Wed, 06/09/2004 - 6:00 am
Wed, 07/14/2004 - 12:56 pm

Summer is really thé time for festivals. In Belgium, each year the festival-season starts with Rock Werchter. Rock Werchter 2004 was four days of 80.000 visitors and 61 concerts on two podiums (main stage and pyramid marquee). As each year, the tickets were sold out very soon. In the very nick of time, I had managed to get a one-day-ticket and joint the last day of the festival. I was a bit disappointed, as I couldn't see Lenny Kravitz, who was performing the day before. But the Sunday-program was great as well.

A few days before the festival, we heard the bad news David Bowie wasn't closing Rock Werchter 2004 at the main stage as he had a squeezed nerve in his shoulder (after the festival we heard that he had been operated at his heart). I hope I'll ever have a second chance to see him during a live concert…

When we entered the festival area, the great Baptiste from Burkina-Faso of the StuBru commercial ("trop commercial, désolé") was introducing Zornik, a Belgian group which I didn't like that much (not my kind of music). But, no problem: in the pyramid marquee Sioen was playing at that time. Two years ago, this Belgian group was still absolutely unknown. Last year, I saw them (by coincidence) during the Gentse Feesten (see my first column), and I loved them from the first moment. If you would ask me to classify this group, I would put them in the "folk music"-group, I think. It was great to see them back.

After seeing Sioen, we went back to the main stage where Starsailor was playing. Which was quite ok. And while meeting some friends, we heard Lamb at the background.  The next musician who could take a place on the main stage was PJ Harvey. Her outfit was fantastic: a yellow dress and flashy pink shoes. Terrific! Her performance was (luckily) great as well. Of course, she sang the big song "down by the water". It was the first time I saw this lady during a live concert, and I must say she is worth going to! This is a performance I won't forget!

After her, the Pixies could do their thing. A friend of mine told me that their show is nil, as they (mostly) play for one hour, without a break. And yes, this is what we got: one hour of great music! Their stamina must be unbelievable: the tempo they played…incredible! At this time, Rock Werchter 2004 was already successful for me!

After this, it was difficult to choose between Placebo and N*E*R*D, but as a friend of mine loved the second group, we joint her to the pyramid marquee. I liked it somewhat but not as much as she did. I decided to go to the main stage again and have a look at Placebo, which was a nice variation. After a while, I went back to the pyramid marquee, and I was back just in time to hear the only song I know of N*E*R*D (something with "sexy lady") which was great.

We stayed in the pyramid marquee and tried to get a nice place for the next group "Air", a group from France. I knew this group from radio and CD's but I never saw them before. And I (and my friends) discovered something strange: the one, who is singing "sexy boy" with a very high voice, is not a girl but a boy! Moreover, there is no girl involved in this group, which was a big surprise… Their songs were relaxing, and with the accompanied light show, the concert was great as well.

Then, the moment was arrived David Bowie would give his great show. But as I mentioned before, he couldn't come and a Belgian duo "2 Many DJ's" replaced him. They, which I hoped, started with a Bowie-song (Rebel Rebel), which was great. Then, they started mixing all kinds of music (old and new songs) and provoked a big open-air-party. Although I liked it very much, I really wanted to see "El Tattoo Del Tigre" who was closing the festival in the pyramid marquee. I saw this group before, and liked them very much. I wanted to see them again, and after a while, I succeeded in convincing my friends to come with me and have a look. They loved it as well. "El Tattoo Del Tigre" is a Belgian mambo-band (30 people on stage!), playing splendid South-American music, which is brought like a theatrical performance. For me, this was the best ending of this festival!

On the way back to the car, we were treated on lots of rain, but also on a nice firework. Rock Werchter 2004 had succeeded for me!

Wed, 01/26/2005 - 1:53 pm

Column 3: Being deaf

Since October, I'm taking evening classes in Flemish sign language. Therefore, I want to introduce you in the deaf culture as well.

