Posted 11/29/09 ~ Rama 11-06 and 11-07-09

Review and Photos by Linda Gianotti

One cannot wish for much more of a greater concert experience than seeing Roger Hodgson. I have had the good fortune of seeing Roger live several times and there is no other performer who comes even close in connecting with and pleasing the audience like he does. Roger had two sold out shows at Casino Rama on November 6 and 7 with a full orchestra and choir. While walking around the complex before the show, I could very easily feel the electricity and excitement in the air. People were there for one reason and that was to see Roger. Many had made this an annual event and some were seeing Roger for the first time. I was truly amazed at the number of people who travelled long distances just for the shows. I met fans who even came from Europe and Mexico.

Each night was absolutely beautiful. The orchestra was so wonderful in accompanying Roger in the performance of his masterpieces. The strings and horns and Roger’s magnificent voice all flowed together and the audience was his. Classics such as Hide in Your Shell, Breakfast in America, The Logical Song, and Take the Long Way Home got people singing, clapping, swaying to the music, and remembering. Every single song – Two of Us, Along Came Mary, Lord is it Mine, Give a Little Bit – was performed brilliantly. At times it was just Roger and his guitar. Not many artists can claim that talent.

Toward the end of the show, Dreamer brought many fans to the front of the stage where complete strangers were no longer strangers. Everyone had their arms around each other and dancing as if they were among good friends.

Fool’s Overture had everyone mesmerized. The lyrics, sounds, vibe in the room – all was magical. Roger had everyone in his hands. An absolutely amazing performance. Each night was spectacular. So much so that as people were leaving, I overheard many say they are already planning to come back next year in the hope that Roger performs again at Casino Rama.

Rama Review by Miguel Angelo Peixoto (from Portugal)

It was the last two concerts of the year for me and my friend Mário. And we wait for it. With the 16 hours of flights and car drive, we arrive at the famous Casino Rama. First time in Canada, and first time to see Roger Hodgson out of the Europe.

The huge auditorium was already set. There was a few more fans coming around from other countries (hi Linda, hi Rudy), and we start a very good mood from the beginning as we meet each other. The clock was running fast, and there was no time to relax. Any show that I attend of Roger it seems to me that is the first. It’s a genuine emotion, a feeling that came inside from me. I remember the time in my youth that I have my bedroom walls with posters of Supertramp, and since that time Roger lead my music preferences.

Now that was me and my friend of this trips, watching our master, listening the legendary voice and the sound of the paradise. Both concerts started with full house. I really like better to attend the shows in a stand up position. It’s more warm, and much more audience participation. The crowd were always with Roger, even when he broke one string of his guitar… But there is that stop Roger’s gift talent.

The set list was very specific in some of the songs, as there was an orchestra and choir in stage. There was the opportunity to listen an extraordinary version of “Only because of you” , “Soapbox Opera”, “Fool’s Overture”. Great sound in “logical song”, “Take the Long Way Home”, “Dreamer”. Of course, there are a few favorite songs that I always hope that Roger play, and he did it!! I had in my eyes and in my ears “If everyone was listening”, “Hide in Your Shell”, “Lord is it mine”.

There is a part of the show that we are always hope that come and waiting for. “Easy does it” put all the audience whistling and all of us get together in the same tune. It’s awesome.

Roger is a genuine good heart, and his words are in agreement with his heart. He touch all of us. The sound was perfect in both nights. My heart was full. “Give a little bit” put the last drop on it. It was time to share with friends and fans all that we received in each night. What a weekend, what a show. When it will be next year? Wait for me, because I want to be there again.

Posted 10/26/09 ~ Vienna 09-30-09

by Elke Beckett

Vienna! This year's last concert in Europe for Roger and Aaron (Aaron was not there at the very last concert in Spain) and you could sense this very special feeling of a "last night". The concert seemed to be special to Roger for at least one other reason and that other reason was Vienna. He seems to have a special relationship with this beautiful city. When he introduced "Give a little bit" he said how wonderful it is to be back in Vienna and he wondered when he was here the last time.  Someone from the audience said:"1998" and Roger said: "Thank you, Sir" with a figurative tip of the hat and added: "Such a long time and you all still remember me! - I am very excited to be here.

The venue was overwhelmingly beautiful, it was everything you would imagine a Viennese concert hall to be like, all gold and chairs of red velvet, huge candelabra and stuccos. The auditorium was packed with 1.800 people, the first row was very close to the stage and that prevented people from coming up front towards the end of the show. I was told that the Viennese audiences are a bit difficult (or maybe I should say very sophisticated) by nature and if you consider that, the audience REALLY went wild. Before "Dreamer" everybody was getting up from their seats and there were also standing ovations which is another unusual thing for a Viennese audience as I was told. In fact the audience had to proof their enthusiasm even before Roger came onstage.

The promoter who announced Roger was so nervous that he did not get out one complete sentence, it was all confused and incoherent words. Everybody knew what he was trying to say of course but I felt sympathy with him. His introduction was very short (maybe that took Roger by surprise) and when he left the stage we started applauding -- but nobody appeared on the stage! Thirty seconds later the promoter peered in again through the stage door to the left and gestured that we should keep going and we did. Actually we had to keep applauding for about 2 minutes - that doesn't sound long when you read it now but if you are sitting there in concert waiting for the artist to arrive on stage it is incredibly long. But finally Roger came out. He sat down at the keyboard glancing at his watch joking: "I was here a little late..." and started to play "Take the long way home".

Roger was having long conversations (you can really call them that) with the audience inbetween songs. I like that a lot and from the audience's reaction I could tell that they liked it a lot, too. So, before singing "Give a little bit" Roger was telling us that he spends most of his holidays in Austria and he mentioned the seventy shows which they have already done this year so far and that he could do another seventy because he enjoys it so much. He was happy to see "so many lovely faces out there" and there was a real connection with the audience - it is always like that but maybe this was even more special because it was the last night and it was Vienna.

When Roger announced "Hide in your shell" he said that it is the most rewarding thing for an artist to receive a letter or an email saying that one of his songs has helped someone and he said that he has received quite a lot of letters and emails about this next song and maybe that is because when he was writing that song he was going through a hard time himself.

The whistling during "Easy does it" worked out brilliantly and Roger didn't have words for it - he had a gesture for us which was the gesture for delicious (kissing his fingertips like an Italian chef) and it seemed to me that he enjoyed it just as much as we did.

Before "Rosie had everything planned" he told us that he likes to do these shows without a band because now we could hear the songs the way they sounded when he wrote them - and then he paid tribute to Aaron by saying that all he was missing when he started the solo shows was a saxophone and he was lucky to have found Aaron. He also said that Aaron has started with saxophone and now he is taking over the stage.

"A soapbox opera" was one of the many songs which got immediate applause and cheering from the audience during the first notes.

"Along came Mary" was very special this time because Roger dedicated it to a lady in the audience, Daniela. This caused me goosebumps and I did not dare to cheer into the introduction as I have always done during "my" other concerts. It was a very special moment and there was silence in the audience for a few seconds.

When he explained that he put all of his questions about life, the big questions, the "WHY?" into "Logical song" he also mentioned that ten years of school didn't really help and that caused some understanding laughter and applause from the audience.

After "Breakfast in America" Roger gave us some insights into how songwriting works for him. He said that he and Rick never wrote together - it is very difficult for him to write with other people because the songs come and it's a very magical process for him. When the songs come it's like the music kind of takes him...

"Child of vision" was next and after that Roger played "The Awakening" - it seems that he plays this one more often now and it creates a very special atmosphere again and again. Oh, and before "The Awakening" he honoured those fans who come a long distance to see him, in this case he mentioned Mick from Ireland and then he said that probably one of these days he should do a bit more recording but the problem is that he is having too much fun touring. 

He ended with "Fool's overture" and then he came back for two encores, "School" and "It's raining again".

