by Eamon O'Neill on the
Veteran classic rock act the Scorpions proved that they still have a sting in their tail, with a stunning headline performance at the inaugural Ramblin’ Man Fair.
The ‘Bad Boys Running Wild’, who are currently celebrating fifty years as a band, took to the stage for their first U.K. show in almost a decade. With dazzling stage production and a career spanning setlist that wowed the Maidstone crowd.
Opening with ‘Going Out With A Bang’ from their rumoured final release; 2015’s ‘Return To Forever’, the band wasted no time in showing that they’re still more than capable of producing yet another moment of glory.
In a set littered with Scorpions classics from an explosive ‘Dynamite’ to rock juggernaut ‘Catch Your Train’ and a divine ‘Send Me An Angel’, the group in their own inimitable way rocked the audience like a hurricane.
However, it was 1990s’ mega-hit ‘Wind Of Change’ that proved to be among the evening’s highlights. A song synonymous with the fall of the Berlin Wall, the band even replicated the structure visually, via the huge video screens that covered most of the stage.
Led by singer Klaus Meine, the crowd joined in enthusiastically, pursing their lips and singing along to the song’s infamous melody lines.
The German rockers were among a host of acts who performed during the two-day event, which took place in Maidstone, Kent this weekend.
Saturday also saw sets from the likes of progressive rock supergroup Dream Theatre, and New Wave Of British Heavy Metal heroes Saxon.
Earlier in the day hard rock legends Blue Öyster Cult also appeared, dedicating their performance of ‘Don’t Fear The Reaper’ to Amy Winehouse.
Sunday meanwhile, featured sets by rising stars Rival Sons - who were introduced by superfan and comedian Vice Reeves - and respected bluesman Seasick Steve.
Meanwhile, in a U.K festival exclusive, crowdfunding pioneers Marillion headlined the Prog Stage.
The event was brought to a close by southern rock singer-songwriter Gregg Allman, who performed a mix of solo material, and Allman Brothers Band hits on the Classic Rock Stage.