Like spoken languages, sign languages developed spontaneously since people wanted to communicate with each other. There are several sign languages in the world: American, French, Flemish, etc. The sign languages even differ concerning the region you're in (e.g. for Belgium: Ghent, Bruges, etc.). After all, 90-95% of deaf children have parents who hear, by which these children learn to sign from each other at school. Consequently, between the different schools, there is a variation in the signs noticeable, which in turn explains the (small) differences per region. Sign languages also have their own grammar and structure. In other words, it is an independent language as well

 

Most, if not all, deaf people are a member of a "deaf club". In the beginning, these clubs were solely accessible for deaf people, but today, people who hear are allowed in too. Lots of activities are arranged: e.g. sports, journeys, formation evenings, etc. In the clubs, they (of course) pass on the aspects of the deaf culture. I'll give some examples of aspects of the Flemish Deaf Community:

 

° You are not allowed to look away during a conversation; this is insulting

° If you want to draw the attention of a deaf person, you may touch him/her on the arm or shoulder, or provoke vibrations by stamping your feet… You are not allowed to touch him/her at the back since they might be frightened then. If you want the attention of a whole group, you can switch off and on the light very quickly

° You are not allowed to hold someone's hands while he/she is signing. This is the same as putting your hand on someone's mouth while speaking.

° …

To conclude, I'll write something about the 20th Deaflympics, which took place Jan 5-16 in Melbourne, Australia. The origin of the Deaflympics dates back to 1924. That year, the first games (then called "Deaf World Games") took place in Paris. Nine countries, including Belgium, participated. These games are no part of the Paralympics, which started in 1960. There is only one reason for that: COMMUNICATION. In general, deaf athletes do sport following the same rules as hearing athletes. Technics and tactics hardly differ. Adaptations mainly have to do with communication (e.g. light signals instead of whistle). Participating athletes are submitted to dope tests and hearing tests. A hearing loss of at least 55dB at the best ear should be detected to get permission to join in. Hearing aids are not allowed.

 

In 1953, Belgium (Brussels) organised the 7th edition of the Deaflympics: 16 countries, 524 athletes participated. As mentioned before, this year the games were organized in Melbourne, Australia: 90 countries, 3500 athletes joined in. For the first time, the Deaflympic flame was lighted! For Belgium, four swimmers, four table-tennis players, and two beach-volley teams (men and women) were involved. It was the first time beach volley was an Olympic game. For more information regarding the games, I'd like to refer you to the following websites: www.deaflympics.com and www.belgiumdeafsport.be

 

The next Deaflympics will take place in 2009 in Taiwan (Taipei). Looking forward to that!

Thu, 02/24/2005 - 11:54 am
Thu, 03/24/2005 - 3:36 pm
Wed, 04/20/2005 - 1:50 am

Original title: The Good Earth

Translated in Dutch: De Goede Aarde

Author: Pearl S. Buck

She lived from 1892 until 1973. She grew up in China, where she lived and worked for 38 years. The Good Earth was her second book she wrote, which was published for the first time in 1931. It was the best-selling book in 1931 and 1932, won the Pulitzer Prize. In 1938, Buck won the Nobel Prize in literature. She was the first American women to do so. She wrote more than 70 books, in which she revealed social and political abuses of pre-communistic China.  More details about the author are found here.

Short summary:

The book starts with the preparations of the wedding of Wang Lung and O-lan. Wang Lung is an illiterate farmer, who only has knowledge of the value of his land. O-lan was a slave in a rich family. In this marriage, three sons and two daughters are born. Although they know times of poverty, later on they are doing very well, and Wang Lung becomes a big landowner. He hopes at least one of his sons will take over his land; the land on which he worked night and day..  You can find a plot summary at the following address.

In Belgium, the book is published by "Atlas". The book forms part of the series "The Twentieth Century".

Our comments on the book:

-    The book is written in a flowing style, and it is easy to visualize the situations described, which makes the reading even more agreeable.

