athens

ATHENS Back in 1996, prior to recording my album « Changer l'horizon » (tr : Change of horizons), I decided to enroll the Band for a European Contest going on in Athens. The jury was selecting a roster of 10 bands (British, German, Italian, Spanish, French, Polish….) to compete. One of the youngest band leaders to ever perform was going to be there. I was happily selected., and there i was, gone to Athens with my bandmates. My very first impression is that of Athens engulfed in scorching heat and bright sunlight. Upon our arrival, we decide on a taxi to get to our hotel to cool down a bit.and grab some local food. The ever excellent Moussaka restaurant is where we settle before a night out on the town. After a much deserved rest, we head to the amphitheatre for the soundcheck. The amazingly intimidating site is giving us prime view of the Acropole, situated just behind. I remember staring out to the seating areas and feeling completely overpowered by the size of the place. My soundcheck now over with, I sit down and quietly watch Alvin Lee, Mick Taylor and Rick Wackeman rehearse their set to take place right after the actual contest. Night of the show, 8 pm, the theatre was packed full : 18000 people, The national greek Television…. The thought of playing in front of so many people is frighteningly intimidating yet so thrilling. The sound and presence of such an audience still resonates and overtakes me today. After our set, we watch the other bands competing. All are very tight and leave me with a strong impression. Near my Backstage area, i spot Alvin Lee and Mick Taylor with whom I shoot the shit for a while. Then come the contests' results. To my own disbelief, I come in Second when i did not even think of coming close. This surprise remains a killer moment for me. The following day we return to France, all awed and stoked by the Greek trip. I always will remember the kindness of Mr. Alvin Lee backstage and his energy onstage. Most notably during his scorcher « Goin' Home », Mr Mick Taylor's Virtuosity, his kind words and his availability to us all. And last but not least, the impressing number of people in the audience.
© 2007

ATHENS

Back in 1996, prior to recording my album « Changer l'horizon » (tr : Change of horizons), I decided to enroll the Band for a European Contest going on in Athens.

The jury was selecting a roster of 10 bands (British, German, Italian, Spanish, French, Polish….) to compete. One of the youngest band leaders to ever perform was going to be there.

I was happily selected., and there i was, gone to Athens with my bandmates.

My very first impression is that of Athens engulfed in scorching heat and bright sunlight.

Upon our arrival, we decide on a taxi to get to our hotel to cool down a bit.and grab some local food. The ever excellent Moussaka restaurant is where we settle before a night out on the town.

After a much deserved rest, we head to the amphitheatre for the soundcheck.
The amazingly intimidating site is giving us prime view of the Acropole, situated just behind. I remember staring out to the seating areas and feeling completely overpowered by the size of the place.

My soundcheck now over with, I sit down and quietly watch Alvin Lee, Mick Taylor and Rick Wackeman rehearse their set to take place right after the actual contest.

Night of the show, 8 pm, the theatre was packed full : 18000 people, The national greek Television…. The thought of playing in front of so many people is frighteningly intimidating yet so thrilling. The sound and presence of such an audience still resonates and overtakes me today.

After our set, we watch the other bands competing.
All are very tight and leave me with a strong impression. Near my Backstage area, i spot Alvin Lee and Mick Taylor with whom I shoot the shit for a while.

Then come the contests' results. To my own disbelief, I come in Second when i did not even think of coming close.

This surprise remains a killer moment for me.
The following day we return to France, all awed and stoked by the Greek trip.

I always will remember the kindness of Mr. Alvin Lee backstage and his energy onstage.

Most notably during his scorcher « Goin' Home », Mr Mick Taylor's Virtuosity, his kind words and his availability to us all. And last but not least, the impressing number of people in the audience.