KROKUS @ Hallenstadion – Zurich

ADIOS AMIGOS 7.12.2019

OK, I have to admit I was never a big Krokus follower. As a teenager in the UK in the early 80’s and surrounded by the New Wave of British Heavy Metal there was little that would draw me to a Swiss metal band when the likes of Motorhead, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and the rest were regularly passing through my local town.

However, over the last 10 years as a concert photographer and now running TRACKS, I’ve had the good fortune to shoot Krokus several times and in different venues. And it has changed my opinion considerably. Last night’s gig in the completely sold-out Hallenstadion proved that Krokus have been a real force in metal globally and hugely influentially locally.

With an introduction movie lasting about 30 minutes giving a history of the band with interviews, I learned that Marc Storace was not actually Swiss! Just goes to show how much I paid attention in the past – shame on me. Even if a little long, and with some guys that the audience didn’t really want to hear, this intro was interesting and informative.

Then Krokus hit the stage with a bang – fire bursts and streamers showering the audience. The next 2 hours was a real treat covering plenty of the well known songs played tight but with passion. The audience loved it, singing away with Marc when prompted and lighting up the handys for the slower ballads.

I have to wonder if this really will be ‘Adios Amigos’, many bands have ‘retired’ only to come back a few years later. Krokus are certainly not going out on a low or fading away. If last night’s performance is anything to go by, these guys have more years, more albums, and more gigs left in them. The energy and drive is clearly there in bucket loads. C’mon guys, don’t give up yet!

Anyway, here’s some photos to remember this great show…