-    The situation man – woman is portrayed very well: one can imagine him- or herself very easily in the situation of the different characters, in what is going on in their minds.

-   One remarkable point in the book is that, compared to us, they have another opinion as regards death: they buy the coffin before the person in matter has died. I don't know if it is still like that today…?

-     The book is really a must: don't start reading it when you don't have much time; it is really addictive!

Sat, 04/23/2005 - 4:29 am

Original title:  The Crimson Petal and the White

Translated in Dutch:  Lelieblank, Scharlaken Rood

Author:  Michel Faber

The author is born in Holland in 1960. Nowadays, he lives in Scotland. He writes novels and short stories. He won several prizes, such as the Saltire Society Scottish First Book of the Year Award. The Crimson Petal and the White is h is most recent book (2002).  More details about this author are given here.

Short summary:

The story takes place in London in 1875. The main character in this book is Sugar, a nineteen year old prostitute who wants to do something else with her life. One of her customers is William Rackham, an ambitious perfume manufacturer, who will offer her the life she wants. The book describes how Sugar climbs the social ladder…You find more information about this book on following websites:  (Dutch) & (English)

Our comments on the book:

-        The book is really thick (955 pages) but is really worth reading it.

-        It is written in a flowing style, and it is easy to visualize the situations described, which makes it even more agreeable.

-         One can imagine him- or herself very easily in William, and especially Sugar.

-         Now and then, you are reminded about the spirit of the time (i.e. 1875) through little details, which I liked very much.

-        Although the book is about a prostitute, there are no extensive descriptions of vulgarly sexual activities. Those who are looking for this kind of literature should consult other sources!

-         When I finished the book, I felt sad about having to let go Sugar. Like others said as well: you only want more of it!

Tue, 04/26/2005 - 12:59 pm

Everybody who stayed on earth the last couple of weeks (I think most of you did), Christian or no Christian, does know pope John Paul II deceased. Although it is the second time a pope dies since I'm alive, it is the first time I experienced it consciously. That is why I want to write something about it, even though I am not a real Christian.

 

A couple of weeks before the pope died, I read "Angels and Demons" of Dan Brown, in which a pope dies and the election of a new pope is described as well. By this, my interest for this case had been awoken. I wanted to compare the things I read in this book with the things that were happening in reality.

 

Since we were overwhelmed by the news on TV, radio, newspapers, etc. I won't give an overview of the man Karol Wojtyla (yes, the Holy Father had a real name!) or the pontificate of the John Paul II. Instead, I will give my view on several things that occurred.

 

The appearance of the pope on Easter was very touching. He was very sick and did not manage to pronounce "Urbi et Orbi" for the first time in his life, although he tried very hard. It was very sad to see such an affected man; a man who probably realized it was the last time he would appear for the religious people.

 

The telecasts following the days of the death of John Paul II were incredible: the St-Peter's square and the streets around were full of people who wanted to greet the deceased pope for the last time. People had to stay in line for about twelve hours, and a lot of people did not even manage to see the pope since they were too many. When people have to stand in line for so many hours, I'm always wondering how they manage to eat, drink, and especially go to toilet! You can not leave your place in these situations, not even for one second, can you?

 

Curious as I was, I watched a piece of the funeral, that was broadcasted all over the world. This time, even more people were gathered in Rome: 4 million people attended the funeral that lasted 2,5 hours. Three hundred and sixty priests were needed to give all those present a chance to go to Communion. Unbelievable!

 

I was a bit disappointed when seeing the coffin: I thought that a man, who was called the Holy Father, would get a very adorned coffin that is set on a height during the church service. But as we all could see, the coffin was very simple; only a cross and "M" of Maria on the upper side. Furthermore, it was put on the ground. Although, it was put on a mosaic that was made after the pope was shot in 1981, it was still strange to see the coffin was not set on a height. They said it was the pope's wish to have a funeral (and gravestone) very soberly, in line with his austerely life…

 

The election of the new pope went very fast. Only 4 election rounds were needed to select a new Holy Father. When I turned on the television that day, I saw again a lot of people on the St-Peter's square. Immediately, I realized a new pope had been chosen. Since all these people were gathered again, I thought they already knew who the new pope was. But a few minutes later it became clear the new pope was not announced yet. Can we conclude then that (religious) people don't really mind who the pope is, as long as they have a pope? That is a bit strange, no…?