The sound, the songs and the performance were perfect once again, Roger and Aaron are such a good match. You tend to take that for granted, but when you think about it, this is absolutely awe-inspiring.

There are two (only two!) musicians up on that stage and they create such magic! When Roger and Aaron are doing that "dialogue-part" in "Dreamer" that is just brilliant!

I am not an expert but I think that the sound tech did have a challenging job this time. I've been exploring the homepage of the Vienna concert hall and I found some information there about the acoustics in classical concert halls in general and this one in particular. What they said there was that they recommend a very experienced sound tech and best would be one who knows the concert hall very well, so translating that into my words I guess it must be darn tricky to get a good sound there!

Hats off to you all!

Posted 10/2/09

Vienna ~ 9/30/09

Wien - Konzerthaus

30. September 2009

Take The Long Way Home

Give A Little Bit

Lovers In The Wind

Hide in Your Shell

Easy Does It

Sister Moonshine

Rosie Has Planned

A Soapbox Opera

Alone Came Mary

The Logical Song

INTERMISSION

Breakfast In America

Lord Is It Mine

Child Of Vision

The Awakening

Don't Leave Me Now

Dreamer

Fool 's Overture

Encore Break

School

It 's Raining Again

Posted 9/24/09

Gottingen and Paderborn Set List 2009

Take the long way home

Give a little bit

Lovers in the wind

Hide in your shell

Easy does it

Sister Moonshine

Soapbox Opera

Along came Mary

The Logical Song

---------INTERMISSION---------

Breakfast in America

Lord is it Mine

Child Of Vision

Even in the Quietest Moments

Don't leave me now

Dreamer

Fools Overture

******

School Sax

It's Raining Again

Posted 9/18/09

Posted 8/24/09 ~ Aachen Orchestra Show - Set List - 8/22/09

Photos: Ulrich Simons

Posted 8/23/09 ~ Aachen – 8/22/09

by Elke Beckett

An orchestra show! And once again it was so much more than that! We arrived early and wanted to do some sightseeing but destiny held something much better for us!

When we came out of the underground parking we could hear the soundcheck and instead of heading to the city we went straight to the venue and there a big surprise waited for us: The doors and gates were open and there were quite some people sitting there, standing there or just walking around the park and they all were listening to the soundcheck – what a thrill! Thank you again for so much openness! It was so wonderful to see Roger working out the show. This was the first time he had met with the conductor Daniel Jakobi and the musicians of the Aachen symphony orchestra. To see how Roger was working with them, how communication was established, and how Roger demonstrated how he wanted that fanfare and those drums to sound like was simply fascinating.

Some fans met during soundcheck and there were fans from Ireland, from Norway from France and from Belgium (sorry if there were other nationalities as well which I haven't mentioned - but then we are all one nation really and that is Roger-fans).

One encounter in particular was VERY special to me: I met two people whom I had briefly met at the concert in Deggendorf: Anita and Markus. They are so very special people that I simply have to write about them (they have given me the permission to). Deggendorf was their first concert, they've been to some more concerts in the meantime and when this tour of Germany will be finished, they will have attended eight concerts. They are fans who feel the energy so much. Most people can't cope with Anita 's behaviour during a concert but when you can feel it too, you know what she goes through, or what goes through her! Anita is one of the many persons who have been literally (and I mean LITERALLY) saved by Roger and his music. She's had a very rough life, she has experienced to be beaten, she was broke but still had to raise three children on her very own, just to give you a notion. The most incredible thing is that Roger knows it all. He has given her more than you could possibly expect. In Deggendorf he gave her a hug and there have been more little things during other concerts and I think it can't be explained with words what that meant to her. Those of you who have the same deep feelings when hearing Roger's music will understand....

You cannot imagine the gratefulness that I have seen in Anita's eyes but you probably can very easily imagine that those two, Anita and Markus now drove those 650 km from their home in Bavaria to see Roger again and their journey continues: their next travels will be to Osnabrueck and Oldenburg and they will be in Biberach as well. Maybe you'll meet them there!

You're used to that kind of stuff from me by now but now FINALLY! - I will move on to the concert: Wonderful Roger, wonderful Aaron, wonderful Jesse Siebenberg on drums, wonderful Ian Stewart on bass and wonderful Aachen symphony orchestra!

A bit more detailed?

Alright, the setlist will show up on the French Forum these days (yes, one of them, actually Manu from Belgium was there as well!), so I'll mention the things coming to my mind right now: By nature Roger talked a little (very little) less than usual since this was a more tight orchestra concert and just as naturally there was less banter between Roger and Aaron but that was compensated by the perfect arrangements played by the Aachen symphony orchestra. It was a pleasure to see Daniel Jakobi conducting!

Roger and the whole crew once again had a very long bus drive the night before from Linz (another orchestra show) and Roger mentioned that he had woken up in that beautiful park, where the concert took place, this morning. He seemed to like the place very much. During the line “and all the birds in the trees well they'd be singing so happily..” from “Logical song” I actually watched a bird fly into a tree! (okay, considering the time it might also have been a bat but still so beautiful!). The presenter who talked a lot had promised us that there would be a flock of brants flying across the stage during the show – this was one of nature's surprises for them during last year's festival – but he couldn't keep his promise.

Obligatory: The whistling during “Easy does it” worked out fine and it was special yet again: Roger stopped in the middle of of singing in the first verse since there were a bunch of people still whistling very loud. So he let them finish their whistling and then continued singing. At the end he had two (!) Bravo's for us – boy, was I proud, although I know that this was a special Bravo for that enthusiastic bunch only.

Another very special moment was when the conductor Daniel Jakobi honoured Roger in giving his conductor's baton to Roger and let him finish “Fool's overture” – Roger is a great conductor as well!

The audience was so frenetic that we even got an extra encore: We all sang along to “Give a little bit” for a second time!

Thank you for all that you give!

Posted 08/12/09 ~ Oetigheim 08/11/09

by Elke Beckett

It's me again. And I don't know where to start. It was such a wonderful evening.

I guess I will have to revise my opinion that Open Airs for me are not the real thing. If it's a Roger-Open Air it IS something magical and beautiful and definitely more than the real thing.

Roger's concerts do always send us on wonderful journeys (and I do not only refer to the actual traveling journeys) and this time our arrival in Oetigheim was somewhat surreal. Since we were early, we made a detour through France and we drove through a beautiful French village where they had set up flower boxes everywhere. The whole village was blooming with purple, pink and magenta flowers. It was so beautiful and we felt like driving through a setting for “The Wizard of Oz”. Then we crossed the border to Germany and again this was like being transported into another world: Suddenly we found ourselves driving across an old railway bridge across the Rhine which now is used by cars and that was another amazing sight.

The “Volksschauspiele Oetigheim” is Germany's biggest open air theatre and it is a wonderful location. I guess Roger did not see too much of it besides the stage and the auditorium because the whole crew had a 10-hour bus drive the night before from Klagenfurt in Austria. This is the aspect of touring which probably most of the fans are unaware of. We just expect everything to be perfect and spot on when we go to a concert.

But talking of the audience, it was a wonderful audience last night. I had the impression Roger enjoyed that audience as well and hopefully it took away a little bit of that stress. There was a couple from Berlin right behind me and they were very enthusiastic right from the start (yeah, I was too) but the rest did warm up quite quickly as well and as soon as we had, there was no stopping us. Well, actually Roger had to stop us at some point and right he was: We had gotten up and moved to the stage far too early during “Breakfast in America” and when Roger had finished the song, he asked us to go back to our seats and come up front again when he asked us to and he added that it would be nice if we respected the other people still sitting there behind our backs. And of course we did.

Roger and Aaron were in fantastic mood. Roger greeted us in German but he had difficulties with that nasty mutated vowel “Oe” in Oetigheim which caused a lot of laughter. Later on Aaron greeted us in German as well and he also dabbled in pronouncing that nasty “Oe” and – he was better (actually he was quite perfect – sorry, Roger!) which earned him an incredible applause. Roger was in awe and said “I am humble”.

