Gotthard
Made In Switzerland

THE REVIEW

Ignored in our homeland, loved by many Europeans, labeled as traitors and/or blatant copycats of rock history, and cynical in their commercial strategies, for Gotthard comes the well-deserved milestone of blowing out 15 candles alongside fans during the lengthy "Lipservice" tour. And, why not? even publishing a DVD.

They do it by recording a show held in their native homeland, specifically in Zurich, where they are considered genuine celebrities. One of the strong points of “Made in Switzerland” is precisely, besides the excellent performance by the band from Lugano, the amazing response of the Hallenstadion audience, one of those “great occasion” crowds, both in size and participation. In total, “Made In Switzerland,” which will include both an audio CD and a DVD, is truly a well-made "gift package" that I managed to get FOR FREE by blackmailing a shop assistant in a record store, photographing him and his colleague in intimate behavior during working hours... but that’s another story.

I insert the DVD into the player and sprawl out in the living room in my music critic’s pose: popcorn, ice-cold beer, and a few already drunk friends (they thought "Gotthard" was the name of a famous Swiss porn production house... perhaps misled by the album cover). The main menu presents me with the 4 fundamental questions of human existence: watch the concert, watch the Backstage, watch the Videoclips, or sneak a peek at the usual "CREDITS"? Skipping the credits by default, I start with the concert (though it would have been more philologically correct to start with the Backstage), and I'm presented with a view of the darkened Hallenstadion packed with people: a truly impressive construction, all under cover... these Swiss are really ahead, I think to myself. Suddenly, a beautiful girl's mouth appears on the screens and greets everyone present (in English) and warns them that this will be the best night of their meaningless lives... WOW!! What a BLAST!! ...And luckily, after the Rocky Horror Pictures Show quote disappears from the screen, licking its red luscious lips, the concert begins.

The instrumental build-up is perfect, and as soon as vocalist Steve Lee arrives on stage dressed as a pirate, he starts "All We Are": an energetic, gritty, and very melodic little song that they perform identical to the studio version.. Lee sings really well, and the rhythmic section is more cohesive than a wall of concrete (I’ve run out of decent comparisons, sorry). Really hats off to Gotthard live.

The show continues with "Dream On," the latest single, with a title borrowed from Aerosmith (for the record, the singer is a replica of Steven Tyler in vocal delivery, theatrical gestures, and crazy look, but in my opinion, it’s just a coincidence that they also have the same name) and a riff rehashed from a Mr. Big song (Trapped in Toyland) anyway, the song itself kicks, I must admit. The third one is an explicit homage to Deep Purple who covered "Hush" when Steve didn’t even know how to say the letter S; the audience screams along, the spectacle this group of professionals is able to give is truly admirable: it continues with "Montain Mama," a rock number with Leo Leoni (the other frontman) engaged on guitar and the Musical Box (is that how you write it?), as Slash had already taught in his time.

With "Let It Be," "Top Of The World," "I Wonder," "Said And Done" you jump and have fun; on the other hand, Gotthard’s music is like this: sugary melody, powerful chords, impeccable voice and as a spectator, you think: I’ve heard this somewhere before, and your neighbor says.- who cares! let's go dance near those blonde babes!

But the "plastic rock'n'roll" atmosphere (sorry for the neologism, but it’s not true Rock!") is interrupted. The tones soften with the sad "One Life One Soul" which gives goosebumps when the whole stadium, illuminated by lighters, sings it, and even Steve Lee seems moved... or at least, he has the decency to fake it discreetly. "Sister Moon" (implicitly taken from Tyler and Perry's repertoire) and "The Other Side of Me" (resonates a heavier "Born To Be Wild") contribute to heightening the adrenaline, and the anesthetized audience awakens and goes wild.

The peak of the record, however, is "The Battle of Titans" a drum duel between Hena Habegger and Steve Lee!! I must say he does remarkably well, although he continues to flirt with every female creature near his station. The show goes on with the grand "Homerun," in my opinion, the most beautiful ballad they’ve ever written.

After further songs and a keyboard solo (missing from the roster) the concert ends with the infectious "Lift U Up" and one of the most representative songs from their latest album: "Anytime, Anywhere," here Lee’s voice gives its best, the rhythmic section makes a splendid setting and creates a decadent but very rock atmosphere (truly, this time).

Could it have ended here? Of course not! There’s time for the last encore: "Immigrant Song" by Led Zeppelin, and if it still needs to be said, Steve Lee proves to be a commendable vocalist. The concert concludes as it started: impeccably, and the audience is exhausted.

For the care in arrangements, instrumental impact, and ability to win over the audience, Gotthard deserves a 5+. BUT for originality, theatrical gestures not left to chance at all, the cynical show-business conception guiding them, I give a bit less.

P.S. In the extra content, you’ll find a truly stunning girl who appears in the videos for "Dream On" and "Anytime," Leo Leoni speaking English just like me, Steve Lee working out before the show, the concert rehearsals, and many fans saying (obviously) that Gotthard is the best band in the world..

Brilliant! They leave nothing to chance, these clever Swiss guys, in the cold world of "constructed" they're the only band I admire, I’m going to hear them in December.. Gotthard ROCKS! whether you like it or not..