the daylight."
I'd vote for moving Dio up to second on the bill. Amazingly, though, Deep Purple is appearing as the headliner on some dates of the tour. This creaky outfit seemed in every way to be a band coasting on a handful of hits from long ago. Deep Purple wisely jammed "Smoke On the Water," "Hush" and "Highway Star" at the end of its set in hopes of a graceful exit. Until that point, vocalist Ian Gillan ducked high notes while wandering the stage as if he were on a quest for unclaimed coins. Nostalgia shows hinge on energy and charisma, and Gillan produced neither. At least guitarist Steve Morse (ex-Dixie Dregs, Kansas) helped the cause. His instrumental "Well-Dressed Guitar" was a regal and ferocious keeper.
Chris Parsons