If I’m high on a hill
She’d still been looking down at me
Hector has always said that, no matter where in the World, if Ritchie Blackmore reformed – Rainbow – he will be there. The Gigs were announced at the end of last year, I immediately booked a room at the Stuttgart Ibis, just to make sure I had a bed. This Gig is one of three: last night at Loreley, St. Goarshausen and two weeks from now in Birmingham. The people selling the tickets at Birmingham appeared to have been running a racket, sell the tickets to themselves then charge multiple times the face value. Only in the last few weeks have I seen Birmingham Tickets on sale at face value. For tonight’s gig at the Festplatz am Viaduct, Bietigheim-Bissingen (Stuttgart) the ticket agents posted my ticket then asked for the money to be transferred.
I have always wished to attend the annual Loreley Prog Rock Festival, but transport and accommodation are an issue. I need to talk to someone who has been to find out how it works. Hire a car?
Bietigheim-Bissingen is twenty five minutes by S Bahn outside of Stuttgart, at least there should be trains back, but what happens if thousands descend upon the same platform? We arrived at B-B at 17.30, and initially followed the crowd, behold the posters, at regular intervals, pointing the way to the Festplatz am Viaduct. Thin Lizzy were due on stage at 17.45, they started two minutes early. The Boys are back in Town.
Eight short lines permitted access to the site. Every bag was searched, except Jonathan’s. I was happy when I had to produce the solid object in mine, my big backup phone battery.
We stood for a good twenty minutes waiting for Jim and Aileen and their München Friends to join us. Some required Bier. Becks is all there was. No Bier for Hector, who would want Becks anyway?
We stood on the path for all of the Thin Lizzy set. At one point Robert and I thought that we were all moving down the slope to get closer to the stage, nobody joined us, back we went. Jim and Robert were quite disparaging about Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, I was determined to get a better view. I have Earth Band CDs and saw them in 1973 at the London Music Festival (Alexandra Palace) with The Gary Moore Band, and The Sensational Alex Harvey Band (terrible) all supporting Uriah Heep. FYI – Manfred Mann’s Earth Band was also Marg’s first Gig sometime in the 1980s.
Marg and I saw Blackmore’s Night years ago In Edinburgh, a small audience, all waiting for the Stratocaster to appear. We were not disappointed.
Thin Lizzy
Scott Gorham carries the name, yet he is not an original member. Gary Moore was there once too.
The vocalist/guitarist is from Belfast, so there was some sort of Irish connection to justify playing the Irish Folk Music which Phil Lynott made popular around the World.
You guessed, I’m not a particular fan of Thin Lizzy, I have considered buying Live and Dangerous, maybe after this Gig I finally should. A Covers Band playing Thin Lizzy songs was our conclusion. The were tight, sounded good, the obvious tracks were recognised. The Band lineup: Guitars – Scott Gorham & Damon Johnson, Lead Vocals – Ricky Warwick, Keyboards – Darren Wharton, Bass – Tom Hamilton (Aersomith), Drum – Scott Travis (Judas Priest).
Sources confirm the set list: Jailbreak, Are you ready, Killer on the loose, Dancing in the moonlight, Massacre, Angel of death, Waiting for an alibi, Emerald, Rosalie, Bad reputation, Don’t believe a word, Cowboy song, The boys are back in town, Roisin Dubh, Whiskey in the jar.
Manfred Mann’s Earth Band
I managed to get within six rows of the barrier separating the front section of the crowd from the rear. I was level with the Sound/Camera Tower, close enough. The Crowd numbered in the thousands, Jonathan reckoned twelve thousand, most were mature adults. It was just my luck when the Biggest Prick in Deutschland took up position not beside me, or in front of me, but half on my spot. I decided not to have a Sheldon-esque moment.
With a Jug of Becks, he looked throughout Manfred Mann set to his rear left, was he The Show? He thought so. Chatter, chatter, chatter, why bother coming? Oh, he’s paying attention now, gyrations, talk about invading one’s space? I was not a Happy Hector.
A space opened up six to my right when a Chap puked over all around him. Welcome to Germany!
It’s just as well that Ladies are always armed with tissues.