Will you forgive me again for jumping back to the start of the concert? It just came to my mind that the announcement for the concert was quite special and I don't want to forget about that. The guy who introduced Roger did his job great. He told a personal story: His parents had been development aid workers and one of their stories went like this: There were two guys who got lost in the desert and when they found them they were half starved and nearly parched and they rushed them to hospital. Both of them were saved and later on one of the guys told them, he would not have survived had he not had his music and in particular one Supertramp song which he “listened” to in his head all that time when he was lost out in the desert. That was the most beautiful announcement for one of Roger's concerts that I have heard so far.

You probably may know by now that the whistling during “Easy does it” is one of my favourite topics, so here is the report about that: It was special! When Roger started to play “Easy does it” the audience began to clap, clap, clap, no whistling audible. Into the clapping Roger said “Can you whistle?” but that was not heard by anyone and the audience just kept clapping all the way through the intro of the song. When the intro was over, Roger said: “ I forgot to tell you to whistle, so let's do this again” and he played that intro again! The clapping became a little more quiet but we did not manage to create any kind of suitable whistling. I think Roger took pity on us and when the poor whistling was finished, his comment was “yes!”.

I love Roger's concerts because they are always something so special and so different from the concert you have seen before – I mean, compare the Deggendorf review to this one!

Here's another very special moment: Roger played an unreleased song! I was so pleased and I enjoyed that so much! The song is called “I knew it well” and Roger told us not to listen to the lyrics too closely because they weren't finished yet. He played it on the keyboard and from my point of view the “unfinished lyrics” sounded just perfect!

And then there was the blind man: I had watched him when he came in. He went straight to the stage using his white cane to detect the steps (there were two between his front row seat and the stage) and the obstacles in his way. He then went back to his seat very fast and I was very impressed by that, he didn't use his white cane on his way back, he just knew the way. I kept asking myself, whether he had counted the steps to the next terrace... Later on it showed why he had explored the scene: He desperately wanted an autograph of Roger. He tried it a couple of times during the show but Roger always tried to tell him, that he would get his autograph later – can you imagine what would happen if Roger gave autographs between songs? But that guy wanted his autograph so badly that he tried and tried and then, after “School” he was up front again, waving about his ticket and a pen and what do you think? Roger took ticket and pen and gave him that autograph – can you imagine? And can you imagine how that guy must have felt? I heard people asking, why does he want an autograph so badly when he can't see it, why does he sit in front row, when he is blind? - Oh, boy! I would have liked to ask back: “Why are you living? You could also be dead.” - Sorry, that was nasty!

The encores got so much singing along this time that sometimes you could not even hear Roger. Aaron got very much applause for his wonderful contributions and it is always such a joy to see Roger and Aaron hugging each other at the end of the show, their faces beaming with joy!

A Thousand Thanks!

Posted 08/09/09 ~ Deggendorf 08/07/09 (BR Radltour)

by Elke Beckett

I hope you enjoy reading another, once again very different tourblog.

This one was a free Open Air. It was sponsored by a German TV and radio station (if only they would always invest our TV licence fees for such wonderful things!).

It was my first Roger-Open Air and the concert was really good but I guess for me Open Airs are never going to be the events where everything fits together perfectly and where magic can happen. Although in this case – the magic did happen before the concert....

Maybe my problem was the “Bierfest”-nature of the whole thing – many people had not solely come for Roger – one lady who arrived with her teenage daughter asked us: “Who's playing tonight? - Roger Hodgson? - Who's that?” when we said: “the voice of Supertramp” she went: “ooh, that's great but wouldn't it be really great to see the whole band together again?” then we said: “Once you have seen him solo you are not going to ask for that anymore!”. Unfortunately we didn't talk to her again afterwards...

I know – you are waiting for the blog on the actual concert but I warned you it would be a completely different post. Due to various reasons the “before and after” of this concert were very exciting and fascinating to me. One of the reasons: It was most special and wonderful to discover how Roger connects people. I found myself talking to people, some of which I would have probably been prejudiced about when meeting them under different circumstances but now it was easy to relate to them and let them show their qualities and I was simply amazed. That would not have been possible had it been a concert with regular prized tickets. So – also on behalf of all those people who could never afford a regular prized ticket (and there were a few last night): Thank you so much Roger for doing free concerts!

But now finally – the concert: Roger came onstage in his “Open Air outfit” and played “Take the long way home” and he mixed up some lyrics which I found great – it is so simpatico and so relaxed when that happens. During the introduction to “Give a little bit” he asked all the cyclists to raise their hands and he said that they really have earned a round of applause and so we gave them a hand. “Give a little bit” instantly got a lot of clapping and singing along. The guy next to me clapped as well – but he permanently lost his rhythm. The fascinating thing was that by the end of the concert, he had found it: during “It's raining again” he was clapping in rhythm all the time. I couldn't stop smiling at him!

Before “Lovers in the wind” Roger talked about the importance of love and his words caused a huge applause. After that he did “Hide in your shell” and then the setlist begins to blur but I'll tell you what I remember: The audience started whistling very prematurely before Roger had even started to play the first notes of “Easy does it” and I think that wasn't exactly appreciated, especially since we could not live up to the expectations we had created. So we did not get a “Bravo” from Roger in the end – he only had an “Okay” for us and even that was very kind. So, bad whistling in Deggendorf. “Along came Mary” was wonderful. This time without the additional keyboard playing by Aaron, which I think to have perceived in Heilsbronn.

We got another song from “Open the door” which was the beautiful “The more I look” and of course he played all the great hits: “Soapbox opera”, “Child of vision”, “Breakfast in America”, “Logical song”, “Fool's overture”, … When he sang “Dreamer”, he dedicated it to the 1.200 cyclists who had the last stage of their tour through Bavaria on the following day.

Time flew and we had come to the encores much too fast. “Schule”, as Roger said in German, had very, very noisy “school children” in the audience and during “It's raining again” I opened the umbrella I had brought along but security stopped me. I adore those umbrellas that the French fanclub always opens during that song and after the fanclub had allowed me to copy their idea I simply had to do it (I know, I'm crazy). Now I have realized that this is only wonderful in France and it belongs to France. It simply doesn't work in Germany but that is just fine. Different countries, different audiences.

Thank you very much for another wonderful journey!

I would also like to add a special Thanks to all those behind the scenes. Before the concert we talked to a guy who takes care of all those little (or big) things which an artist needs or demands – he organized the plants and the carpets, he took the keyboard to Roger's hotel the day before the concert and he was full of praise for Roger.

P.S.: My next concert is coming up soon – Oetigheim next Tuesday, so beware!

Posted 08/07/09 ~ Deggendorf, Germany

Tonight was one of the best feeling events I have been to.  It was the 20th anniversary of a 7-day bicycle tour in Germany sponsored by Bayerischer Rundfunk.  People were having a great time, the weather was perfect, and there was a feeling of family and community with everyone I met.

And have to tell you, I had the best seat in the house - I was watching the concert from backstage looking out over the crowd of over 10,000 people, and seeing Roger from the back, lit in blue light with the moon rising over his left shoulder, it was picture perfect.

Roger  was feeling a bond with his audience and talked about writing his songs to express his heart and soul and hoped they have touched a place in other’s souls too.  And after he played Give a Little Bit, he expressed his feelings about love and talked about how much more relevant this song is today than when he wrote it. Love is the most important thing.......   ~ Linda

Posted 08/01/09 ~ St. Tropez 07/28/09

(Thanks to the French Roger Hodgson Fan Club for this info!)

Le Groupe Floirat, groupe familial, sous l'impulsion de son jeune et dynamique CEO Antoine Chevanne, se développe autour de trois axes : L'hôtellerie de Prestige, l'hôtellerie de Charme et de Caractère et les Clubs Privés.

Un concert explosif par l’incroyable guest star ROGER HODGSON !

