"In-Continent" Tour 2005
Concert Reviews

Well, that's one hell of an amazing tour over.  Many thanks to all those who came along to the gigs.  We would like to apologize especially to the UK fans who experienced several different kinds of problems with the venues.  Our promoter Mr S Hite, who we paid up front, simply disappeared never to be seen again leaving us with quite a few difficulties.  The US leg was more successful however we didn't realise the Born Again community had latched onto us for some reason (the internet no doubt) and were worshiping us for all the wrong reasons (we hardly dare tell them Jim's history).  News also that Moritz's affliction with his amplifiers appears to be calming down a bit, but he did get hit by the usual local drug problems, especially the salami specialists in New Jersey.

If any of you have any photos of the gigs please send them to us  We will be doing a photo page for Christmas.

20th October 2005
 

Mablethorpe Community Hall

Review by Jaqui Craki

What a fantastic opportunity to witness by favourite all time band Adelangst, first of all in the flesh (a little too much flesh Mr Brodie!), and then a little later live in America at the Philadelphia Annenberg Center.  I don't know if everyone followed this story, but the bands promoter originally intended for the boys to fly over to the USA via Concorde, indeed the fees were paid (extortionate apparently).  No-one told the band that Concorde had stopped flying, and naturally the promoter disappeared out of view straight away.  So another promoter had to be brought in.

Anyway as the band took the stage, for the first time in many many years, there were quite a few tears, although this could be because of the onions frying ready for the Mablethorpe Scrabble club's annual soup evening, which had unfortunately been double booked on this night (another of the promoters mistakes apparently).  The Scrabble club agreed that as this was such a major historical event they would allow the gig to go ahead, as long as we kept the noise down. 

The set list had been a closely guarded secret, so now I can reveal all.  They start off with the classic "He's looking out (for me)" with Jim Brodies traditional brilliant solo in the middle.  I must say that Steele Stem hasn't aged a bit, although I wished he'd stop blowing kisses at bass player Bob Fascofelbofel.  They are a couple apparently, you can certainly tell.  Malcolm Hudson certainly does a good impression of the other classic Adelangst vocalists, bear in mind he never actually appeared on Mallard or Inserted Gently.  indeed tonight was the first time we had ever heard him sing tracks off Mallard, and what a treat it was.

The Mapplethorpe end of the gig was completed with a resounding rendition of Renegade Nuns, a classic, with Moritz von der Weide's traditional shagging of the amps at the end.  We used to think this was just a strange ritual in the old days, a bit like Hendrix, until his true problems with amplification equipment were known.  Anyway the amps got a good rodgering tonight and a rather flushed looking Moritz was whisked off stage, although not before members of the Mablethorpe Scrabble club, who were most interested in Moritz's antics, screamed for more and ripped off some of his clothing as he walked past.

The crowd then eagerly awaited the 2nd half of the gig in America, although we knew we'd have a long wait.  The idea was that the 2nd half of the gig would be transmitted live to the audience in Mablethorpe in front of a screaming American audience, signifying Adelangsts international appeal.  Anyway we waited for 12 hours and there was no sign of anything coming on the screen.  Another 12 hours went by and the Mablethorpe Sewing and Knitting club arrived and we all left, a bit disheartened. 

Philadelphia Annenberg Center

Moritz explains: Unfortunately we never actually managed to get to Philadelphia in time.  We did actually get there, however we were too late to setup the stage gear and play.  Sorry to all of the fans who made the journey from huge distances.  We will promise to do a free gig in Philadelphia when we next get the chance,   You can rest assured that the ticket revenue will go towards Moritz's medical costs on the tour, which were substantial.  Also the costs will go towards the constantly ruined amplification equipment (all of Moritz's, oddly enough).

22nd OctoberMANCHESTER Apollo 11 (Science Museum)

Review by Inoord Klaspert

It’s a few years since I last stood inside the Manchester Apollo, around 30 to be precise. I was looking forward to getting back there, so it's a shame this gig was held within the confines of the Science Museum with the band trying to perform inside the mock up of Apollo 11.  Who's idea was this?  As there was little room to manoeuvre we found ourselves wedged tightly just in front of the mixing desk with that bloody smelly Taff Haddock in charge of the mixing desk tonight.  This probably explains why we couldn't actually hear much of the show.  What with Taff and the lack of a stage we only managed a few poor glimpses of the band.  Even so it was well worth it, what a gig!

