And the fourth consecutive show of the Hellish Rock tour in Germany took place in Bochum. The venue chosen by the production was the excellent Ruhrcongress. Very well located and with an impressive structure, the entire team working on this long tour had accommodations fit for a king.
We took advantage of this comfort precisely to rest a little more, since it's not always possible to sleep well while we're on the road. However, for tonight we were preparing a little surprise for our friends from Helloween and Gamma Ray.
The night before, we had some time for a relaxed chat and promised we'd give them a little surprise during the jam session. Of course, they were a bit apprehensive since our laughter was somewhat mischievous. Really, these interactions keep the tour from becoming routine and maintain a friendly and cheerful atmosphere. Every day is a different conversation, a healthy joke, a funny story, whether backstage, at the catering, in the hallways, or even during roadside stops.
It was during one of these conversations that we learned that the Bochum audience is extremely demanding and passionate about heavy metal, and that the shows in the city are always iconic. With such a tip, the band's anticipation to get on stage soared.
After a great show in Kaufbeuren, the band turned the huge Ruhrcongress stage into a veritable battleground. With a full house, and since first impressions are lasting, the group kicked everything up a notch. When the sound exploded through the PA system, the crowd's reaction was the best possible. This filled them with energy, and they created a true celebration of heavy metal. The band was applauded and cheered throughout the entire performance.
Delighted with all this warm welcome, we decided to put our little surprise for our German friends into practice. We found a supermarket near the house and bought two bottles of genuine cachaça from our beloved homeland and some lemons. Yes, we were going to make caipirinhas, which would be served during the jam session that brings together the members of Helloween and Gamma Ray.
We prepared everything with the utmost care and dedication, and at the right moment, we stood beside the stage showing off the caipirinhas and making them crave them. However, when they realized there were enough glasses for everyone, one by one they came to help themselves during the performance of "I Want Out." Seeing their happiness at that moment was very interesting. After all, they are so kind to us, and there's nothing better than reciprocating in a way they enjoy, right?!
After that, the party continued backstage.
Next destination: Mons, Belgium.
Check out the complete Shadowside travelogue
Buy tickets for the Shadowside and SupreMa on May 26th at Via Marquês!
