Event photography photographer in Dusseldorf
As a photographer for event photography in Düsseldorf, I was with my camera in the Merkur Spiel-Arena. With an impressive fire show and confetti cannons, the mega event started in the well-filled Merkur Spiel-Arena in Düsseldorf. The biggest 80s live party in Europe was to take place here. Unlike the event photographers, some fans dressed up in neon-colored outfits to celebrate the 80s. Host Peter Illmann welcomed the audience and led through the first act: singer F. R. David. He presented his new song "Time Is Not Mine" and his hit "Words," which had thousands singing along.
Cutting Crew
Cutting Crew, the British-Canadian band, took the stage. Singer Nick van Eede greeted the audience in broken German and started with "I Waited So Long for You." The ballad-like song immediately created a pleasant atmosphere, and Nick wowed the fans in no time. Despite a pre-Christmas knee injury, he rocked like a pro on "One For The Mocking Bird." "I've Been In Love Before" was accompanied by the Berlin Show Orchestra and seemed especially romantic. There was an extended intro on "(I Just) Died In Your Arms," followed by soulful violins before the song moved into its finale and pyrotechnics set the mood.
Marc Almond
Soft Cell's Marc Almond appeared at the arena in sunglasses and a suit. He sang "Torch," a Soft Cell classic from 1982, in minimalist form. Unfortunately, his performance was barely visible on the stands and video screens. Still, the audience could enjoy "Somethings Gotten Hold Of My Heart" with matching violins. Then came the longed-for climax: "Tainted Love" in a quirky, jazzy version that encouraged dancing. Almond ended his performance with "Say Hello Wave Goodbye." Concert photographers were not allowed to take pictures of him.
Howard Jones
Howard Jones, who performed at Live Aid in 1985, started with "New Song." The synthpop track was immediately convincing, accompanied by the orchestra. In the ballad "No One Is To Blame" he accompanied himself on the keyboard, showing his outstanding talent. "Things Can Only Get Better" was even funkier with real brass sound. "What Is Love" was duly celebrated.
Concert photos Howard Jones at "DIE 80ER LIVE" at Merkur Spiel-Arena Düsseldorf
Gazebo
Gazebo performed alone and started without intro with "Masterpiece". Then followed "Lunatic" with only synth violins, although talented string players were in the orchestra. Nevertheless, the dancers created a good atmosphere. Gazebo wrote "Dolce Vita" for his friend Ryan Paris, but on this night he performed the song himself. He skillfully interacted with cameramen and photographers. "I Like Chopin" was reminiscent of a disco ball, and Gazebo encouraged the audience to join in. For an encore, he performed "Tarzan Boy" by Baltimora, tapping his chest like an orangutan, and the audience sang the Tarzan cry. Gazebo momentarily forgot the words, but was overwhelmed by the audience's reaction.
Sandra
Sandra had some big hits in Europe in the 80s, supported by her then husband, star producer Michael Cretu. That night she performed with full playback. Her performance started with "(I'll Never Be) Maria Magdalena", accompanied by Ukrainian dancers. Hits like "Secrets of Love", "Everlasting Love", "Heaven Can Wait" and "In The Heat of The Night" followed, sounding fresh in new arrangements. Sandra told the audience that she had just moved from Spain to Munich and promised to sing live next time.
Limahl
Limahl performed "Too Shy," a hit that has sold millions of copies worldwide. He explained in German that the song was produced by Nick Rhodes (Duran Duran). "Only for Love" followed, and Limahl enjoyed the stage with his great live band. "Ooh To Be Ah" and "Neverending Story" with female backing vocals by Domenica of the Berlin Orchestra delighted the audience. "Neverending Story" enchanted the arena.
Concert photos Limahl at "DIE 80ER LIVE" at Merkur Spiel-Arena Düsseldorf
Samantha Fox
Samantha Fox performed and amazed the audience with her performance. Despite initial problems with the vocals, she showed herself confident and present. She entertained the audience, talked to them and performed "Do Ya, Do Ya" in a rocking version. The highlight was her hit "Touch Me (I Want Your Body)", which the audience sang along enthusiastically.
Concert photos Samantha Fox at "DIE 80ER LIVE" at Merkur Spiel-Arena Düsseldorf
Alphaville
Marian Gold, the last founding member of Alphaville, rocked out with keyboardist Carsten Brocker, opening with "Dance With Me" and shouting, "Ready for the Show?" Full of energy, they presented "Big In Japan" in a new version. Alphaville impressed with "Sounds Like a Melody," showing how many hits they have. Marian and bassist Alexandra Merl were at the front of the stage, and "Gimme that bass now!" drove the performance. "Forever Young" made the hall shake. Despite shouts of encouragement, the band had to make room for the special guest of the 80s show.
Concert photos Alphaville at "DIE 80ER LIVE" at Merkur Spiel-Arena Düsseldorf
Holly Johnson
After a short changeover break, Holly Johnson, the former frontman of Frankie Goes to Hollywood, emerged from the stage fog. The show began with "Relax," his band's biggest hit, in an energetic, original version. Holly, dark glasses in hand, wowed with his performance. Then came "Two Tribes" with impressive sound. Holly's voice sounded flawless, and he visibly felt young. After taking off his sunglasses, he presented his solo single "Americanos" with real horns. Holly shared some memories of the Frankie Goes to Hollywood Germany tour and played "Rage Hard." The mood peaked with his favorite song, "The Power of Love." The choir of over 30,000 voices accompanied him and the show ended impressively.
Concert photos Holly Johnson at "DIE 80ER LIVE" at Merkur Spiel-Arena Düsseldorf