Despite our location behind the mixing desk I found the sound muddy with no drums at all.  This trouble was explained after the first song in that they'd forgotten to mike the drums up, so the band took a break whilst Taff and his crewe had to soundcheck the drums.  Not sure why the small guy had to get inside the bass drum and shout "two two" alot, very strange. 

This was my first chance to see and hear Malcolm Hudson on vocals, having never caught his mike of Adelangst.  I was impressed.   Although lacking the powerful stage presence of Ralph Jenkins (Adelangst's last and greatest singer, IMHO), he seems to have settled in well, looking comfortable and very much part of the team.  I loved the improvised interactions between Jim and Moritz that, for me, so often provided the highlights of Adelangsts  last few years.  Oddly enough these improvised interactions were exactly the same as they were 15 or so years ago, amazing. 

Actually Moritz didn't even make an appearance on stage for the first three numbers.  I learnt later on that his electronic Catheter was playing up a bit and producing feedback noises. I know this is the "in-continent tour" but this is ridiculous.  Moritz's eventual arrival on-stage brought a growing cheer of welcome as more and more of the crowd realised what had happened and Hard Road was for me the strongest and most enjoyable number of the night. To say Moritz looks to be enjoying himself would be an understatement, although I wish he wouldn't brush himself up towards the amplification equipment so much as it produces all sorts of nasty buzzing feedback noises, which are quite off-putting.

Overall though, a bloody brilliant gig.  More please soon guys!

26TH October GLASGOW - S.E.X.Y

Review by Sanie Qalifi

It's the first time I've ever been to Scotland.  I tried an "och the noo Jimmy" to a couple of the locals outside, but they didn't seem to understand me.  They're on form again, but they kicked off two hours early, therefore most people only ended seeing around half an hour at the end.  I got a stage pass from a German fan (he had loads of em) and met Jim afterwards, who said it was because Moritz had moved the clocks in the dressing room back a little early (end of British summertime) and then bloody Steele Stem did the same, . I hope this isn't going to be the normal start time for the rest of the tour? 
I was sat near to the mixing desk so I got a better feel for the mix, and the Moritz seems to be getting more of his share at last. Money and He's looking out (for me) come off well again, and Snipin Grouser was so bloody fast I nearly fainted. 
Maybe there were less (first night) nerves tonight, but I seemed to note more interplay between Jim and Moritz - although we could have done without the F word every 5 seconds from Jim, and certainly I felt the kicking and scratching was a bit off.   There was much guitar duelling, but of the physical nature.  What's wrong with these guys?  Finally Moritz is actually led off stage by security.
Just a three piece for The Mole, Fake Tan  then both back onstage for Renegade Nuns. As the lights come on we're left wanting more.

27TH OctoberNEWCASTLE - METRORAIL ARENA

Review by Rene Zequali

I was a bit curious as to why we were all told to meet up at the main terminus, but apparently Jim and Moritz's agent had completely screwed them up here in Newcastle.  The band had to play an acoustic gig whilst being ridden around the Metro system.  It was OK at times, although you couldn't appreciate the bass (he was playing an electric bass acoustically) and the drums performed on a set of bongos was hardly the same as a full kit for Steele. Jim Brodie however deserves special mention for announcing the first ever public performance of "Under a Violent moon" which will appear on the "Village Idiot" album, although it's a pity we couldn't hear it properly due to the background noise.

28TH OctoberSHEFFIELD - HALLAL ARENA

Review by Ralph Baker (Doncaster)

Who's idea was it to have a gig at the local Mosque?  I really think Jim and Moritz's promoter need to get a thorough bashing after these gigs.  The venues have been truly awful.  All 2,200 of us had to take off our shoes and get hustled into various parts of this strange building.  Jim and Moritz looked really embarrassed as apparently then had no idea this was going to happen.  They played an acoustic set without the rest of the band which was lined with a few classics, but essentially was very poor as they couldn't really "get it down" in this venue.  Overall a real disappointment.

