I felt a lot of joy that F.U.S.E did another concert. I experienced this band with Relayer at Phönix Rockkeller in the municipality of Muttenz last time and it was a blast. The announcement was the icing on the cake and the decision was made to participate in the gig. Re:Loaded  was announced as the opening band. A promising Saturday evening. Phönix Rockkeller opened its doors at 7:30 pm and the audience could enter. Re:Loaded on stage at 8:40 pm and were allowed to open the evening. This band exists since 2018 and I knew a couple songs. That’s why I was looking forward to their performance. The catchy mixture of hard rock and heavy metal was well-received in the front rows of the stage and in the crowd. Lead guitarist Dumbo convinced with guitar solos and could support singer A.C (ex-Snakebone, Banging Heart) with singing in between. Bass player Pasci (ex-Scush) changed stage sides  several times that every spectator was able to see him and for guitar

duels with Dumbo. A party song about drinking and messing things up followed with „Wasted Cowboys“. There was proper singing along and jumping around in front of the stage. It’s no wonder because the rhythm invited. A cover of the Pointer Sisters classic "I'm So Excited" was played and the frontman added a dirty rock'n'roll touch to the original. A true highlight. This Is Us" was about everything that makes us human and "Decisions" was about the steps one takes in life with the respective consequences for better or worse. "Lies" was about disappointments and heartbreak that everyone experiences once in his own life. Actually "Love Song" should‘ve ended the gig, but the sound went down so well that encore calls occured. For this reason "Wasted Cowboys" was played again. After 60 minutes of playing time, the five-piece said goodbye to an enthusiastic audience. Despite some technical difficulties at their live premiere, A.C. & his band mates left a good impression. Setlist Re:Loaded Eye of the Storm Something Wasted Cowboys I’m So Excited Breakout This Is Us Decisions Lies Mirror Love Song A short interruption occured to rebuild the stage for headliner F.U.S.E. Recently the band recorded a demo, and they wanted promote and introduce it to the spectators that night. That’s why some fans were excited about the upcoming performance. The time had come after a short excursion at fresh air and getting drinks to moisturize the throat. An instrumental intro sounded at 10:25 pm and the members stood on stage. The performance started with „Real Temptation“. Lead guitarist JT shined on the guitar and with sunglasses. Bass player Stephan was seeking contact with him for guitar duels. Rhythm guitarist Stefan joined JT and his namesake  in between to compete at the instruments and looking pretty cool. Singer Rob convinced with a great vocal performance and you noticed how much fun they had playing live. Rob made a statement that the song „With You“ is about childhood, when you had a different idea of what you wanted to do with your life. After "Your Philosophy" and "10'000 Elements", the boss called Flavio entered the stage and announced that Sam would like to come on stage and sing a song. He entered the stage and was nervous, but wanted to sing "All My Ducklings". He did it with slightly changed lyrics with metal riffs from the band and it was something different for once. Furthermore, Flavio announced on stage Sam is now a full member of the motorcycle club. This was followed by a lot of applause. It continued with the 90‘s-inspired "Shoot The Moon" and you would‘ve liked to shoot the moon when it shows itself in its full form in the sky at night. This ballad was a gift by Rob to the audience for their devotion to the sound. The Amalgam sounded great again and actually the gig would’ve ended after "Forgotten" and "Native Zombie". The audience still had power and really wanted to hear an encore. This encore was dedicated to an important, deceased person who is highly respected in the band. It was no one else than Lemmy Kilmister from Motörhead and the fans got their asses kicked properly with the hit „Ace of Spades“ before the entire musical arsenal was exhausted. The members Rob, JT, Stephan, Stefan and Jerry said goodbye and received a well-earned applause for their performance. Furthermore they could sell some demos and t-shirts in the merchandise corner. Setlist F.U.S.E Real Temptation Anywhere Snowblind Outside Rolling Home System Control With You Your Philosophy 10‘000 Elements Shoot The Moon Forgotten Native Zombie Ace of Spades – Motörhead After that you could linger in the rock cellar and enjoy music on CD. It was a wonderful evening with great performances and reunions with friends and acquaintances who hadn‘t been seen for a while. The sound was mixed by Zottel. Livereport by Dominic Latscha  

Phoenix Rockkeller, Muttenz, Switzerland - 04.02.2023