Live report AXEL RUDI PELL & NEVERLAND, Fabrik, Hamburg – April 8th, 2026

The start of 2026 seems to be all about excellent guitarists, at least in terms of the live shows I’ve attended. First there was Smith/Kotzen, then Michael Schenker, and tonight it’s the turn of German guitar wizard Axel Rudi Pell — all renowned names in the rock and metal community. Accompanying Pell and his bandmates on tour is a Swiss rock band called Neverland.

They start the shows at 20:00 sharp and deliver a 40-minute set. Formed in 1999, the band plays melodic metal with a progressive touch, so we should expect a very experienced group. I’m not sure if it is due to tiredness from touring or something else, but what Neverland deliver tonight is a very restrained performance. In particular, singer Mike Zotter doesn’t seem full of adrenaline, delivering a rather reserved performance. This somewhat overshadowed the band’s rather good technical skills, but overall, the quartet’s show (the keyboardist is not even joining the tour) was nothing more than solid without making a lasting impression.

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It’s the same location and crowd, yet the vibe is completely different. That’s the scene at Fabrik as the intro to the Axel Rudi Pell show begins, accompanied by a dramatic countdown from ten to zero. Showtime! The band opens with “Guillotine Walk”, taken from the latest studio album, and wastes no time in firing up the audience. The energy is immediate, with fans showing strong enthusiasm not only in the front row, but throughout the entire venue.

Naturally, the audience has come to see Axel Rudi Pell — and the blonde guitarist does not disappoint. As well as his exceptional guitar work, Pell makes a point of connecting directly with fans. During “Mystica”, he steps off the stage and walks through the pit, shaking hands and interacting with the crowd. His closeness to the audience is evident, and tonight it is not only felt, but also clearly visible.

However, tonight’s performance is far more than a one-man show. Pell gives ample space to his bandmates, most notably vocalist Johnny Gioeli. A true frontman and entertainer, Gioeli commands the stage with constant movement and undeniable charisma. His outstanding vocal performance is complemented by heartfelt moments between songs. A particularly emotional highlight comes when he expresses his deep gratitude to the fans, acknowledging that it is their support that makes this lifestyle possible for the band. He further emphasizes his connection with the audience by interacting directly with them — shaking hands, inviting a fan to sing along during “Voodoo Night” and even borrowing a fan’s phone to film from the stage.

The rest of the band also shines in their individual moments. Drummer Bobby Rondinelli delivers a powerful and technically impressive drum solo, while keyboardist Ferdy Doernberg — smiling throughout — demonstrates his skill in a captivating solo segment following “Carousel”.

Ultimately, Axel Rudi Pell and his band deliver a captivating rock performance that meets all expectations. Over the course of 100 minutes, the audience at Fabrik enjoyed a high-quality set of melodic hard rock in a consistently positive atmosphere. The closing track, “Rock the Nation”, is a fitting finale that perfectly encapsulates the spirit and energy of an evening that leaves nothing to be desired.