Scorpions with special guest Queensrÿche
Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion at Meadowbrook
The Bank of NH Pavilion at Meadowbrook would close out the 2015 season with one of the longest running hard rock bands in history, the Scorpions. Nestled in the small town of Gilford, NH, about 40 minutes north of the capital, Concord, and on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee the Bank of NH Pavilion at Meadowbrook is a newly renovated amphitheater with an 8,000 seat capacity including the lawn. A great place to see a show, enjoy a variety of food and wash it down with one of your favorite beverages, at somewhat reasonable prices (for a venue). Just make sure you have at least $10 in your wallet for the low cost, walking friendly parking or $20 for entrance side parking. After the show retire back to one of the many hotels, motels or cottages and stay a couple days – it’s worth it.
Before the Scorpions would take the stage to celebrate their 50th anniversary Seattle’s Queensryche would get things fired up. Now I will tell you I’m never a big fan when it comes to replacing the lead singer of an iconic band, especially with such a unique vocal sound as Geoff Tate. Queensryche is the very rare exception that has not only pulled it off but I believe got better with this change. Lead vocalist Todd La Torre has enabled them to revisit the early days of their catalog something Tate has not been able to do in a while. La Torre seamlessly covers Queensryche’s legacy while injecting new life into a band that had grown stale. Now on their second album with their new singer you can hear and see a rejuvenation in this aging band. On this evening they would provide the foundation to a great night of rock to a nearly full house. With Parker Lundgren on guitar along with original members Eddie Jackson, bass, Scott Rockenfield, drums and Michael Wilton, guitar they would take us through a 9-song setlist with something from all eras of the Ryche, including Arrow of Time from their yet to be released album Condition Human due out October 2nd. If the crowd this evening is any indication on the acceptance of this latest incarnation of Queensryche I would say they are in great shape as they killed it. Be sure to check them out if they are coming near you and pick up a copy of their latest record, Condition Human on Oct. 2nd. For all things Queensryche visit: http://queensrycheofficial.com/.
Up next was the main event, Scorpions, celebrating 50 years, yes you read that right 50 years as a band. What can I say that already hasn’t been said about Germany’s biggest music export? They traveled the globe more times than I’ve been to the grocery store. They have seen and done it all, so why continue for 50+ years. Well if I had to guess it’s because they enjoy it. With Pawel Maciwoda on bass, James Kottak behind the drums and long standing members Matthias Jabs on lead guitar, Klaus Meine vocals and the one who started it all, Rudolf Schenker on rhythm guitar they took to the stage as if it were their first decade as a band. Honestly a band that has been around this long you would think they would need to be propped up on stage, with the Scorpions that certainly is not the case. I got tired trying to keep up with them just to get a few photographs. They put out this energy for a 15-song, hour and a half set. If I didn’t know their history there is no way I would have guessed they’ve been around for 50 years. And talk about a show, great visuals, along with Kottak high above on a platform behind the band. It was as good as the first time I saw them back in 1988 and they still sound great. The show and setlist were fantastic. I’m looking forward to their 60th anniversary tour and wouldn’t doubt that it will happen the way they are still going. Do not miss the Scorpions if they are coming anywhere remotely near you and check out their extensive catalog including their latest, Return to Forever, find everything Scorpions at http://www.the-scorpions.com/wp/.
Brett Tully
RockRevolt Contributor