Dans la chaleur estivale de ce Mardi 28 Juillet 2009, ce sont quelques 1500 personnes qui se sont rassemblées au bord de la piscine du prestigieux Hôtel Byblos afin d’accueillir le talentueux Roger Hodgson, figure emblématique du groupe mythique Supertramp.

Ébloui par son hôte, le public a été conquis et séduit par la performance de la star du rock des années 70 dans le décor paradisiaque qu’offre l’hôtel Byblos.

Parmi les invités, le millier de privilégiés a pu croiser l’honorable Quincy Jones, ancien producteur de Michael Jackson et également le légendaire Edwin « Buzz » Aldrin.

Les Tropéziens de toujours étaient présents, Fiona Gélin et Daniel Hechter,

Orlando…également le monde du Cinéma avec Mario Adorf, Hélène de Fougerolles, Clovis Cornillac, Anne-Lise Hesme, Gonzague Saint-Bris, le monde de la Musique avec Pascal Nègre, Félix Gray, Nagui et le monde du Sport avec Jean-Michel Aulas, Alain Boghossian, Marcel Dessailly, David Ginola.

Pour clore le concert, Roger Hodgson a souhaité rendre hommage à l'homme de la conquête spatiale, Edwin « Buzz » Aldrin. Ému par ce témoignage, ils ont évoqué ensemble des souvenirs, notamment le titre mondialement connu « Dreamer » créé en 1969, l’année où leur rêve d’atteindre les étoiles s’est réalisé.

Dans un décor de verdure où de subtils jeux de lumière se reflétaient, l’artiste est parvenu à combler les attentes de son public par son talent de musicien hors pair et sa capacité à allier tous les styles, le tout pour le plaisir exclusif d’un public aux anges.

Photos © Copyright - Le Podcast Journal

Aldrin to Obama: Be a ‘dreamer’ and put a man on Mars 

@ 5:32 pm by Jordan Fabian 

Photo: Bruno Malegue

Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin sees a new Space Age on the horizon and wants President Barack Obama to share his vision.

Aldrin hopes that Obama “will be the dreamer” to preside over the first manned mission to Mars. He tweeted Thursday:

39 yrs ago our Pres was a dreamer who sent us to the moon. I hope our new Pres will be the dreamer to send us to Mars. Yes we can Yes we can

I mean 49 yrs ago-hard to type on my iPhone. I thought of this bcuz Roger Hodgson of Super Tramp did the song Dreamers in St Tropez lst nite

President John F. Kennedy first called for America to put a man on the moon but President Richard Nixon was in office by the time the Apollo 11 astronauts completed their lunar landing.

Here is Supertramp superfan Aldrin’s inspirational vignette:

Quincy Jones and RH

Posted 08/01/09 ~ Monaco July 30

Well, it was hot and muggy and very busy in Monaco during the day, but come night time, everything was perfect. The venue was really cool – they opened up the curtains and rolled the stage forward and Roger was surrounded by people on 3 sides and welcomed by a very enthusiastic audience who were eager to see him and hear the songs they grew up with.   

The concert was proceeded by a gala dinner and open bar and even stars came to see our star.    

Loud applause greeted the end of every song.   People were obviously enjoying themselves and were singing along and moving to the music.  When the first notes of Breakfast in America started, everyone was on their feet, dancing and clapping.   This being a dinner show, the crowd was seated at tables with bouquets of roses at each table.   To show their appreciation, the audience began throwing roses on stage and at one point Roger was showered in rose petals.  He commented “I guess you like it.  At first I thought you were throwing bread at me.” Fools Overture once again brought everyone to their feet and moving to the music.  But people would not leave.   After much applause, Roger returned for an encore of School and It’s Raining Again.   The audience was left with memories of a wonderful performance.

Posted 07/20/09 - Auxerre, France 07/19/09

Hello,

Well, Roger met the French Fan Club again, as many fans traveled to the wine country of Auxerre to see Roger performing in the beautiful park on the river. What a gorgeous night – even the sun came out today after much rain. It was fun to look out over the sea of 7,000+ people to see the white fan club t-shirts, white hats and umbrellas as the concert ended with, “It’s Raining Again.”

While there, we stayed at Bergerand’s in Chablis and got to taste the local wine and warm hospitality.  We would have all liked to stay for a week enjoying the quite countryside.

Well, that’s it for now...we have the rest of the week off from touring before going to the South of France for a private concert and Roger’s concert in Monaco. It is so wonderful to see you all again and again and to experience the younger generation flocking to Roger’s concerts as well.

Au Revoir....Linda

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Posted 07/14/09 - Plaza Toros Estepona 07/15/09

Well, we are in Estopona tonight, about an hour south of Malaga, Spain. What a beautiful night for an outside concert under the stars in a bullring.  It always amazes me to see Roger performing in such varied venues around the world and to feel the same love and appreciation for his music wherever we go.

Fans were ready for him and held up a sign tonight saying “BABAJI”  - so he played it for them!   The audience broke out with the special clapping for Don’t Leave me Know – (you know the one)…and a soon as Roger completed Fool’s Overture the famed soccer chant resounded in the bullring, so of course Roger went back on stage to give a little bit more to all who came.  Another magical night touching people’s memories with his timeless music.

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Posted 07/14/09 - Valladolid, Spain 07/13/09

Posted 07/10/09 - Tuttlingen

We received a special welcome into Tuttlingen by a brilliant rainbow streaking across the sky marking the city as we approached in the van.  We got our first glimpse of the castle ruins up on the hillside, nestled in the trees. Roger is the opener for their 2009 festival season. This is the 15th year of the festival, which takes place in an atmospheric circus tent at a castle on the top of the hill in the middle of the city. It’s been sold out for a while and I can see why.  It’s a fun place to come and the people are all so friendly and warm. We love Germany and the love is mutual - Germany really loves Roger.  He will be performing over 20 shows in Germany this year, and  I already heard people tonight say they would be coming to Calw on August 8th and Biberach an der Riss on Sept 29.

One gentleman who has come to every festival show in Tuttlingen for the last 15 years said that Roger’s show tonight was the best one ever. Roger and Aaron didn’t want to leave, either, and came back for two encores.  It was a very rich evening with Roger’s repertoire of people’s favorite songs, and everyone sang along from the beginning to the end.  Maybe there will be an encore in Tuttlingen one day, as the promoter invited Roger to come and play the festival again anytime he wants!

And I would be remiss if I did not mention our wonderful experience at Hotel Traube. We were so warmly welcomed by the family who runs the hotel, we all wanted to move in and never leave again. Thank you for making us feel at home on the road.  

Posted 07/08/09 - Paris - July 7, 2009

Posted 07/08/09 - Heilsbronn - July 5, 2009

by Elke Beckett

Where do I start? I think words are just not enough to describe the magic I had the privilege of experiencing last night. I'll try nonetheless...

Actually the concert was scheduled as open air but it was changed and now the venue was the “Hohenzollernhalle” and when I first saw pictures of it on the internet, I thought oh, no, it's a gym! and I was not happy about that change. But, boy, was I wrong! The gymn turned out to be a beautiful building with a wooden floor, huge panorama windows to the one side. It was not smelling like a gym at all, and to top it all, it had a beautiful sound which I think even surprised Roger. With 1200 people attending the concert, it was quite intimate as well.

After Roger had come onstage and had played “Take the long way home”, the first thing he mentioned was how happy he was to be able to actually see his audience (thanks to the panorama windows).  Roger really enjoyed being in Heilsbronn.  He mentioned a couple of times how Bavaria and especially Franconia were beautiful places.

The audience last night was a wonderful crowd, and Roger also said we were a great audience. He especially mentioned that he loves German audiences because they are so respectful, they let the songs “breathe out”, they wait till the last note has faded away before they applaud. And yesterday it really was the case quite often that there was silence after a song before the applause roared.

I can't stop repeating how wonderful and different each single concert is. I really wish I could attend each single one of them!