 

According to me, it was no surprise the German cardinal Ratzinger appeared on the balcony. I must say that, even as a not real Christian, it made my flesh creep when I heard the famous words "habemus papam".

 

Now it is waiting whether this pope will yearly express the well-known words "Bedankt voor die bloemen" to the Dutch- and Flemish-speaking people as well, or whether he will pronounce a new sentence…

Mon, 05/23/2005 - 10:42 am

Original title: Ten Little Niggers

Translated in Dutch: Tien Kleine Negertjes

Author: Agatha Christie

She lived from 1890 until 1976. She is known as the Queen of Crime. More than 5OO million copies of her books were sold all over the world. She wrote novels, short stories, and plays. Famous fictional "creations" of her are Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, and Tommy and Tuppence. She wrote romantic novels under her pseudonym Mary Westmacott, and non-fiction as well.  More information can be found at the following website.

Short summary:

In this book, ten people travel to a lonely island, after they received an invitation from an acquaintance (different person for each individual). Once on the island, they get killed one by one. Very soon, it is clear that the murderer is one of them. But who is it? As time passes by, the tension between those who are still alive, is getting more and more palpable…

Our comments on the book:

-     It is the first time I read a book of Agatha Christie (shame on me) and I must say, I really understand now why people like to read her books. She knows how to captivate her readers. In this book, only at the end, it becomes clear who the murderer is. I really love that.

-     The book is written in a flowing style, and it is easy to visualize the situations described, which makes the reading even more agreeable.

-     It is a perfect book to take with you on vacation: not too thick, so easily to carry along, and very exciting.

-     I will read more books of her for sure!

Other books of this author we read and recommend:

-     Death comes at the end (En het einde is de dood)

-     Hallowe'en party (De versierde bezemsteel)

-     By the pricking of my thumbs (De pop in de schoorsteen)

Mon, 05/23/2005 - 8:18 pm

Marc Herremans, also known as Mad Max, is born on December 19 in 1973 in Merksem, Belgium-Flanders. He is a well-known triathlon athlete, who unfortunately became disabled after a dramatic fall during one of his training sessions in Lanzarote 2002. More information about Marc can be found on following website: http://www.marcherremans.be.  Don't forget to put on the sound when visiting this site.

This book is a biography, and was written since Marc experienced that his story was an inspiring message for several people. In this book, he tells us what he did before his triathlon career, why he started practicing triathlon, how his accident in Lanzarote occurred, how he copes with being disabled, and of course he talks about his participation at the Ironman 2002 in Hawaii, and a lot more.

Comments on the book:

-         This book excites several feelings: some passages in this book made my flesh creep, others made me laugh, and sometimes I had to brush away a tear. I'm sure this book will leave nobody untouched!

-         The life vision and perseverance of this great athlete are unbelievable. I'm sure this book will support a lot of people!

-         I was happily surprised to read Marc met John Maclean, who is according to me, also a great athlete with an enormous perseverance. This Australian sportsman became disabled after he was hit by a truck. Being disabled, he swum the Chanal. The reporting on "National Geographic" did not leave me untouched either.

-         (For the moment?) the book is only available in Dutch, but for the English-speaking people, a lot of information can be found on following website: http://www.marcherremans.be/intro1_uk.htm

 

Wed, 06/29/2005 - 3:52 pm

This year, my "summer festival season" started with TW Classic, which can be seen as the precursor of Rock Werchter, which takes place in the same area one week later. On the agenda this year: Gabriel Rios, Brian Wilson, Novastar, Arno, Duran Duran, and Lenny Kravitz. As you can see, a mixture of Belgian and foreign bands.

