Paddy Kelly at Yehudi Menuhin Forum Bern

Time: 19.30 Uhr | Doors: 19 Uhr

After I actually thought the last concert of Angelo Kelly at BaZ was probably the most confusing and emotional concert I’ve ever bin, the Paddy Kelly concert in Bern probably topped it. I was completly somewhere else with my thoughts after the show, so my trip home from Bern ended in a little adventour, after I caught the wrong train.

imageI met friends at the meeting point in Bern and before dinner we had the spontaneous idea to get Paddy a little present. Just a little gesture, a little thank you – something special from Bern. So we got him some almond bears and some thanking words and greetings on a card. We then put the present on stage at the Yehudi Menuhin forum before the ocncert and sat down on our seats in row 5. The show started shortly after 7.30 pm. Sven, who’s on tour with Paddy since the beginning and many Kelly Family fans might know him from the Kelly times, took it backstage before he announced the concert and again explained some rules, esp. pointed out the strict recording and photography ban. Well, of course one wished to take at least one picture for the memories, but one accepts this. With the knowledge what Paddy when through in the past and just happy that he’s back performing, this rule is respected.The setlist was similar to the last concert. Some covers as “Times they are a-changing” by Bob Dylan, Kelly Family songs as “Fell in love with an alien” and “An Angel”, “Rain of Roses” or “Pray Pray Pray” from his solo album “In exile”, but also traditional church and folk songs. Playing guitar or the piano on his own, together with an extra guitar played by a friend during 1-2 songs, he played then about 2 hours in front of a very international audience. During “Movie” he told again the story with the granny, who recogniced him during a train journey. There were many laughters. He mentioned some things to single songs and told how they happened. Goose bumps when he sang “Looking for love” after about 20 years and the whole location jumped up for “One more freaking dollar” and had a lot of fun to rock and sing along with Paddy. Almost like in old Kelly times. And the lyrics are still known. Like last time Paddy finally went through the audience during Bruce Springsteen’s “If I should fall behind” for high fives and greeted all the people ground floor. I wouldn’t miss the opportunity to move over to the free seats next to me for a high five. Couldn’t have guessed that later on the other side, when I kept sitting and let the others go first, that he’d wave me over for another high five. Laughing, singing along, there were tears and memories came back. And while listening to certain songs, there was such a sereness coming over oneself, it was like waking up from a state of trance after the tracks. Even as many of his lyrics are very religious and spiritual, one doesn’t get the feeling that he’d stand there preaching. Rather encouraging with his calm voice and way, giving strength. He kept thanking the audience then for him and his family being part of many of the audiences’ lives. Thanking, that he could still share the music together with his family or solo.

The concert was incredibly touching, wonderful and so much fun. The audience was thanking with loud cheering and standing ovations. Asked for more all the time, didn’t want to let him go. I’m very happy that Paddy obviously feels well again and he likes to be on stage, and share his music again. And it’s incredibly great, that today I still can share these moments with some of the same people as back then. And finally I arrived at home as well and can’t wait for his next show.

Setlist Solo & Unplugged Tour:
1. Overjoyed
2. The Times They Are A-Changin’ (Bob Dylan)
3. Rain Of Roses
4. Fell In Love With An Alien
6. Don’t Worry, Be Happy
7. Movie
8. If I Should Fall Behind (Bruce Springsteen)
9. Looking For Love
10. Ave Maria
–break–
11. Star Of The County Down
12. Lord Of The Dance
13. Holy Is His Name
14. Salve Regina
15. Shake Away
16. Pray Pray Pray
17. An Angel
18. One More Freaking Dollar
19. Amazing Grace
20. We Shall Overcome

-Encore 1-
21. Hope

-Encore 2-
22. Thanking Blessed Mary