The first part continued with “Lovers in the wind”, “Hide in your shell”, “Easy does it/Sister moonshine”, “Rosie had everything planned”, “Soapbox opera”, “Along came Mary” and “Logical song”.

During the whistling at the beginning of “Easy does it” Roger said: “Whistling is fun – everyone should whistle – it makes you happy!”

When Roger introduced Aaron, Aaron spoke German and Roger kept teasing him to give us some more and tried to tell us that it was him who had taught Aaron all those German words and phrases. There was a lot of friendly laughter, and wonderful Aaron got a great deal of applause and audience attention throughout the whole concert.

My beloved “Along came Mary” was somehow different this time. The guitar sound was not as pure as I had experienced it the other times and I didn't like how the (otherwise so sophisticated) audience applauded into Aaron's solo – you just don't applaud into “Along came Mary”! (MHO)

After the intermission, the second part started with Roger coming onstage playing “The Meaning”. It was simply great!

Afterwards, it was “Breakfast in America” and Roger commented “I always thought that this was a good song for the Munich Bierfest – Heyo- Heyo – don't you think? Maybe one year I'll get to play it there...”

Then Roger played “If everyone was listening” - just beautiful! Next was “Child of vision” and then “Lord is it mine,” which was introduced by Roger as one of his favourites, and he told us that “it's not played on the radio but that doesn't matter – it came deep from my heart.”

After that Roger told Aaron that he would switch songs here and we were in for a real treat: Roger played “The Awakening” and how he announced it was so beautiful that I simply have to tell you: “You know, the older I get, the more I realize the importance of forgiveness because when we hang on to stuff that's being done to us or we've done to other people it gets us stuck and it's very difficult to get back to being happy and I know in forgiving, often the person who is the most difficult person to forgive is our very selves and so this is what this song is about...” I know that what Roger said there is so very true (at least for me) and then he let us participate in a marvellous, magical, pure and moving “The Awakening”. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

After that we heard “Don't leave me now” and the next song was “Dreamer” and everybody was clapping and dancing. The official ending was “Fools Overture” and then there were the encores “School” with a lot of “school kids” making a lot of noise and “It's raining again”. Everybody was standing in front of the stage and as it showed, there were also several young children in the audience.

Finally I have to praise the guys from the Kulturverein Heilsbronn for their perfect organisation and the perfect lighting.

Thank you so much!

Posted 07/04/09 - Barcelona

Barcelona Set List 2009

Take the long way home        

Give a little bit                

Lovers in the wind                

Hide in your shell        

Easy does it                        

Sister Moonshine                      

Teach me to Love again

Rose had everything Planned        

Soapbox Opera                 

Along came Mary        

The Logical Song           

---------INTERMISSION---------

The Meaning                                

Breakfast in America                

The More I Look        

Child Of Vision                

Lord is it Mine?                

Even in the Quietest Moments                                             

Don't leave me now        

Dreamer                

Fools Overture                

******

School                        

It's Raining Again        

Posted 07/01/09 - Luz de Gas, Barcelona

Many big names have played at the famous Luz de Gas in Barcelona  now celebrating their 14th anniversary.   This was a special private show put on by the owner for his friends and his best customers. The club was packed and the vibe electric as Roger’s fans have been waiting a long time for his return to Barcelona. He was in fine voice, and so was the audience- they sang along with him all night.

The owner of the club came backstage after Roger’s performance and was beaming. He prides himself about the great artists he brings to his club and he told us he had been trying for years to get Roger to Luz de Gas. He finally told a local promoter at lunch one day, "I must have him. You get me Roger Hodgson or we won't speak anymore!"

After the show, he said he was being congratulated by 800 people for bringing Roger Hodgson and commented, "There is Luz de Gas before Roger Hodgson and Luz de Gas after Roger Hodgson." In other words, it was not only a great concert, it was a historic occasion for the Luz de Gas.

Posted 06/30/09 - Andorra

Roger was welcomed to Andorra by the head government official who hosted a press conference where Roger talked about writing his songs and his passion for music.  This little country nestled in the Pyrenees between Spain and France is populated by reserved mountain people - but they cut loose and gave Roger all their passion from the first song.  It was not just people from Andorra who were there, he had fans come from Spain, France and even Portugal.

The crowd echoed – come back Roger – and you can be sure he will!

Andorra Set List 2009

Take the long way home        

Give a little bit                

Lovers in the wind                

Hide in your shell        

Easy does it                        

Sister Moonshine                      

Rose had everything Planned        

Teach me to love again

Soapbox Opera                 

Along came Mary        

The Logical Song           

---------INTERMISSION---------

The Meaning                

Breakfast in America        

The More I Look        

Child Of Vision                

Lord is it Mine?                

Don't leave me now        

Dreamer                

Fools Overture                

******

School                

Two of Us                        

It's Raining Again        

Posted 06/30/09 - Hamar, Norway

Hamar Set List - June 26, 2009

Take the long way home        

Give a little bit        

Lovers in the wind                

Hide in your shell        

Easy does it                

Sister Moonshine                      

Breakfast in America        

Along came Mary        

The Logical Song           

The More I Look        

Child Of Vision        

Lord is it Mine        

Don't leave me now        

Dreamer                

Fools Overture        

******

School                

It's Raining Again        

Posted 05/26/09 - Derbyshire/Staffordshire

The UK acoustic festival was a 4-day countryside camping festival and when Roger started playing, it turned into a real sing along.  It was great to see so many families sharing music and enjoying themselves together. ~ Linda

Posted 05/25/09 - Paris 05/23/09

Another sold out show in Paris and Roger again received a long heartfelt ovation from the audience - before he even played his first note. People came from all over to rekindle the love affair of Roger in Paris performing at the legendary Olympia Hall.

There were many familiar faces as well as a joyous group from the growing French Roger Hodgson Fan Club all wearing their ROGER HODGSON FAN CLUB t-shirts.

It was such an intimate show -

Roger dedicated "Two of Us" to Malik and Aurelie who were celebrating their 1st anniversary and gifted them the bouquet of flowers which had decorated the stage.

He dedicated "Fool's Overture" to Tristen, a 12-year-old in the front row who had lost his father 2 years ago ­ and this was the song which had been played at the funeral. It was a very touching moment.

Roger added "If Everyone was Listening" to his set list tonight especially for Charlotte, as she just turned 17 and this was her favorite song.

Congratulations go out to another couple who became engaged tonight after 7 years together after Roger sang his new song­ "Teach me to love Again." This will be their song to remember.

We noticed there are more younger fans in the audience, and parents coming with their children.

A local promoter who had also come to The Hague 2 days ago said that he could not decide which show he preferred ­ Roger Hodgson with orchestra or Roger Hodgson solo.  His comment tonight to Roger was "AMAZING!  How many musicians can do what you do? I saw the Rolling Stones last Saturday and

they did Honky Tonk Woman and big fireworks, and then tonight, it's you and one other musician? I don't know anyone else who can do what you do, it comes from the heart and goes to the heart. It's amazing."

There is definitely a feeling of Roger being accessible as he connects personally with his fans performing his timeless music.  The parents having memories when his songs came out and their children are making memories now. ~ Linda

Posted 05/24/09 - Paris 05/23/09

Posted 05/21/09 - Zurich 05/18/09

Review:  Elke Beckett

It was such an incredible night and my best concert experience ever!

When Roger came onstage he got a huge applause from the audience and when he finally sat down to start playing "Take the long way home", he only played a few notes before saying "Why am I not working? - Do you know what a false start is? - I think we will have to try this again in five minutes" and he went off the stage. The audience started applauding again to show their understanding and then the sound tech jumped on the stage to try and help solve the technical problems. A few minutes later Roger came out again and the concert actually started.

Before playing "Give a little bit" Roger asked us to leave the world outside and said that we were his for two hours.

After "Hide in your shell" someone from the audience yelled: "I've got goosebumps" and Roger smiled and said "gooood..."