Manfred Mann and Mick Rogers are the only surviving members of the original Earth Band. That a Vocalist started things off puzzled, Mick handled all the vocals when I last saw them. All became clear, The Big Earth Band Songs were sung by Mick, it was evident that his voice would not have survived the set had he tried to do all. Anyway, he had some excellent guitar work to play. Manfred was front stage with his Portable Keyboard when the arrangement permitted it. The cameras caught the keyboard work at other times, the large screens were very efficient despite the fact that the sun was shining directly on them.
Nightingales and Bombers is my standout MMEB album, they played nothing from this. In the allotted hour they managed to fit in the Springsteen/Dylan songs that Manfred Mann made his own. Is the Earth Band a Covers Band? By the set chosen tonight, well yes. The Drummer looked uncannily like Ritchie Blackmore. (A Chap on the S Bahn earlier was the image of my fabled German relative, I kid you not.)
Once more, Sources give the set list: Captain Bobby Stout, Martha’s Madman, Father of Day Father of Night, For You, Blinded by the Light, Hit the Road Jack, Davy’s on the Road again, Quinn the Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn). I recall a piece of Joybringer being incorporated into one of the keyboard breaks.
Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow
During the change of gear, I managed to shake off the Nutter and moved another metre closer. I was now a Happy Hector. Uriah Heep’s – Lady in Black, plus Henrix’s – Hey Joe both featured during the change over. Blackmore has covered both of these, the Deep Purple version of Hey Joe is way better, IMHO, Jon Lord on Organ!
Land of Hope and Glory blared out of the impressive PA, the Locals may not have realised the significance. I was standing with Germans, Russians, Finns and a Chap who said he was an American, from the USA then? The Geography Teacher (retired) will always be pedantic, there is no such place as – America.
The sound of Judy Garland accompanied The Musicians taking their places on stage, finally – The Man in Black. Cue the Power Chords – Somewhere over the rainbow…
The set list from last night was already known to us, thirteen songs, a couple I would not have chosen, but The Hits have to be played, especially in an event such as this.
Highway Star began with minimal Guitar, vocals leading. We all know the magnificent fretboard sounds at the start of Made in Japan, you either repeat this exactly or do something totally different. I walked out of a Deep Purple Gig once when Tommy Bolin made a total hash of this song.
Accompanying The World’s Greatest Guitarist this evening were: Vocals – Ronnie Romero (Lords of Black), Keyboards – Jens Johansson (Stratovarius), Bass – Bob Nouveau (ex-Blackmore’s Night), Drums – David Keith (Blackmore’s Night), Backing Vocals – Candice Night (Blackmore’s Night) and presumably the other Lady from Blackmore’s Night.
The setlist: Highway Star (Deep Purple), Spotlight Kid (Rainbow), Mistreated (Deep Purple), Sixteenth Century Greensleeves (Rainbow), Since You’ve been gone (Rainbow) . Man on the Silver Mountain (Rainbow), Difficult to Cure (Deep Purple), Catch the Rainbow (Rainbow), Perfect Strangers (Deep purple), Stargazer (Rainbow), Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll (Rainbow), Child in Time (Deep Purple), Black Night (Deep Purple), Smoke on the Water (Deep Purple), one song more than last night at the Loreley. It was dry tonight, apparently the crowd was soaked last night. We were prepared.
Taking the stage in twilight, the 21st Century Rainbow lighting effects impressed immediately and only became better as darkness fell. The sound was perfect, the Hammond (?) organ and Fender Strat recreating the familiar grinding sounds that Deep Purple in particular, were noted for.
One has to wonder if Jens Johansson had to work all this out for himself, or are all of the keyboard settings noted? The heaviest organ sound was during his keyboard solo, it was interesting when the camera closed into reveal it was the synthesiser which was creating this magnificent sound.
Ronnie Romero looked the part. Hector had wondered about the lyrics, which version of the Rainbow songs would be sung. Ronnie James Dio added improvised vocals to the extended endings, thankfully this Ronnie was up for it.
An hour into the set and Hector had a problem. Having stood in the Hector at a Rock Gig stance for approaching three hours, the legs had seized. When I wiggled my toes my head started to go. If The Hector did not get out of here, he would be carried out. Those around me looked mystified as I made my way to the tower. Behind the tower I realised I needed to go for a walk and get the circulation going. Those who I was notionally with this evening spotted the yellow polo shirt, I knew where to return to.