30TH OctoberCARDIFF - LLONLINGSTGGHTH ARENA

Review by Nigel Olde

Did this gig actually take place?  We kept driving around looking for the Llonlingstgghth arena, but no-one had ever heard of it.  At one stage we ended up at the swimming baths, as did a load of other Adelangst fans, and we all swore we would never trust information on a website again.  Come on guys what happened?

We are sorry about this gig.  Our equipment trucks couldn't find the venue either, and neither could the band.  At this stage of the tour we tried to contact our organising and fund collecting agent, but he wasn't available as he was on holiday, apparently.

1st NovemberPLYMOUTH - THE SEA FRONT PAVILLION

Review by Sheila Langhorn

I don't know what Adelangst were thinking of when they chose to play at the Sea Front Pavilion. This aint like the Brighton Pavillion, this is just a small bandstand type affair.  You could hardly fit Steels drum riser on the stage, so the band had to place themselves all around the Pavilion.  In some respects it was an intimate gig, but the rain unfortunately spoilt things, especially when Moritz's signature catheter fell down his leg and collapsed on the floor.  All in all, not a classic gig for me.  They did play a good version of He's looking out (for me) though.

5th NovemberKnebworth - the 2nd return of the Knebworth Fayre (Lytton Arms)

Review by Albert Ringworm

Well, I turned up at the Lytton Arms and there was a couple of old blokes, where was the band?

Moritz: by this time we'd realised that the promoter had not done his job properly so we cancelled this one, sorry.  We did put an advert in the local press, although only in the Rochdale Observer apparently, so the message didn't get out to all fans.

 

US Tour

5th NovemberBurger Hall, Charlotte NC

Review by Ziggu Muibhita

Good things first. Hudson’s voice was first rate, strong and powerful. However, the few times he attempted a scream, it was soon lost in the morass of sound coming from the stage. The stage set up was good, albeit with no noticeable backdrop, but the band were close together and a feeling of intimacy was generated as a result. Jim’s solo before Flowered Curtains went down well with the crowd.

The problem was (in my opinion) the desperately dull set list! The set lists from the Inserted Gently and early Mallard tours are sadly just memories. What Moritz must think I don't know. Of course, being Adelangst there were still moments of magic to be had. Snake Enhancer was full of power, emotion and tension and was probably the highlight for me. Brush with Death was also good to hear and a welcome move in the right direction. Of the new songs, Money, minus Dave Gilmour, is clearly going to be a goodie and Malcolm sang it superbly. Jim’s gentle intro was nice too. Snipin’ Grouser was fun also with some of Jim’s best playing - the other new song, Toe Grabber (?) was a rousing rocker but vocally a bit repetitive. I am looking forward to the next album even though I hope this time it won’t have a stupid title

Renegade Nuns ended the set powerfully and for a second I thought Steele Stem was going to take a proper solo in The Mole but no such luck. They encored with Lovehunter and bloody Hound Doug, two songs I personally would retire from the set forever. I'm sorry that this is a very mixed review, but I cannot say I would rush back to see this kind of set in a hurry any more. I think that for the next tour there should be virtually no early albums material in the set
6th NovemberSowd Hall, Greensboro NC

Review by Pokeitj Lkyheim

Well that was average wasn't it ? I hate to admit it but support act ‘Treason’ blew Adelangst off the stage at Greensboro, mainly due to the fact that they looked and sounded like they actually meant it. You could imagine them coming offstage, cracking open a dozen bottles of Wild Turkey and partying 'til security threw them out. I imagined Adelangst saying a polite good night to each other, stamping their cards at the clocking off machine and going home for a bit of telly and a lie down.

After such a great response for (and from) Treason it was disheartening to see a half-hearted effort on stage receive a quarter-hearted response from the audience. They sounded tired and uninspiring to me, even He’s Looking Out (for me) failed to catch fire properly; best effort of the night was a short and snappy The Mole.

