2001/03/02, Thüringenhalle, Erfurt, Germany

Written by Simon Cardwell (s.cardwell@csl.gov.uk) for Dominion mailing list

Erfurt was yet another example of a potentially brilliant gig where the band gave a splendid performance in an ideal venue, but ultimately became just another 'good' gig because the audience weren't up for it enough.

The venue, Thueringen Halle was very large (the biggest on the tour(?)) somewhere in between Brixton Academy and Brum NEC size, with an enormous stage and impressive lighting set-up which was put to good use throughout the proceedings.

I thought Dominion worked very well as opener, and appeared to get a healthy (but short-lived) response from the crowd, at least from where I was standing. Things did warm-up a little during the 2nd half of the set, with the 3 German blokes standing to my left singing "25 whores in a room next door" during the first few seconds of Will I Dream!

The rest of the crowd eventually woke up in time to hear a rousing Train / Detonation Boulevard medley, and actually started getting into it by the time Alice was aired. The peak of the limited audience activity was reached during the Capricorn / Glitter medley - when I could see some movement right back to the mixing desk, and was sustained (except for during Something Fast) right up until the last song (Vision Thing) was over.

Written by Christian Wojtysiak (CWojtysiak@aol.com) for Dominion mailing list

It's pretty cold in Germany at the time and I got a bad cold in Berlin but I really did not want to miss the Erfurt thing.

Erfurt was not sold out and there is really huge stage in the Thueringenhalle. Good conditions for getting to the front rows - if you are there in time. Do not suffer from a cold, run around with a winter jacket and a bag with photo equipment. The venue was not bad but it was pretty warm inside (opposite to Berlin) and there was no wardrobe. Security was pretty relaxed.

The crowd was much better than in Berlin, nice party mood. I think the band enjoyed it either. Great sound, great set list, phantastic light show as usual - great gig. Oh, and I really love the intro song.

Cheers to everyone I have met (and everyone I wanted to meet).

Enjoy the other gigs -- I have to work next week.

Written by Stuart Czuba (stu@czuba.freeserve.co.uk) for Dominion mailing list

Had to go up Yuri Gagarin's Ring. Twice. Weird venue, more of an exhibition hall than a concert venue but the pale grey walls certainly showed off the lights beautifully. Much more space to move around.

Same set (90%sure) as Berlin. Seemed to be conserving his voice for the early part of the show but rallied for the end.

Less and less York shirts every night. Couldn't believe people have started hacking the sleeves off them so soon!!!