PERGAMON - LIVE AT THE 'PALAST DER REPUBLIK' GDR

This was live album number three by TD following "Ricochet" and "Encore" but this one really goes beyond the music for me. Edgar Froese apparently knew someone in East Germany that had some authority and connections that opened the door for a Western band to play in Communist East Germany at the peak of the cold war in 1980. Maybe they felt that Electronic music with no lyrics was pretty safe for their youth to hear although I have no doubt some rules were laid down for the band in order to play there. It was held on January 31st at Palast Der Republik which was where the government held their parliament sessions. There were 3,000 people in attendance and it was recorded and replayed on East German radio shortly thereafter. Johannes Schmoelling has just joined the band the month before and this was his first live event with them, what a way to begin!

We get two side long tracks worth around 23 minutes each and both sections really resonate with me. Part 1 mostly for the piano that opens the track which is melancholic and relaxed for the most part until it kicks into gear with synths before 2 1/2 minutes. I have to say though that I looked forward every time I spun this for that opening piano that lasts around 5 minutes. Electronics galore to follow including sequencers around 8 minutes in. Experimental to end it.

Part 2 opens with those experimental sounds before turning haunting. Sequencers hit around 4 minutes but it's spacey too. Some much needed warmth before 6 minutes then the highlight as Froese stands out front and does his guitar hero imitation for 8 minutes! Soaring leads and I can just imagine every East German in attendance looking to buy a guitar after this. Did the government anticipate this? Regardless Edgar puts on a show for the youth that I'm sure many have not forgotten who were in attendance. The last 7 minutes is pretty much electronics with applause to end it.

I'm so happy to own this one along with their first two live records. I may review their first soundtrack tomorrow which I have been spinning all this week up to today. Easily 4 stars for this special event.