Does anybody remember the heady times of '84 when endless possibilities of imaginative setlists stretched out in front of us? For the very first time since Malcolm Hudson joined I imagined somebody else stalking the centre of the stage 'cos at least he'd inject a bit of fire into it. Oh, and by the way, what did we all criticise him for - refusing to play anything but the old stuff? I can't believe they've taken the retrograde step of starting with He’s Looking Out again, and after the initial thrill last year of hearing one of my favourites (Hound Doug) played live I'm not so sure that it's still working.

7th NovemberFarck Hall, Durham NC 

Review by Aquali Buineh

My church did a trip via Coach to see this band, who we have heard are promoting a Creationist line and who also are looking forward to the Rapture.  We found Moritz and Jim to be everything we had been told, they truly our amazing people who's stage presence betters any I have seen.  The music I don't really understand as I only listen to Christian country, however I am told that this "Hard Rock" is based around firm Christian traditions and is a cornerstone of the faith in many European countries.  After the gig we travelled straight back to our home town for a celebratory service.  Thanks Jim and Moritz.

8th NovemberHofsna University, NY

Yam Karckshaft (and his wife) from Alabama:

Me and the wife, front row tickets, right in front of Moritz von der Weide. Soon realised that whilst this was great as a viewing point it was terrible for our ears...mostly because Moritz can't play for toffee, got he was awful.  What a racket.  The guitar monitors next to Moritz facing across the stage which just blasted out Jim Brodie's guitar at a brain crushing volume, and he was no better.  However, through all this, I can confirm that the band are in fine form at the moment although the set list was a bit of a disappointment (why no Renegade Nuns?). Nice to hear Money again, even though the Dave Gilmour clinking tape wasn't played...forgotten how good it is, and doesn't Steele Stem just get better and better the older he gets?!  Altogether a great night.

9th November

California Jam - Ontario Speedway

Review by Paul Whiteless (Bedford)

I managed to wangle a trip to the US to watch Adelangst, as the firm I work for (Bedford Vans - the biggest employer in the town) were doing a sales pitch focusing on the new van's versatility - easy transportation of unbranded makes of hi-fi speakers is a particular bonus, and this usually also demonstrates the acceleration capabilities. Anyway, having missed you at Abenberg last year (don't get me going on Eggersberg...)I was really looking forward to the gig. I knew little in advance about any of the support bands, but lets face it I wasn't too bothered as the build up to watching the band usually provides for quality time to re-acquaint with old familiar faces and even people who once worked for Sounds (a now defunct music paper, but the writers still know more about bludgeon riffola than you could shake a stick at - apparently the photographer was quite good too (and alive it would seem) although I once read his obituary so I'm a little confused...) I do, however, need to clarify - Adelangst were in fact not the first band to play at the Ontario Speedway Circuit - close sauces (daddy's I think) have told me that Emerson Lake and Palmer headlined at the speedway circuit back in 1974 -ELP were obviously the headliners as they came on last, although I also understand that at least one other group is claiming that they headlined... some rubbish about wanting to go on stage before it got dark??? Yeh right. So onto your performance, and in a nutshell I must say I was impressed - for a long time against the wire mesh in fact and I still have the grid marks on my face to prove it!

So to start with, I believe I witnessed something very unique. Having read of your intention to do the whole show whilst moving around the circuit my initial reaction was that this would be a logistical nightmare - and I'm sure it was, but you really pulled it off. Overall, I thought the main set was to a large extent traditional Adelangst fayre, although the inclusion of Luton Town was a bit of a surprise and whilst thankfully you played a lot of tracks from Mallard, can I just ask what the hell was that six foot badger doing wondering across the stage during The Road? A further question here for you Jim - you seemed to be changing the set list even after some of the songs had been introduced - any reason for this? Anyway, a solid show with just enough strat solos to keep the audience wanting more, but then it was over and a long wait until the encore, but what an encore it was. I know it tends to be the case with Adelangst that the band keep the more rock orientated pieces until the end, but to start the encore with Moritz using the slide on the intro to Beethoven's 10th with his cannulae draped over his shoulder was an absolute joy. However, the highlight for me was seeing Moritz in his renaissance garb aboard his motorbike playing Toe Grabber on his lute (a sort of Medieval Kneivel) and how he kept his catheter in place I'll never know. All in all a great show and hopefully one that was captured for future release on DVD.