I remember it like it was yesterday when we suggested to FM to do an anniversary concert in Athens to celebrate the 40th anniversary of “Indiscreet.” What started as a vague idea turned into a major tour that took them through 17 countries, prompting Merv Goldsworthy to tell us that if it hadn’t been for the initial suggestion about Athens, they wouldn’t have even considered it. Obviously, you don’t need anyone—let alone us—to remind you just how important the album “Indiscreet” is and how emotionally charged FM’s concerts are. Obviously, the show at Kyttaro was no exception, and we’re very proud of that.
At exactly 8:00 p.m., Crimson Fire took the stage in front of a Kyttaro that had filled up early. Having seen the guys many times in the past, I’d say this was by far their best performance. I don’t know if it was the Kyttaro stage, the fact that they were opening for FM, or that their three guitars have given them a new vibe, but what I do know is that they not only “warmed up” the crowd but got them fired up, and honestly, I couldn’t have imagined a better start. The medley of hits by Russ Ballard/Shy/Journey and Mark Free was the icing on the cake of a flawless 50-minute set by the guys. And lest I forget… get ready to hear a fantastic new album they’re working on…
At exactly 9:15, FM took the stage, and it was as if not a single day had passed since that incredible live show at the Academy 1 ½ years ago. The band was in incredible form, and Overland’s voice remained unchanged over time. With a sincere, constant smile of gratitude and a surreal performance, FM truly delivered their best concert on Greek soil, and everyone—absolutely everyone—was singing along lyric by lyric to the classic songs from “Indiscreet” as well as the other hits from “Tough It Out” and their newer, fantastic songs.
No need for lengthy analysis. We all know what to expect from an FM concert…and that’s exactly what we got. The perfectly matched videos on the backdrop were the ideal complement, and it would be an oversight not to mention that the sound was crystal clear—something that didn’t go unnoticed by anyone. What do we take away from this? The fact that, at yet another hard rock concert, the crowd turned out in force to support the band, filling the Kyttaro Club (by no means a trivial achievement). These are tough times…and the popularity of hard rock music among the Greek audience is an even tougher equation to solve. We know… but we pulled it off. Even Steve Overland told us, beaming, that it was by far the best concert of the tour. And that says a lot, because even if you’ve only heard a little of FM, you know that’s a sincere statement. And one last thing… FM truly deserved to play on the Kyttaro stage. We did it… thanks to you. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Sakis Nikas
Photos: Peter Papapetros & John Radiotopoulos
