GOTTHARD - Homegrown; Alive In Lugano (2011)

*

Nearly a year ago, when it was announced that Gotthard's singer Steve Lee was killed in an accident during a motorcycle trip in the U.S., not only the large fan base of the Swiss hard rockers was shocked. Rock fans around the world took part in the tragic loss of one of the greatest voices in the hard rock circus.

The remaining band members took their time to process what happened and think about the future. Earlier this year it was agreed to continue and search for a new singer.
Founder Leo Leoni brought it to the point: "Gotthard not is a job for us, Gotthard is our life!".
But before start a new chapter in the band's history, they decided to honor Steve Lee on the occasion of his first death anniversary (October 05, 2011) publishing the last massive concert that Lee performed; "Home Grown - Alive In Lugano"
"Lugano was where it all began and so the circle of all that we’ve experienced with our friend Steve Lee is completed right there", comments bassist Marc Lynn.
"The memories of the past 20 years on stage with Steve are being brought to life intensively with this album once again. They reflect the memorable time that we were able to enjoy on the Mount Olympus of Rock’n'Roll."

The concert in Lugano took place in the course of the local HOG Ralley, a big annual event organized by Harley Davidson bikers.
This gig in Lugano meant a lot to Gotthard. Being able to play for the Harley-clique in their hometown was an unforgettable experience. All of the musicians of Gotthard are enthusiastic Harley-Davidson bikers themselves and perform for the purposes of respective events on every occasion or take part in rallies.
"Steve was warmer and more cheerful than he had been in a long time", guitarist Freddy Scherer remembers. "The chemistry between him and the audience couldn’t have been more intense, despite the fact that there were more than 20.000 people standing on the piazza."

The show was obviously focused on their last studio album 'Need To Believe', with songs like "Shangri-La", "Unspoken Words", etc, but the group also performs their classics such as "Evergreens", "Anytime, Anywhere", "Heaven" or "Lift U Up".
On "Acoustic Medley 2010" (comprising "Sweet Little Rock 'N' Roller", "Angel", "One Life, One Soul") and the duel guitar / voice "Leo Vs. Steve", are especially where the sometimes raspy, but always melodic voice of Steve Lee shines.
The band plays with joy, the audience goes, the atmosphere is great and Lee shows why he was for so long the flagship of Gotthard.
Also included in the album is the previously unreleased acoustic ballad "The Train", recorded live in the studio last year, which was originally intended for 'Defrosted II'.


It would be too easy to just say that this album is fantastic after last year's tragic event and with the anniversary coming up.
This is, honestly and impartially, a very good live album. Some live recordings have a tendency to be too muddy or too tinny. This one is very well recorded and mixed, and most importantly, more 'captured' than 'tweaked' with overdubs.
"Homegrown; Alive In Lugano" is a very fitting tribute to Steve Lee and also to the end of an era for Gotthard.
Whoever the next singer is, they will have a lot to live up to.


01 - Intro
02 - Unspoken Words
03 - Gone Too Far
04 - Top Of The World
05 - Need To Believe
06 - Hush
07 - Unconditional Faith
08 - Acoustic Medley 2010
09 - Shangri La
10 - I Don't Mind
11 - Heaven
12 - The Oscar Goes To…
13 - Lift U Up
14 - Leo vs. Steve (guitar - vocal solo)
15 - Sister Moon
16 - Anytime Anywhere
17 - The Train (unreleased studio track)


Steve Lee : Vocals
Leo Leoni : Guitars
Freddy Scherer : Guitars
Nicolo Fragile : Keyboards
Marc Lynn : Bass
Hena Habegger : Drums




BUY IT !
www.amazon.com/Homegrown-Live-Lugano-Cd-dvd/dp/B005DYOK4A