Aaron did get a great deal of audience attention as well. When Roger introduced him, they did not even let him finish before breaking into applause. And Aaron really was absolutely great!

At some point Roger was twiddling with his earpiece or rather his "receiver" under his shirt and telling us, we should not be afraid, he would not undress, he was just trying to get sound on both of his ears instead of only one because it is very disturbing to do a concert with only one "ear" working. I can hardly imagine the strange feeling of "missing one ear" during a concert but Roger did just continue as if it was nothing and he sounded perfect!

The audience was frenetic, especially the Supertramp hits got a tremendous amount of applause and a lot of singing along and there were a lot of standing ovations and stamping feet in appreciation which caused a wonderfully loud noise.

The second part of the concert was starting like this: We heard Roger's guitar from offstage and after a short while of only hearing him, he came out playing "The Meaning".

"Even in the quietest moments" had a very special energy for me that night, it just felt like Roger was really taking us with him "off to nature to be alone and yet not alone because you can feel that presence" as he described it when announcing the song.

When "Dreamer" was over the audience did not want to stop applauding but when we finally did, Roger said: "You are such a warm and friendly audience ? Thank you for that." and that felt so good and caused just another round of applause.

The audience participation during the encores was tremendous, we were very noisy during "School" and everybody was singing along all the way through "It's raining again". Every single person in the audience was on their feet. After the second encore we again wouldn't stop applauding and thus we kept Roger and Aaron on the stage and finally Roger said: "How can you walk away from such an energy?" and he gave us one more encore "Give a little bit". One of the strings broke but he didn't care, he just pulled it off, so that it was hanging down on one side of his guitar and he simply continued

playing ? the night was magical, marvellous, magnificent, miraculous, I can't think of any more m-adjectives, but I could continue without end...

Roger and Aaron gave each other a hug during the final applause and before leaving the stage, Roger shook some hands and then we were sent back to the world we had really forgotten about for almost three hours.

Thank you Roger, Aaron and everybody who helped create this wonderful night!

Zurich 05/18/09

Shakti and Linda

The passion of the Zurich audience sure surprised everyone. We had heard that the Swiss are usually reserved...well that was not the case tonight. Though the show got off to a "false start" when the computer glitched and Roger had to reboot, it was soon forgotten.

I saw a number of young kids in the audience really getting into it. And many 50-something guys in their suits were totally cutting loose and there were even people in late their 60-70's really enjoying themselves- up and moving and clapping and smiling big time.

A promoter who had come to see the show commended that in his nearly 40 years in the business he had never seen such a strong show and could really feel the power that came out of Roger.  He knows now what an extremely good songwriter  and arranger Roger is and commented, "it's just excellent

music."  He had praises for Aaron's talent as well.

Well- - "it's the best I've seen.." was a comment from someone who has seen Roger 6 times in he last 3 years.  His highlight and many others' was experiencing Fool's Overture.  We loved at the end when people came right up to the stage and they were dancing and had their young children on their shoulders. They did a special hand-waving  and chant at the end to honor Roger, and someone called it a "love fest" as the evening ended with everyone singing Give a Little Bit together.

Tomorrow we head to The Hague where Roger will perform with the Metropole Orchestra.

Shakti and Linda

Posted 05/19/09 - Zurich 05/18/09

Review:  Sylvia Novell

Roger made the difference - A wonderful night in Zürich / Switzerland

One could say I've seen it all - so many times I saw Roger in Concert, but every time it's a new and unbelievable experience, like last night in Zürich . . .

Roger started the show joking about his experience with the usually rather "sophisticated" Swiss audience.  As he finally began to play, it turned out to be one of the best concerts I've ever seen.

The place was so full of positive energy, surrounding everyone, so it seemed. It was just incredible. The "sophisticated" and normally rather a little reserved Swiss audience was joining in to Roger's music with clapping and singing along as if it would be the last performance ever.

Well, indeed we have to travel quite far to see more of Roger's Concerts. Here people can't enjoy Roger as much as in Germany for instance.

It was a magical night. Roger and Aaron complemented each other in a fantastic way and with every concert the two seem to improve their team-work. Aaron also did get a lot of approval from the audience for his extraordinary performance.

I can't really say much about what Songs were played - he played them all, the Song we love so much.

Topped was the performance with "Fools Overture" where Roger said it was the best Song he had ever written.

There were three or four encores, because the audience just didn't want them to go. Who knows when they will be back in Switzerland for a other fantastic show . . . 

It was such a wonderful night to remember . . .

Check the TOURDATES

Zurich Set List 2009

Take the long way home        

Give a little bit                

Lovers in the wind                

Hide in your shell        

Easy does it                        

Sister Moonshine                      

Rose had everything Planned                

Soapbox Opera                 

Along came Mary        

The Logical Song           

---------INTERMISSION---------

The Meaning                

Breakfast in America        

The More I Look        

Lord is it Mine                

Child Of Vision                

Even in the Quietest Moments        

Don't leave me now        

Dreamer                

Fools Overture                

******

School                

It's Raining Again        

Give a little bit                

Posted 05/17/09 - Montreal 2009

Posted 05/10/09 - Montreal 05/09 and 05/10/09

Photos: Linda Gianotti

Posted 05/09/09 - Montreal show 05/08/09

Posted 05/08/09 - Roger Hodgson “Super” in Quebec City Concert

By David Mendenhall

Quebec City – It’s been 2 ½ years since Roger Hodgson has performed in this beautiful city which has just celebrated it’s 400th anniversary. Roger took the stage, and once the intro to “Take The Long Way Home” began, it was like that time had somehow evaporated. Another show at the Grand Theatre, another complete and understandable sell-out.

There is a Love Story between Roger and the people of Quebec City. It’s been 34 years since Roger and the rest of Supertramp came into this city to promote “Crime Of The Century,” and in fact it was one of the first cities Supertramp ever played to in North America. To be honest it wasn’t like they ever forgot; in fact, the audience response was overwhelming and at times truly deafening.

       Roger, along with multi-instrumentalist mainstay Aaron MacDonald whose role in helping Roger interpret his music with anything available to his musical touch is rapidly expanding, next played “Give A Little Bit,” followed by “Lover’s In The Wind.” Roger must be taking French lessons, because he conversed more with the crowd in French than ever before, telling the enthusiastic audience that “Hide In Your Shell” was written about the turbulent time between his teen years and before becoming a man, and how it had forced him back into his shell. He was also successful on getting the crowd to whistle the intro to “Easy Does It,” and by the time he finished that song along with “Sister Moonshine” he had the crowd on its feet again.

“Rosie Had Everything Planned,” “Soapbox Opera,” “Along Came Mary” each had a great crowd response, but that just set everything up with “The Logical Song” and another thunderous ovation. After a brief intermission, Roger sang “The Meaning,” and “Breakfast In America.” Afterwards he said “That was a sad song of sorts because of the line “What she got? - not a lot!” “The More I Look,” and “Child Of Vision complete with its building tempo followed to yet another standing ovation. Roger continued in French about his favorite Supertramp song before launching into the crisp arrangement of “Lord Is It Mine.” “Even In The Quietest Moments,” a song Roger wrote in the woods came next before the “Famous Last Word’s” track, “Don’t Leave Me Now.”  The always crowd-pleasing "Dreamer" cooked along into a audience clapping frenzy and another standing ovation. “Fool’s Overture,” “School,” and “It’s Raining Again” all met with even more standing ovations, each one louder than the previous ovation.

The faith and devotion that Quebec’s fans have in Roger’s songs and brilliant production went completely rewarded.

