The 5th edition of the “Rock Meets Classic" tour blasted off in Berlin this week for this season's extraordinary collaboration, mixing a fresh improvisational format with some of the heaviest power chords in popular music history. As usual, the tour's electric, rocking foundation comes from the Mat Sinner Band, with the Bohemian Symphony Orchestra Prague providing the strings. A series of twenty shows throughout Germany and Switzerland offers many fans of varied backgrounds a chance to experience a truly special event.
Heavy metal Bassist Sinner, one of the concept's founding forces, has recruited many of his bandmates from Primal Fear to work with some of the region's top players to serve as major backup for this year's impresive list of guest stars. This year's metal masters include rock legend Alice Cooper and his favored guitarist Orianthi, Mick Box and Bernie Shaw of Uriah Heep, Joe Lynn Turner of Rainbow, Midge Ure of Ultravox and “very special guest" Kim Wilde.
It may have seemed like a risky proposition when the inaugural plan unfolded in 2010 but the format has blossomed into one of Western Europe's most intriguing and popular events. The focus remains on artists from the '70s and '80s who maintained strong followings in the years that followed major triumphs. Growing every season, previous performers include Ian Gillian from Deep Purple, Lou Graham of Foreigner, and Paul Rogers of Bad Company / Free, among other top vocalists and musicians.
“Every tour is a learning experience," said Sinner during PR prior to the opening gig. “If you work with legends of rock music, you're going to learn something. The music of these artists is so different, and we have to learn to sing or play it all.We have a new light show, a new stage show, and some new ideas where each member of the band gets their own little solo spot. It's amazing to have Alice Cooper. Alice has never done this before, and I've been speaking to his manager for nearly three years about making this happen. We found a compromise where everyone is happy, and we're all looking forward to the tour."
Advance ticket sales and previous attendance indicates there are a lot of music fans who are happy and looking forward to the tour as well.
Heavy metal Bassist Sinner, one of the concept's founding forces, has recruited many of his bandmates from Primal Fear to work with some of the region's top players to serve as major backup for this year's impresive list of guest stars. This year's metal masters include rock legend Alice Cooper and his favored guitarist Orianthi, Mick Box and Bernie Shaw of Uriah Heep, Joe Lynn Turner of Rainbow, Midge Ure of Ultravox and “very special guest" Kim Wilde.
It may have seemed like a risky proposition when the inaugural plan unfolded in 2010 but the format has blossomed into one of Western Europe's most intriguing and popular events. The focus remains on artists from the '70s and '80s who maintained strong followings in the years that followed major triumphs. Growing every season, previous performers include Ian Gillian from Deep Purple, Lou Graham of Foreigner, and Paul Rogers of Bad Company / Free, among other top vocalists and musicians.
“Every tour is a learning experience," said Sinner during PR prior to the opening gig. “If you work with legends of rock music, you're going to learn something. The music of these artists is so different, and we have to learn to sing or play it all.We have a new light show, a new stage show, and some new ideas where each member of the band gets their own little solo spot. It's amazing to have Alice Cooper. Alice has never done this before, and I've been speaking to his manager for nearly three years about making this happen. We found a compromise where everyone is happy, and we're all looking forward to the tour."
Advance ticket sales and previous attendance indicates there are a lot of music fans who are happy and looking forward to the tour as well.
