Live report U.D.O. & PRIMAL FEAR, Markthalle, Hamburg – February 28th, 2024

Two bands that are firmly established in the metal scene are playing in Hamburg’s Markthalle tonight. None other than Udo Dirkschneider is currently on tour with U.D.O. to present the new album ‘Touchdown’ live. On tour with U.D.O. is another German metal band that has released another great album. We are talking about Primal Fear and their latest record ‘Code Red’.

It’s already obvious beforehand that we can expect a really hot metal evening, because the Markthalle is sold out and, as you would expect with this high-calibre line-up, the room is already very well crowded when Primal Fear take to the stage at 19:00. After a short intro the band starts with ‘Chainbreaker’ from the ‘Primal Fear’ album. Looking at the setlist, it is noticeable that only three songs from ‘Code Red’ are represented. Otherwise, tonight one can enjoy songs that reflect the entire creative phase of the band, including ‘Hear Me Calling’. The song comes from the ‘Metal Commando’ album, which for well-known reasons could never really be presented live and the euphoria is all the greater tonight. Speaking of euphoria. The audience watched the first part of the set with Hanseatic composure, but the Markthalle doesn’t become a real madhouse. Fortunately, this changes in the course of the set and at the end the band is properly celebrated, also thanks to the tireless efforts of frontman Ralf Scheepers, who repeatedly encourages fans to clap and sing along.

Primal Fear did a great job in kicking of this metal night and underlined their status in heavy metal. Their music stands for passion and dedication which makes their music and their show to an authentic metal experience.

Authentic and real, this is also how tonight’s headliner can be described. This is already reflected by the fact that U.D.O. will play an almost two-hour concert. Even though with Primal Fear and U.D.O. we are able to hear and see a package that is more than established, it quickly becomes apparent that most people have come to the Markthalle because of U.D.O.. Already during the obligatory ‘Thunderstruck’ intro, the tension rises and when the lights go out and the first notes of ‘Isolation Man’ kick in, you can recognize collective headbanging in the room. Udo Dirkschneider and his bandmates deliver a powerful and professional show. The new songs are very well received by the audience and it should come as no surprise that classics such as ‘Animal House’, ‘They Want More’ but also ‘Hear of Gold’ from the ‘Faceless World’ album are sung along at loud volumes. As with Primal Fear, U.D.O. also deliver a good mix of old and new.

The fact that the band has become very well coordinated in the meantime is evident on stage. Andrey and Dee throw their solos at each other and it’s the typical metal poses that everyone expects and which are also offered. Of course, Udo Dirkschneider is the centre of attention and at the same time the iconic frontman has the strength to leave enough space for the whole band, which isn’t just meant in terms of space. Andrey and Dee are given their room to shine, and the fact that U.D.O. has with Peter Baltes another veteran on board since 2023, is an additional benefit for the band: It is astonishing, however, that the evening comes without a drum solo, while Sven Dirkschneider still delivers a rock-solid performance as usual. His energetic drumming is the driving force on which every song is built and shines.

U.D.O. is all about the music and there are not many announcements from the band leader. Nevertheless, he doesn’t miss the opportunity to thank the Hamburg audience for their euphoria by making it clear that Hamburg is always worth a visit.

U.D.O. and Primal Fear showed tonight why heavy metal from Germany is popular beyond all national borders. With these two bands everything is just right – songs, spirit and attitude. More of this.