Sky hopping through Scandinavia - May 2013
Steve, the band and the crew
Steve in the Glyptotek, Copenhagen
Our first stop on the Scandinavian leg of the Genesis Revisited tour was Bergen, initially uncomfortable due to airport customs concern about possible milk smuggling along with cold wet weather! But it all turned around... the evening gig took off like a rocket and burst into life at fever pitch. Sunshine then burst through the following morning and the whole place was revealed in its full glory. Jo and I took a ride up a mountainside on the funicular railway and wow, what an extraordinary view! It's in the heart of the fjords, forested mountains and lakes that inspired Bergen's most famous composer, Grieg. Having also visited the picturesque and arty old part of town by the waterside, with its brightly painted wooden houses, and sense of a Viking past along with the odd shop replete with trolls and dragon ships, we made for the airport.
Arriving in Oslo we had to move swiftly to the particularly fabulous Sentrum Scene venue where we played to another great crowd. As with all the Scandinavian shows, it was sold out.
Off on a plane the following morning, this time to "Wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen", to my mind one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, with its waterways, greenery, characterful buildings and fun filled spirit. I'm sure all the band had 'a visit' at the gig that night with its powerful vibe. There was still enough time and energy to visit the Glyptotek museum the following morning with its amazing collection of Rodin and Carpeaux sculptures along with some really ancient stuff...
So on another flight, this time to Stockholm... Nad's home town and last stop of this leg of the tour. The Nalen is a fascinating venue with its Gothic drapes and up-lit Corinthian columns... like a cross between a palatial ballroom and a haunted vampire theatre. This final show really shook the rafters and rattled the chandeliers... a fantastic culmination to this part of the tour!
My thanks as ever to the band, crew and Hackett team along with all the agents and promoters.
From the Scandinavia home of the midnight sun to the land of the rising sun - next stop Japan...
Stockholm gig
Copenhagen gig
Soundcheck in the Nalen, Stockholm
Enjoying the vista, Bergen
