At nine o’clock the ‘boys’ from Camel took the stage. I expected a performance filled with emotional music, fragile guitar playing and moving melodies. Opener “Lady Fantasy” fulfilled these expectations but during the following songs the concert developed into a real rock concert. It was surprising how energetic and powerful these fifty year olds blew their music into the venue.

The set list played tonight can surely be described as the best of thirty-two years Camel. Most songs however came from the early years. This might be THE wet dream for fans of the first hour, but I was a bit disappointed that no songs were played from the more recent albums. No “Dust And Dreams”, “Harbour Of Tears” or “Rajaz”. From the most recent album A Nod And A Wink, only the strange “Fox Hill” and the beautiful “For Today” were played.

I had a great time. The audience clearly enjoyed the show and the band seemed really relaxed. It’s a little bit strang to see these fine musicians engulf in their music and realizing that this will be one of the last times they play live together. I wonder if they can do without gigs. It wouldn’t surprise me if they would do a sort of “One More Night” tour within five years.

(Review: Geert Oldenmenger)