Difficult to Cure had ironically just got underway, Coke, the great cure-all, not available. Bier, not required. Eis Cafe, this should have caffeine and sugar. Returning to Les Autres, Jim was horrified when I suggested I would have – to dance – for the rest of the Gig. By this it was keep the legs, feet and toes all moving. It was touch and go. Jonathan knew he would be suffering when it was time to walk back to the station. This was a good time for a timeout, the drum solo.
Stargazer was played earlier than anticipated, a much slowed down version. Child in Time too felt slowed down. Ritchie loves to play quietly, at volume, mesmerising. Smoke on the Water was the inevitable encore, again starting without – the riff. Fireworks accompanied the chorus, then the first drops of rain, just a few.
The walk back for the delayed train featured audio snippets of the Gig, how many people had recorded minute segments or more? The DVD should be out hopefully before the year is over. 12,000 people, where had they gone? Those waiting for the 23.35 all squeezed on at midnight.
I first saw Ritchie Blackmore on Deep Purple’s Made in Japan Tour, and half a dozen times thereafter as Rainbow, then again Deep Purple, before Blackmore’s Night. If Rainbow tour properly, I hope I get a seat.
Wandering through Viktualienmarkt just to add a deviation, I spotted the only 
*
Fluids
The Vegetable Masala Madras had the appearance of something worthwhile, far from Shorva, Thick with Tomato Seeds and Minimal Masala, in The Hector Style. Potatoes, Cauliflower, Tomatoes, Courgettes, and Carrots all featured, with Ginger Strips and Fresh Coriander toppings. The Vegetables were all cooked as I would wish them, a slight Firmness, who wants Pulped-Vegetables?
The Kick was Serious, Peppery. As I ate, I knew that others would be reaching for Liquid by now, never a smart move. This was one hell of a Spicy Curry! When the Ginger Blast came from the Strips, I realised just how little Flavour this Dish had. The Seasoning was almost non-existent, this may have been the root of the disappointment.
The
Arriving at 12.20, I was very aware that back in Glasgow, The Company were at 
Other news has reached me in the last few hours, the 
Fisch Chettinad or Lamm Chettinad? – asked Jolly.
The Replacement Samsung informed me that at noon today, the temperature would be 12ºC with – Freezing Drizzle. I was out in a t-shirt, the sun was shining, the temperature continually rising. Tomorrow night, rain is forecast, let’s hope the accuracy is just as poor as today’s.
This is it, one of the most Outstanding Curry Experiences known to The Hector. Those who have read these pages before know that what is served at 
The Spice Level was just right, not excessive, though some may have struggled. With Fish Curry, the Seasoning should never be an issue. The Smokey Flavour from Red Chillies is the norm, I could see only Green Chillies today, so I have to wonder what else Chef is adding, the recipes are Mrs. Kunjappu’s, Jolly’s Mother. The Plain Rice is now served in a Sensible Portion, the wastage of previous years no more. However, the Curry is served in the same smaller bowls, so Portion Sizes have shrunk overt the years. The Prices have remained constant.
Did I tell you how Wonderful it was?
This may belong on 
The Lamm Chettinad (€14.95) looked virtually identical to that served at Lunchtime.
Even without Fish, the Seasoning was spot on, the same Ingredients bar one, a similar Experience, the same Gritty Texture, yet Quite Different. It is worth trying both just to verify this.
Chai is always offered and rejected. Milk in Tea?
Knowing that Marg would collect me later, and that Food was required, I resolved to visit 
I was invited to sit on a leather chair but was happy where I was. I had to verify which Son I was dealing with – I’m well down the line – was his humble admission.
Could Russia secure three points in their opening match of Euro 2016? We had watched some of the first half, signal permitted, on the Replacement Samsung. I asked if there was wi-fi, there is – Yay. FYI – Mintchochip.
outlaws in 
The Lamb Desi was presented in a Black Cast Iron Karahi – Piping Hot – yet it is remarkable how quickly these receptacles cool. The Chapatti was Modest and Quartered, not the greatest Girth I have encountered. I was about to Dip into the Oil which collects around the mash, there was none. This was a true Dry and Thick Masala. Was Hector happy? The Masala was closer to Palak/Saag than the preferred Masala with Methi. Perhaps I have to instruct as I do in Helensburgh where Chef Rashid at the 
The Tender Lamb was plentiful. Fingers were used to eat the Meat, the Chapatti employed to scoop the Mash. Yes, more Seasoning required.