Posted 05/07/09 - Quebec show May 6

Roger had fun speaking lots of French tonight and the Quebec audience loved this almost as much as they loved his music. This beautiful theater was a great setting for an intimate night of sharing magic and memories. Roger's voice soared through every song, the lighting was exquisite, the audience adoring,  and by the end of the evening,  all went home with more precious memories to cherish… including the promoter, who told me that with Roger's show, he enjoyed it so much, he wanted  to see it again and again- it didn’t get boring. (Whereas with most artists, when you have 4 shows in a row..well, he wouldn’t keep sitting in.) ~ Shakti

Posted 05/06/09 - Sherbrook show May 4

Two nights ago, Roger performed in a big arena in Ottawa and these next two nights at the historic Granada Theater in Sherbrooke built in 1929. Even in this intimate, cabaret-style theatre with table seating and relaxed atmosphere, people could not stay in their seats ­ there was standing ovation

after standing ovation as Roger's songs touched chords in many over the two nights he performed here.

The highlight of the first night was the whistling for Easy Does It ­ Roger was ready to hire the audience on the spot and take them on tour with him, everyone sounded so glorious.

And the second night there was a different magic as Fool's Overture capped the night, exciting everyone's emotion and memories. Alain, the venue general manager, invited Roger to come back soon, as Roger definitely left the audience wanting more. ~ Linda

Posted 05/06/09 - Montreal show May 5

It was a warm Montreal welcome- the packed house gave a standing ovation as soon as Roger came on stage.. and off and on throughout the show. They surprised me with their incredibly enthusiastic response to Sister Moonshine - huge standing ovation.  They loved the whistling on Easy Does it. They were captivated but quiet during Child of Vision and then leapt to their feet in appreciation of the song. All were spellbound during Fools Overture, heads bobbing with the music. And when Roger played School for the encore the audience exploded in enthusiasm.

After the show, one of our guests (a music teacher for Star Academie) said "What a show! I felt like a bird flying with you."

And our promoter told us there was a mother and little boy sitting down in front on the floor- she was so moved by the music she was crying during Fools Overture and her little son was hugging her, playing with her hair, sharing in the very special moment of this very special evening. ~ Shakti

Set List - Montreal May 5 2009

Take the long way home        

Give a little bit                

Lovers in the wind                

Hide in your shell        

Oh Brother / Teach me to love again                

Easy does it                        

Sister Moonshine                      

Rosie had Everything Planned        

Soapbox Opera                 

Along came Mary        

The Logical Song           

---------INTERMISSION---------

The Meaning                

Breakfast in America        

The More I look                

Child Of Vision                

Lord is it Mine                

Even in the Quietest Moments        

Don't leave me now        

Dreamer                

Fools Overture                

******

School                

It's Raining Again        

As we were walking out of the hall right after the concert, the promoter commented that it was just what he needed after a hard week.   I heard numerous people talking about how in these 2 hours they relived so many memories and how Roger's voice sounded better than ever. There were many families, and Roger won over even the 13-year-olds who were singing along to the surprise of their parents.

The number-one fan of the evening was a guy who had been dancing in his chair the whole concert and could barely contain himself. When Roger played Dreamer, he shot out of his chair and danced with complete abandon for the rest of the concert- pure unbridled joy.  We found out that his daughter, who accompanied him, had bought him the ticket for his 60th birthday, so we invited him back stage to meet Roger and top off his night.

The sound was incredible and, although Roger was playing in an arena, the feeling was very intimate with the stunning lights, cozy carpets and plants on stage, and Roger’s banter with the audience. Roger was in fine voice and spirits and was clearly having fun transmitting magic throughout the room BIG TIME.

Our promoter commented that it is shows like Roger’s that remind him why he is in the business. He wants Roger to tour in western Canada this fall. And he said many more people want to see him again, and when we come back there will be twice as many people.  Here are some fun statistics for fans from Ottawa……

Civic Centre Arena

April 21, 1976 - 9,924 sold out - $6.50 (only show that sold out in the arena in 1976 with Beach Boys also selling out)

July 2 , 1977 - 9,424 - sold out - $7.50 (with these two shows on July 2 and 3, Supertramp sold more tickets than any other act in Ottawa in the entire 70’s)

July 3, 1977 - 6,944 - $7.50

Football Stadium - Lansdowne Park

July 28, 1979 - Lansdowne Park - 27,298 sold out - $15 (This show is still the 3rd biggest selling show in Ottawa history. Stones, 42,213 in 2005 and Pink Floyd at 29,461 in 1989)

Super Ex - Lansdowne Park

Aug 23, 1983 - 21, 813 - sold out - $19.50 (The SuperEx shows played every August from 1972 to 1997. Supertramp holds the #1 spot for most tickets sold at SuperEx. Styx #2 at 20,844 and the next act at #3 is Rod Stewart at 16,811)

Today we travel to Sherbrooke where Roger will play another sold out house tomorrow.

Posted 04/13/09

Although it’s hard to believe, this was Roger’s first concert ever in Mexico and, all day long, I kept hearing people asking, is he really coming?  They could hardly believe it! I met families driving over 5 hours from Monterrey and other places to enjoy Roger singing his timeless songs at the free performance hosted by the Zacatecas Cultural Center.   After the concert, the Director of the festival said it was the best concert they have ever had at the festival. And people who drove from all over the country were all so grateful that Roger came.  People were singing along, and “Lord is it Mine” once again proved to be one of the favorite songs of the evening.  We look forward to being back in Mexico again one day.  

Posted 03/23/09

Nürnberg, Germany - March 20, 2009

by Dieter Burkard and Doris Nell

Within one year, I had the chance to participate in four concerts in Germany: Nürnberg, Offenburg, Leverkusen and now Nürnberg again. We had seats 1 and 2 in the first row, right in front of Aaron. I have to say that the show last Friday was by far the best of these four shows. Everything was perfect: the sound was great, Roger talked a lot to the audience, Aaron got a few new instruments and it was a beautiful night before Roger's birthday.

When Roger appeared on stage, the audience gave him a very warm welcome with standing ovations and applause. Then Aaron came in. He also got a big applause and standing ovations. Roger had to wait before he started playing “Take the long way home”.

After the first song Roger started to speak German and said that he will do 18 concerts this year in Germany. Because of this, he is willing to learn German. 

“Give a little bit”, “Lovers in the wind” and “Hide in your shell” were played perfectly. I really wonder how Aaron and Roger are able to deliver that high quality, although it is their fourth concert within five days!

Roger returned to the piano to play and sing “Oh brother” as indicated on the set list. After taking a deep breath because of the power-consuming last song, Roger hesitated and asked the audience who had seen the Nürnberg concert in 2008. Lots of hands were raised and Roger announced that he does not merely want to repeat the songs from last year. Then we were told that he played a new song for the FIRST TIME in Munich yesterday and that he is willing to perform it tonight for us.

As an introduction to the song, Roger mentioned how important love is for him. It was a magical moment when we were listening to the new song called “Teach me to love again“. When Roger and Aaron finished the beautiful slow song, the silence in the audience continued for a few instances, because everyone was deeply touched and didn't want to miss a single note. Then a huge applause was the confirmation that a new great song had been born. To the surprise of all of us, probably including Aaron, Roger stood up, walked to the keyboard and said that he will do something for the first time: “I will play the song again, but with another instrument”. This was a great moment, because everybody noticed that something special was going on. First, there was this great gift of a new song to all of us and now a spontaneous idea was presented. We were happy to listen to it again and knew: "Munich was first, but we get it twice for the first time". After Roger and Aaron finished again, there was a big applause. Then, Roger went back to the piano and took his place. Aaron asked: “third time?” Roger shook his head, we were laughing, and Roger started playing “The more I look”.

Next, “Easy does it” was performed, supported by whistling audience. Then, “Sister Moonshine”, “Rosie had everything planned” and “Breakfast in America” were played, followed by the beautiful “Along came Mary” and Aaron's fantastic flute playing.

After “The logical song”, there was a 25 minutes intermission.

The show continued with “Child of vision”, “Lord is it mine”, “Soapbox opera” and “Even in the quietest moments”. After “Don't leave me now” was played, “Dreamer” came next. The audience was clapping even more than before and the show became a big party. Nobody was sitting anymore and some people started to go closer to the stage.

