Finally, after a week - here is my review from Leuven – Oude Markt – Belgium:
Wednesday July 20 was a tremendously HOT day
.... normally I always take a black Quo-t-shirt but this time I went through all the ones I have and found a white one to take along (apart from the Christmas & Bula Quo ones).
As I decided weeks ago to go by train I booked a hotel, so once I arrived in Leuven I got myself something to eat and drink and then went off to the hotel to check in. Once I inspected the room, I got ready to leave and have a look at the place to be: Oude Markt Leuven. Still not sealed off by gates, so it was still possible to just walk up to the stage.
There I met a fellow Quo fan and we talked a bit. He asked one of the stage helpers if there would be a sound check.
We were told there would be… if not too many people were around and if so it wouldn’t take long to start….
Well, needless to say I kept my fingers crossed. I hoped and prayed (well….) we could stay and the sound check would be a “go”.
I wanted to see them... especially Mr. Rossi :love: .
And yes, there was a sound check – first it was only Francis who came out - just a very short time before he left again - but not much later they all came on stage. Alas: it was strictly forbidden to film or take pictues (very strictly: everyone with a phone or camera was told to stop or had to leave, security was even on the Oude Markt to tell people who came more to the front as they heard Quo music to put away their camera/ cell phone).
But if this meant we could stay and watch: I put away my camera and phone... never saw a sound check before.... and it was nice to see them on stage wearing their regular clothes... especially
... never mind...
The reason given for no film/video: it was Richie Malone's first concert with Quo (on July 23 he also played Edinburgh).
He seemed like a nice down to earth man, but he is a great guitar. (OK, he is not Rick :cool: , but Rick could not be there and “Paddy” - as Francis introduced him later on - did a great job). Guess they didn't want anything to leak out before the concert as there was no prohibition to film/take picture during the concert.
Shortly after the sound check, we had to leave the Oude Markt as they had to be sure no-one without a ticket was still on there. Before we were allowed back on, police had to sweep the place. Even people who wanted to go to their homes had to wait until that was done.
Well, we (reluctantly) left our front row spot.... only to claim it again later on
: instead of a rush to the front like per usual at a Quo-concert, it took at least another 15’ (possibly longer) before the front row was completely taken. Suppose many were going to get a drink (it was very hot indeed with temperatures around or even above 35°C
... although around that time the worst with temperature was over) or just stayed a bit further away.
I decided to take the place at Francis's right side where there were a few steps/stairs up as the stage was very high and I wanted to see more than "half" of them. So I stood at Richie's (aka Ricks) side instead of in the middle (just in front of Mr. Rossi).
Before the concert a note from Rick was read and it was emotional (see first post). It was a nice touch from Rick. I keep my fingers crossed he will be able to come back for "TLOTE” Tour.
When they were waiting at the side to get on stage - and as I was a few steps higher I could see it very clearly - the first thing that caught my attention: the black waist coat is back!!!
I had not seen this since – I believe – 2013. Well, I hope it stays from now on.
They started a bit earlier as was announced. The setlist was slightly different: no "Rain" or "Big Fat Mama".
I loved "Hold You Back" and the "Proposin’ medley" was different and followed by "Don’t Waste My Time" (I really love that song). Also "Burning Bridges" in the encore… I just love that song too.
As I wrote before: Richie was great and everyone on stage made him feel as comfortable as possible. Was he nervous? Probably... and it was heartwarming to see how Francis, Rhino and Andy encouraged him to be more up front.
"Creeping Up On You" had Rhino on vocals and for "Whatever You Want" it was Andy who replaced Rick (see clips in first post).
They were on fire! It was a great concert and - as said before - Richie did a great job. The concert was over way too soon!
After the concert I managed to get my hands on a setlist (the one from Francis
)... after that I had a drink with some Quo-friends before heading to the hotel. The next day we met again to go and see the Belgian Quo Band in Kessel-Lo... only a km or so from the Grote Markt.
BTW: Rick is doing well… Francis said so…. OK... I hesitated to write this... but before the sound check I briefly met Mr. Francis Rossi :love:
and got my picture taken with him. We asked how Rick was doing so... (well, guess he gets that question a thousand times and I didn't dare to ask if he would come back later this year as no one has a crystal ball).... It was a short meet and I wish I had had the bravery to really start a conversation, but guess I got a bit, well,
... besides, the timing for that.... anyway, thankful that I got the nerve to go to him and say hi and get a (our) picture taken.
The only thing with the picture: I have to wait another 1,5 weeks to get the picture as the man who took it went on holiday after the concert (they actually already were on holiday, but stopped in Belgium to come to the concert). I asked to take my camera, but he took his. Fingers crossed I will get it (yes, he has my email info and I asked his too. Now my friends are telling me to wait to write and not 'stalk' the 'poor' man).
I hope one day there will be a time and place to have a chat... wishful thinking I know :love:
Anyway, until a few days ago we “feared” this was it for electric concerts in Belgium…. But then news got out ther would be another one and this morning I bought my ticket to go and see them in Brussels on Dec. 3.
Hope you enjoyed the read