Blaas of Glory

La Strada is back! La Strada is a street artists festival where there are tons of free performances. It’s a yearly event in Bremen but normally it’s around August – September. This time it’s in June!

I am so excited with it and in the past years I had uploaded some of the performances in my YouTube channel. However this year, during the La Strada, I have too many commitments. From German class in Saturday morning to party invitations, I don’t have a chance to enjoy La Strada like before.

But even in the limited time available, I still try to see La Strada. I checked the program online and my eyes stumble on a performer called Blaas of Glory. It said that Blaas of Glory is a marching band from the Netherlands that plays heavy metal songs. What?!!! It’s so me… I have to see these guys.

When I checked the schedule, the only time that I have to see their performance is on Sunday noon. So I drag myself to see their show although I have lack of sleep from the last night’s party. I bring my camera to record their performance.

When I arrived, they are still rehearsing in their tent. So I have a chance to get a good position. There is a stage and I thought they will perform there, so I stand in front of the stage. But then when they come up, they marched with “Final Countdown” song and they don’t go to the stage! Instead, they perform on staircases in front of a building! But then I take advantage of the stage, I climb the stage and stand on there. I get a good view and can record their performance.

As I assumed, their performance is hilarious. They wear wigs and spandex, just like 80s hair metal band. Too bad most of the audiences are either old people or children, so they don’t understand the 80s culture. The audiences’ response is not that much although they clap a lot. I enjoy their performance, but I guess they can go crazier if the audiences cheer more. But overall it’s ok. Blaas of Glory becomes my new favorite performer.

Blaas of Glory performs 6 songs: Final Countdown as the opening and closing songs, I love Rock N’ Roll, Jump, Fat Bottomed Girl, and Sweet Child O’ Mine. I want to sing along loud but I am a bit unconfident because other audiences are quiet in general. I don’t want to draw so much attention in this kind of crowd. I sing along but not as loud as if I am in a real rock concert. Nonetheless, I think I have drawn attention from the band. The lead singer points at me when they play “Fat Bottomed Girl”. Nice!

After finishing the performance, the band doesn’t rush back to their tent. They spend time for collecting money, taking pictures with audiences, and talking to audiences. Of course I also approach them to take picture. I manage to take picture with one of the drummers and the lead vocalist. I even talk for a while with the lead vocalist about our countries of origin.

Surely, Blaas of Glory is in my favorite list now.