Akhtar entered, still in his jacket, he came over to say – Good Evening. Surely around 22.00 people would come out to dine? He saw I was watching the Football. England scored just as I finished my Lamb Desi.
The plentiful Tender Lamb was decanted, the photo ritual completed. There was much more than just Lamb and Masala here. Topped with crunchy Spring Onions, more Mushrooms, Whole Chillies, Tomatoes and a Vegetable I could not identify, were mixed through the Thick Masala. Khadu was a possibility, whatever, these were welcome inclusions, a Variety of Vegetables is always welcomed, and no sign of the 
The Bones were few, the meat content more than Sufficient. Although there was a decent Earthy Flavour from the Lamb Desi, there was a distinct need for more Seasoning. The Spice Level was not noted initially, when I came across the Chillies so the impact was registered. A Big Hit!
With 500g of Stewing Steak to cook for tonight’s dinner, something different was called for. On occasion, some forty five years ago, Mother would present a Tomato-rich, Spicy Beef Dish – 
The result was Splendid apart from a lack of Salt which I have taken off in the 
Marg was well impressed with the new string to Hector’s bow. Sweet and Sour – was how she described the 
Two of the four tables were occupied when I entered, minutes later all four tables were occupied. Burgers and Chips? You must be joking, however, each to their own. Rashid and his assistant Chef were busy, who ate all the Lamb? Those not eating Burgers had chosen from the Daily Specials and so were served first. It was a full half hour before the Karahi and Chapattis were brought by the Lady who helps out.
I know people come to this Blog not to read the meanderings of the author, but just to salivate at the photos. Feast the eyes, this is as good as it gets. There are only four Lamb Chops, but each Chop is way larger than the norm. The Chapattis were Hot, the Karahi was Hotter still, and as for the Oil collecting beside the Masala Mash, too hot to handle.
We had an audience, newcomers were watching Steve and Hector eat Chops – the proper way. One Chapatti as ever was enough, dipped in the Oil to start, then scooping up the Masala. Just how much Methi was there in this Creation? The Masala oozed Methi, Glorious! The Seasoning was at the Limit, ah Steve tends not to like his Curry this well Seasoned. I had to ask, it was within Acceptable Parameters. The Chops had been marinaded, no doubt they had been destined for the Tandoor, however, they had escaped this treatment. Still, Tandoori Chops in this Mash would not be the end of the World. This was Wonderful, to think I nearly had Desi Korma, next time.
Jim has been keen to be taken to the 
behind the counter after his lengthy vacation, Mr. Anwar Sr. was also there to greet us. Omar brought the extra place setting to the table, we would be the only sit-in customers for a while, though the debris on two tables suggested they had been busy.
Two Fillets of Haddock were presented on a platter, Jim was impressed by the sight of this, once he started he knew he was in for a memorable day. Jim and Hector shared half of one Fish, the other went in Dr. Stan’s direction, the intention was that Aileen would have some too. Naveed headed us off at the pass and brought another platter – Chapli Kebab and Fish Pakora, for Aileen. Did I mention she had just ordered two Mains?
Jim was having some of that. We agreed that another photo would be taken afterwards to see how his waistline had expanded during the visit. Dr. Stan passed the remaining Haddock anti-clockwise, eventually it disappeared. Then it was the Fish Pakora that had to be finished. The Chapli Kebab had gone in a flash courtesy of Jim and Aileen. Hector took the last piece of Fish Pakora, for comparison purposes. Fine as it was, nothing competes with 
Yadgar’s
Future visits were being discussed as we ate, Jim will no doubt bring a bus load – ouch! For the record, 
Chef Arshad came out to take his customary bow and was introduced to the First-timers.
Shkoor texted to check we had been well served. You don’t get service like this anywhere else.
