The New Roses / Black Diamonds @ Z7
December 6, 2024, Konzertfabrik Z7 Pratteln, Switzerland
No other band can transport me into such a dream world, where I would love to hop on a Harley Davidson and ride down some beautiful long road, simply enjoying this Glory Road attitude to life and taking a deep breath. That’s what the music of The New Roses does to me. Today the guys are finally back in Pratteln and, unlike the last two years, I’m not ill. So it’s off to Z7 to unwind a little with some good rock music.
But another band is responsible for getting us into the mood: Black Diamonds from the Swiss canton of St. Gallen. Manu, Chris, Andi and Michael offer good melodic rock with a good dose of hairspray and eyeliner. Their fifth album “Destination Paradise” was released this year and of course it has to be celebrated with a small tour together with The New Roses. The four gentlemen from the St. Gallen Rhine Valley are confident musicians and it’s fun to watch them. They enjoy the show, even if they seem a little nervous from time to time. Maybe it’s because of the many familiar faces in the audience who have come to watch the boys. Michael’s voice is spot on and fits the songs perfectly. A great band that you should know by now, because they are worth to be seen live indeed: Entertaining show, professional music and a good mood are guaranteed.
After some waiting, it’s finally time for the main act of the evening. The New Roses from good old Germany are back at Z7. These guys are slowly becoming a regular act at this club, returning every year, and I can only say: luckily. Timmy Rough and his boys are on the road with their recently released new album “Attracted to Danger”. After only three songs into the show, the audience starts singing happy birthday to bassist Hardy. He is visibly touched by this gesture. The first part of the show is dedicated to the newer songs and the older the evening, the older the songs and the louder the fans singing along. The atmosphere in the crowd is sheer enthusiasm. The decibel record set by the singing and screaming of the audience from the last time at Z7 is broken with over 100.3 decibels, according to the measuring device. The band enjoys the attention and the cheerful participation of their fans, even if you get the feeling from time to time that Timmy is not quite as fit and active as usual. But it’s no wonder that after an extensive tour, you might feel tired during the third last gig. In any case, his vocals are as good as ever, which everybody should be aware of by the first encore at the latest, goosebumps all over for three minutes. We are treated to an acoustic performance of “Hold me up”, which Mr. Rough performs all alone on stage. Then, requesting to be very quiet with a gesture – finger on his mouth – he takes a few steps back from the microphone and sings the chorus at full power without amplification, so that it can be heard all the way to the back of the hall. For this commitment and this passionate performance, he not only receives thunderous applause and hymns of praise, but also the respect of all the musicians and singers present, an there might be one or the other teardrop. The Roses end the gig with “Down by the River” and once again create a great atmosphere. You can’t get enough of this band, a great gig, thanks guys, have a good trip back home and hopefully see you soon.
