by YeloButerfly » July 20th, 2012, 12:19 am
Las Vegas M&G and Chicago front row-
Warning, lots of details..trying to keep my memories fresh of my (possibly) last Scorps concerts
June 23rd—Arrived in Vegas—I’d be meeting Klaus this day! At the venue, we had to wait for the rep to set up the m&g table; when she was ready, we got our tickets. A little while later, we were taken inside to the vip lounge area for food and drinks. We met some really great Scorps fans; I’d have to say that was the one of the best parts of the experience.
When the time came, we were taken to an elevator to the backstage area. We had to wait a bit. Actually, Matthias appeared first, and it seemed like he was surprised that the others were not there yet and went away. We had to wait a bit more, and then finally….there they were.
The five of them sat at a table and started signing autographs. I brought my set lists from the last 3 Chicago concerts. They were very interested in them; Rudy was questioning the short list, wanting to know what year it was.
It went so quickly, like a dream, really, but I actually spoke up to each one of them to tell them how much I have enjoyed their music all these years. I told Klaus I have been a fan for over 30 years, and he said, “That’s a lot of years!” I reached over to touch his hand…goosebumps! It was really him! Me—meeting the Scorps—no matter how many years I’ve been a fan—it’s an amazing feeling!!!
Then the picture—I was between Klaus and Matthias, so I put my arms around both, and they had theirs around me. How awesome is that?! My husband took his with the Scorps “pillow case” up—it was a nice picture! and different. I didn’t want different—I just wanted my arms around Klaus and Matthias .
That was it…then into the elevator and off to the show. I had third row seats in front of Matthias.
When the Scorps came on, their show was fantastic. Klaus, you have such a beautiful, magnificent voice—I love listening to you sing! You could sing the phone book, though, and I’d listen.
We were right by Matthias, and he really put on a great show with lots of energy. The biggest surprise of the night—Pawel. I never knew he could move so well and had such energy! James—like I mentioned to you at the m&g, your drumming is awesome, especially on the tracks on Comeblack—and your solo/video is fun to watch. Rudy, your Blackout mask and “Beer Delivery Guy” shirt were cool! It was an excellent concert!
When it was over, we saw some of the other people we met backstage, and we were the last to be in line for the taxis. I think we were all trying to make the night last. I sure had that feeling, though I knew I’d be seeing them next week in Chicago!
June 28 – On our way home from Vegas, Midway Airport was closed, because the lights went out. We were diverted to Kansas City—8 hours from Chicago. The earliest they were saying we’d be out of there on a flight was Saturday. What?? I had front row Scorps tickets the next night, so I had to get home! By 2am when they released our luggage, we rented a car and drove all night!! I was going to get to that concert!!
June 29 – Feeling a bit rundown, we headed downtown for the show. I felt re-energized by the people around me, all going to see the Scorpions! The venue is in a beautiful location, right by the lake within the Museum Campus area, and the weather was perfect!
Security was somewhat better this time. Those of us in the front row had to wear a red bracelet, so they could identify who really had front row seats; however, there were several people who nagged, hugged, and kissed the security guard into letting them have bracelets, too, which he gave them. Annoying!!
We watched Tesla; they were good, as they were in Vegas, but I was couldn’t wait to see the Scorps!!
Finally, there in Chicago, on stage—my favorite band in the world—the Scorpions, with me in the front row, right up on the rail!! The show in Vegas was fantastic, but here—it was as if they ratcheted up their energy level even higher! Klaus was perfect, as usual; Matthias was doing kicks and fancy steps, making lots of crazy eyes and faces at the fans; Pawel was all over the place; James and Rudy were amazing! There is NOTHING like watching from the front row, seeing the guys up close. What a great show!
During the show, a few things happened—the drummer from Tesla and his family came out to watch the show, standing right next to me. I took a picture with him. However, one of the girls who got that free front row bracelet was annoying his wife, even getting water on her at some point. The guard just moved that girl away from her. Then, James threw out a few drumsticks like Klaus does, but this guy went to grab it and completely fell over, along with the portion of the portable fence, crashing right down on the ground. James did an “oops,” then walked away. The guy was fine, but he was smiling and happy that he got that drumstick!
I actually got four drumsticks that night!! Yes!! Two from Klaus! The night ended with the lightning crackling across the sky as the Scorpions left the stage. I knew this was probably the last time I’d ever see them live, but it was a fantastic two concert experience--I was content. At least I thought I was at the time.
As the days are passing, and the Scorps have left the U.S., I realize how much I already miss them. Thank you, Klaus, Rudy, Matthias, James, and Pawel. I hope you keep playing your music, and if you ever get a chance to come back to the U.S., I hope to see you again…
and it was very painful to know that they played Wind of Change when I saw them last year they didn't. WOC was the first song I heard from them when I was 12 years old and I remember calling the radio station and asked for it every single day!!!! 
Good old memories. 
But I know we see ourselves differently....I like it!! It was a candid shot that you didn't pose for and you look natural!! Hangin out!! 
