When we announced the concert on January 18 together with George Gakis, I am sure that no one expected it to turn out so magically. To tell you the truth, not even George himself expected it… not at all! When I made a related post, I noted that there might be an additional special guest beyond all those exceptional musicians who would accompany George on some songs. That special guest was none other than the great Kip Winger, who would be present at the live show, and of course we wanted it to be a big surprise for everyone. But let’s take things from the beginning…
There is no way anyone could attend a George Gakis concert and not have a great time. A guaranteed result from a great musician who has been a real gem for Greek hard rock all these years and, as Johnny Sinnis rightly said, is the flag bearer in our scene. The fact that this particular event was a tribute to David Coverdale and his legendary career with Whitesnake gave everyone an extra incentive to be there. And indeed, the welcoming venue of HolyWood Live Stage was packed, despite it being a Sunday and bitterly cold (it seems that George brought the weather from his homeland Ioannina with him). We had prepared videos with photos of both Whitesnake and George Gakis to play in the background, and we would like to believe that the final result lived up to everyone’s expectations.
Following a linear chronological sequence, George started with Whitesnake’s first EPs and ended with “Forevermore.” Obviously, I don’t need to tell you that all the performances were flawless and the audience participated in all the songs (especially the anthems from “1987”), creating a warm atmosphere from the very first minute. Obviously, there is no need to mention specific songs, as you already know what George chose for us. Let me just say that all the guests were truly exceptional, with Spiros Fousekis adding his own touch to “Here I Go Again,” Johnny Sinnis bringing the expected Thin Lizzy vibe to “Guilty Of Love,” and Johnny Morris getting everyone pumped up with “Give Me All Your Love,” as did the rest of the guys, of course!
And just when everyone expected George to close the night with the title track from “Forevermore,” he couldn’t help but mention Kip Winger’s presence at the venue by first playing “Blue Suede Shoes” (from Winger’s album “IV”). But as soon as he started playing the opening notes of “Easy Come Easy Go” Kip comes on stage and all hell breaks loose! The whole place was on its feet singing along…just like with “Can’t Get Enuff.” It was a huge surprise, because a few hours earlier, when we had dinner with him, there was no such plan. And yet…good things happen!
It was a magical night that we will remember forever! Thank you George, Kip, the guys from HolyWood, and everyone who was there for a sensational night!
Sakis Nikas
Photos: Maria Kalogeropoulou