The Aftermath
Mein Host was back to assist. I described my preference for Thick and Minimal Masala, he admitted the Dum Pokht, as written here, was served in a – Broth. Hector does not desire Soup. The advantage of hindsight shows how much of a – Stew – the version was as served at 
Marg’s first announcement was Moroccan Olives (£2.00). Under the heading – Afghan Tanür (Tandoor) was Lamb Chops, again sold by weight. Marg selected the £9.00 option, with Hand Cut Chips (£3.00). By now we had the Waitress who advised us that Salad would accompany. This should prove to be enough for Marg this Lunchtime.
Mein Host, now dressed as The Chef, came out to ask Marg how she desired her Chops. Well cooked, towards Carbon – was the reply. 
The Olives, Salad and Dips kept Marg and Hector amused whilst the Mains were prepared. The Karahi would take a while, at 
The Waitress brought The Main Event. The Wrap was Substantial, Four Chops in a Steel Platter were given to Marg. £9.00 for Four Chops. Steep, very steep.
The Naan was twice the size any man could eat. Where was this in 
The Namak Mandai Karahi looked the Authentic Afghan Dish, the Masala was Sufficient, no way Excessive, and Thick. It was simply Spiced, a Salt and Pepper Mash, Glorious. The Lamb was on-the-bone as it has to be. Lamb Chops and Sucky Bones featured, the Best of Both Worlds. Mein Host, The Chef, was out to inspect our progress. He informed me that Asians question his Lamb as being not Soft enough. He assured me the Meat is deliberately served – Slightly Harder – as it is in the area of Afghanistan near the Pakistan Border from where they take their inspiration. The Local Cuisine was filmed, the Spices are flown here, the rest Sourced Locally. This is as Authentic as Afghan Cuisine can be, the Lamb is steamed in Oil, a simple cooking method
Les Autres
A New Chap arrived, The Brother. He too engaged us at length. He suggested that Clive try the Chapli Kebab next time, or he visits 
Marg, Lord Clive of 
Arriving just after 19.00 a few tables were occupied. I remarked to Marg on the Aroma as we took our seats – This place smells like a Curry House.
Two pages of the menu covered the Specials. A problem, having dismissed the numerous Chicken dishes, the Lamb Dishes all appeared to be be BBQ Meat. Regular Readers know that Hector’s Preference is Tender Lamb, the Meat is not sealed, more chance of the Spices in the Masala permeating. Once a BBQ/Tandoor is employed then the Marinade is all, the Masala remains an independent entity. In other words, Hector desires – Curry – but is not adverse to Tandoori Starters.
The Karahi Lamb was dismissed instantly. Tender Lamb yes, what immediately follows, no way. Marg chose Salmon Makai (£11.50) – BBQ fillet salmon cooked with mild spices in a smooth cream sauce with a touch of coconut. A light and delightfully delicate dish. … and very suited to Marg.
The Lamb Chilli Masala appeared as described, this looked to be a Worthy Dish, a quality Masala with Oil collecting on the side of the serving dish.
Oh yes!
Marg took some of the Vegetable Rice and started on her Salmon Makai. She was loving this – Creamy, a change, I wanted something a bit different. I had a taste, Coconut to the fore, no thank you. Marg departed.
The Lamb was Tender to slightly Chewy, no problem. The Seasoning was – Under -, the Spice – Madras – as asked for, a Good Kick. Ah, the Methi, the Full Methi Blast. There’s more.
The Imran Naan was Plate Sized, again more would have been Merrier. As I have to accept, the Meat looked Doner-like, but at least was Brown, not the Bright Red served up so often. With the combination of ingredients, how could it fail? The Garlic had combined well with the Herb topping, this is one of the Tastiest Naans ever. Hector now had two Sources of Wonderful Flavours, plus the Variety of Textures with the Vegetables. This is as Good as Curry gets. Have I mentioned the Methi?
Clive too was impressed, the Meat in his Lamb Chilli Masala turned out not to be as tough as even he expected.
Marg took the Opperchancity to order a – Hot Milky Coffee. What came was Black Coffee with the sugar bowl. Marg explained that was not what she desired. The Black Coffee was soon accompanied by a small jug of Hot Milk. Coffee, Coffee and Ladies.