Zitadelle Spandau was new territory to me. Even though a lot of artists I admire pass through Berlin's open air venue, I have managed to avoid the trek and scale of Zitadelle to this day. When I arrived, ticket touts were approaching me in the U-Bahn station, salespeople were tempting me with overpriced beer, and senior folks were waiting with shopping carts to place your empties in. Worry came over me - was I attending a stadium show or, worse, a festival? I needn't have worried. Though the open air space on the grounds of a 16th century fortress is pretty large and lined with drinks and food tents reminiscent of summer festivals, it does not actually feel huge or out of control. There are not long lines to deal with or overly drunk folk to handle. It really just felt like a gig under an open sky with trees and old brick walls surrounding you. I was pleased.
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Two rather dull opening bands tested our patience. We caught up on old family stories, had a bite. When the intro to QOTSA was played, we were ready for action. But the first song disappointed. The sound was mediocre, not letting the band's trademark heavy bass lines and bass drum through. The song was lacking umpfh, and the audience looked on. Was this going to be a huge let-down? No sir! They followed on with their two big hits from "Songs for the Deaf" and people starting rocking out, the soundman had got the hang of it, planes were flying over our heads, a full moon was appearing in the sky. We were transfixed, dancing.
