I almost couldn't make it to this gig, as I got the dates mixed up. Luckily, I am able to get things sorted
out or this would be the third time I have missed Paul Van Dyk's gig.
After all the necessary plans between DJ Alberth (Trance Republic's European Representative), Mark
(head honcho of Toxic-Family) and me were finalized, it was time for me to travel to Zurich. Our meeting point: Zurich
main train station at 2230hrs.
Once we met Mark, who came together with RiCO! from Discomania, we jumped into a taxi and head off, somewhere
in Zurich, to meet Marc (head honcho of Panthera Records). Marc, a professional DJ by night, will be
DJing at Rohstofflagger too. After all the pleasantries were exchanged, it was time for us to head on down to
the club in question.
Upon our arrival, there were a big group of eager Swiss already waiting at door, which won't open until 2300hrs.
This is what real Clubbers and Punters should be or probably it is just Paul Van Dyk. Rohstofflagger is
located within Zurich Technopark (Industrial Area), a warehouse turned club, which reminds me of
Warehouse Disco in Singapore. After the necessary security checks, purchasing of ticket and getting stamped on
my left palm, I walked into Rohstoflagger and I am really impress by it. It is a very simple club but was beautifully
done. The club boast two rooms with a large hall seperating them. This use of this hall is basically for people
to mingle and chit chat while listening to what the DJ is playing in the main room at a comfortable level.
The hall is also equipped with a fully stocked snack bar, a wardrobe room, two huge lavatory for each gender, a pool table
and a pair of Playstation2 terminals. Nice.
When I walked into the main hall, deep prog tunes had started to flow and to my surprise, it was Paul Van Dyk
himself who is behind the console. Time check 2310hrs ... Damn, and if PVD am able to do warm up, who are we
to say 'NO' to warm up sets. We (Alberth, Mark, RiCO! and myself) decide to plant ourself right in front to
catch PVD up close. I read somewhere that a girl sworned about his dreamy eyes, and I concur, he does have
dreamy eyes.
Apart from his dreamy eyes and judging from what I witnessed, PVD is a very nice guy. I know it is
rude of some people asking a DJ for autographs while he is DJing but PVD, not only he oblige in giving it to
them but, as well as I am able to remember, return it with a pleasant smile on his face. Most DJs, somehow
Sasha came into mind, would blantly say no to autographs seekers. Apart from doing autograph, occasionally,
he would waved to his friends or acquintance.
Music-wise ... his set, in my opinion, was a progressing one. The intensity notch alittle towards Hard-Style
as the night progresses but he still manages to squeeze in, his 'Melodic Trance' trademark and Crush. Respect.
At 0100hrs Paul Van Dyk passes the baton to 'NU-NRG', Vandit's new signing from Italy. Andrea and Guiseppe start
their live-set with a refreshing taste of soft beats overlaid with melodic riffs. After 3 hours of Paul Van Dyk,
Hard-Style assault, this is warmly welcomed by the punters. After all the soft beats and melodic riffs were
laid, NU-NRG starts to heat things up and the punters went ballistic. I love Live-Acts, I really do and it
is that ability to be able to create anything on the fly which impress me the most. So when NU-NRG weave in and out
the synth riffs from Paul Van Dyk's - For An Angel; I too went ballistic.
The meastro, Paul Van Dyk, took over decks duties at about 0400hrs with Rohstoflagger is still packed with punters.
I was very impress by it but was slightly exhausted and make my to the emergency exit where nice soft sofas awaits.
Sadly at about the same time, I saw RiCO! and Mark made their exit. We didn't manage to bid our goodbyes. Perhaps next time.
Paul Van Dyk continues in playing Hard-Style tunes and out comes Alberth. He too, like me, couldn't contain the Hard-Style assault.
Alberth and me, left Rohstoflagger at 0500hrs to catch our first train back to Montreaux and Bern respectively.
Overall the Vandit's gig at Rohstoflagger is well organized and excelent. Musically, the
Hard-Style, was alttle dissapointing but after knowing that the genre has a huge following in Switzerland: It is
all good in my book.
On a final note, Mr Light-Jockey, go easy on them STROBES. It's blinding us.