A fantastic version of “Fool's Overture” was performed, and Aaron started using all the new instruments he was surrounded with. What a show! When comparing the concerts I have seen so far with the DVD, it is truly amazing how Aaron became better and better from show to show. On the DVD, there was even no intro played by Aaron and, now, he adds so much to the show. If he does not decrease his speed of doing more and more, he will probably replace a whole orchestra next year... Thank you Aaron, the audience loves you!  

The duo left the stage, and when they came back to play two encores, the audience was singing “Happy birthday” for Roger, although we actually were approx. 100 minutes in advance. A big white banner with the words “Happy birthday Roger” was passed to Roger. He looked at it from both sides and was deeply touched. After that, a few kids were invited to climb on the stage and pictures were taken. I have never seen this before. What a great moment for the kids!

Then, “School” and “It's raining again” were played. After Roger and Aaron left the stage, a lot of people waited like last year, when Roger came back for a second time to play a last song, but this was not the case this year.

It was a unique concert we will never forget. THANK YOU!

Posted 03/23/09

Stuttgart March, 22nd 2009

by Elke Beckett

The (belated) birthday-concert (or comparing the Stuttgart gig and the Saarbruecken gig)

The night started out with a very engaged male fan who tried to tell everyone in the audience that it was Roger's birthday yesterday, it would be nice if we all could sing „Happy Birthday“ at some stage of the concert. I thought, well that would indeed be nice but how do we manage – a crowd of some 2.000 people and they're supposed to sing at „some stage of the concert“ - naah – that's never gonna work – or do we have a professional opera singer in the audience who could give us our cue? (Those thoughts were mainly the reason why I left my flyers, saying that it would be a great idea to sing Happy Birthday for Roger that I wanted to hand out in each row of the venue in the trunk of our car - okay, that and the fear of being thrown out of the venue for handing out unapproved flyers). But now in order:

Just having taken my seat and having looked around a bit, I thought this is probably not going to turn into a very, very great evening – without any offence intended, the audience seemed a bit, well, subdued.

But I had underestimated Roger's skills! I would dare to say, this audience was not the most easy that he ever played to but what he made of it...

Roger was starting out with „Take the long way home“. At the beginning of that song we witnessed the first brave attempt of someone from the back rows trying to pitch „Happy Birthday“ but he deplorably failed.

„Give a little bit“ was the next song and in my point of view it was wasted on that audience (alright, I was part of that audience, too). I'll have to compare it to Saarbruecken, where it was just right there – the audience really got the feel of it there. But we won't give up – Roger never does – so wait and see...

What was next? „Lovers in the wind“ and „Hide in your shell“ and that's where it all turned around for me. I noticed a lady crying throughout „Hide in your shell“ and that was so moving. I would have liked to ask her, what's your story behind that song?

After „Hide in your shell“, Roger walked over to the piano, just as he did in Saarbruecken,he sat down and was trying to tell the audience that „Hide in your shell“ is a very energy-consuming song. Just to keep bewildering you, I'm gonna jump back to that magic night in Saarbruecken and tell you how that developed into what may have been the most intimate moment of that concert. Roger is sitting at the piano after having spent a lot of energy on „Hide in your shell“, is sighing and saying: „Keep applauding, I need to breathe“ - the audience does, Roger raises his hand implying, he was just joking but the audience keeps applauding and Roger leans back taking a deep breath to prepare for „Oh Brother“.

In Stuttgart we did not hear „Oh Brother“ next, we had a change compared to the Saarbruecken setlist (Thank you Stephan Metzner for the review and the wonderful photos). Roger did a marvellous version of „The more I look“, which is a song I would have wished for, if I'd had the chance to... so thank you very much for playing that one!

Then he played „Easy does it“ and „Sister moonshine“, the whistling was okay, as I would rate it.

Before playing „Rosie had everything planned“, Roger told us how he had „found“ Aaron in Canada, causing a lot of laughter in the audience.

Next it was „Breakfast in America“ which obviously a lot of people had been waiting for.

What followed was the next attempt to intone „Happy Birthday“ and I think it came from the above mentioned lady but it failed again (I wonder how many more failed attempts there were).

So, Roger didn't hear any of that and continued to introduce „Along came Mary“, which turned out kind of special because obviously someone in the audience appreciated that song very much and Roger's reaction to that caused some more laughter.

After an awesome „Along came Mary“, we finally made it – we achieved what I thought impossible in the beginning: The lady who had tried to pitch „Happy Birthday“ before tried again and this time she succeeded – one by one the audience joined in and after a tremendous round of applause, a surprised Roger asked Aaron, whether he had put us up to it, but he denied. I guess the scene really touched Roger but a little joke and the audience's laughter got him over it and he continued playing „Logical song“.

There was a fifteen minute intermission after that.

When we came back, the first song was „Child of vision“, followed by two songs joined together, the first being „Only because of you“ and the second being „Lord is it mine“ and that was simply magical!

Then it was time for „A soapbox opera“ and after that Roger had to fight with his twelve-string being out of tune – or did he spontaneously change the setlist and he simply retuned it for the following „Two of us“ instead of „Even in the quietest moments“. I could definitely understand that. (I am not an expert in guitar tuning, though).

He then moved over to his keyboard and played „Don't leave me now“.

The next song got the audience off the chairs for the first time. They were clapping to „Dreamer“ almost all the way through.

The official ending song was „Fool's overture“.

Everybody was getting up and moving to the stage for the two encores „School“ and „It's raining again“. The latter was itnroduced by Roger as being a sad song which is guaranteed to make you feel good...

And that is what he achieved in the end: To make everybody feel good, really good!

Posted 03/14/09

Photos courtesy of Stephan Metzner

Thanks to Stephan Metzner for this review from Saarbrücken, 03/10/2009

Roger`s Auftakt zur Deutschlandtournee 2009 war grandios.

Saarbrücken stand Kopf, die Erwartungen waren hoch und sie wurden noch übertroffen.

Kristallklarer Sound in der Saarlandhalle, Roger leitete viele seiner Songs mit persönlichen Erinnerungen ein und eine Stimme, die nichts von ihrer magischen Stärke und Transparenz, selbst in den höchsten Lagen, verloren hat.

Die Auswahl der Titel lies nur wenige Wünsche (die hat man immer) offen und hatte, wenn bei diesem hohen Niveau überhaupt davon gesprochen kann, ihren Höhepunkt mit „Fool`s Overture“. Darauf hatten alle gewartet, und sie wurden mit einer sensationellen Version belohnt.

Aaron ist an seiner Aufgabe weiter gewachsen, sorgt für den unverzichtbaren Saxophon-Sound, steuert viele kleine wichtige Details hinzu und ist nicht mehr wegzudenken.

Fazit: Muss man gesehen (gehört) haben!

Setlist

Take the long way home

Give a little bit

Lovers in the wind

Hide in your shell

Oh Brother

Easy does it

Sister Moonshine

Rosie had Everything Planned

Breakfast in America

Along came Mary

The Logical Song

-----INTERMISSION-----

Child of Vision

Lord is it mine

Soapbox Opera

Even in the Quietest Moments

Don't leave me now

Dreamer

Fool’s Overture

******

School

It's Raining Again

Posted 03/14/09

Photos courtesy of Jerardo Mieville - Chile - 2009

Viña del Mar Festival 2009

Posted 02/21/09

Posted 02/17/09

Quito 2009

Take the long way home    

Give a little bit  

Lovers in the Wind           

Hide in your shell           

Easy does it – solo          

Sister Moonshine          

Breakfast in America         

Along came Mary           

Soapbox Opera             

You make me love you         

The More I Look           

Logical                   

Lord is it mine              

Quietest Moments - solo   

Don’t leave me now        

Dreamer                            

    ( Intro Band )

Fool’s Overture            

School                    

It's Raining Again     

TOUR BLOG PAGE 2