We arrived too late in Werchter to see Gabriel Rios, but since he is playing at almost all Belgian festivals this year, and he is not one of my favorites, I did not really mind. The concert of Brian Wilson, ex-member of the Beach Boys, was pure nostalgia. One noticeable thing of this performance was the amount of people on stage: a mixture of young and older people. Nice to see! Perhaps, the music they brought was not the kind of music you would expect at a festival, but it was a great warm-up for the rest of the day. Besides other great songs they, of course, played "good vibrations".

Later on, Novastar with front man Joost Zweegers, one of my favorite bands, was performing. This band is really loved. On national level (Belgium), it has been rewarded with three awards earlier this year: Best singer for Joost Zweegers, Best band for Novastar, and Best CD for "another lonely soul". This band is really great live! They always have a great time on stage, and this can be felt in the audience as well. They played a mixture of old and recent songs which was a good choice: e.g. "caramia", "the best is yet to come", "never back down", etc.

The next artiste was the very well-known (although in Belgium) Arno. With his raucous voice, he sings bilingual songs (French and English). Arno does not only play music when on stage: he also makes jokes now and then, and tries to get contact with his audience, in which he always succeeds. Famous songs of this great musician are: "oh la la la", "ratata", "les filles du bord de mer", "putain putain", etc.

The last group but one of the day was Duran Duran. For me (and some of my friends), this was a big disappointment. I really did not enjoyed this concert. I expected more of it I guess. Everybody was waiting for "the reflex" but unfortunately they did not play it, even though the audience was asking for it…

Last but not least was Lenny Kravitz, who I really love (remember my column on Rock Werchter 2004?). It was really great to see him again (it was my third time). He played at least one song of every CD he ever gave out: e.g. "minister of rock 'n roll", "fields of joy", "stand by my woman", "let love rule", … and of course "are you gonna go my way". As usual, there was a terrific light show, and his outfit was really great as well. It was great to see him back! I'm sure I will enjoy the memory of this festival for a long time!

Sun, 07/03/2005 - 10:51 am

Original title: Comédia Infantil

Translated in Dutch: Comédia Infantil (also known as: Verteller van de wind)

Author: Henning Mankell

Mankell is born in 1948 in Stockholm. He spent his youth in the Northern part of Sweden (Harjedalen). In 1972, he went to Africa for the first time, which influences his work later on. At age 20, he wrote his first play "The Amusement Park", and at age 24, his first novel "The Stone Blaster". Unfortunately, this book has not been translated from Swedish. Of his well-known inspector Wallander series, which covers nine books, millions of books have been sold all over the world. Due to the success of this series, he is capable to finance his passion for theatre.  Mankell is very productive: he writes children books, thrillers, plays, and stories about Africa.  In 2001, he established a publishing business (Leopard) to promote the publication of young Swedish and African writers works.  Today, he is the most read Swedish crime writer. (www.henningmankell.com)

Short summary

In this book, José Antonio Maria Vaz, accompanies the little Nelio during the last nine nights of his life on the roof of an African theatre. Nelio, only ten years old, got shot in the theatre. Baker José, who is working next to the theatre, found him and brought him to the roof of the theatre. During the last nights of his life, Nelio tells his shocking life story to José. It captures the hardships and displacements caused by civil war.

Our comments on the book:

It was the first time I read a "none-Wallander" book of Mankell, so I was quite curious.
One thing is for sure, Mankell knows how to captivate his readers independently of the kind of book he writes.

The story of the little Nelio is shocking. Especially since the cruelty talked about in the book (unfortunately) happens for real. This story makes you think…

Flasbacks have been used to tell the story of the little Nelio, by which the reader gets tossed to and fro in time. This gives a special accentuation to the book.

For those who don't read that often, this book has been filmed. Before watching this movie, one should know that the child actors are real-life street children…

Other books of this author we read and recommend:

The inspector Wallander series: titles in English (Dutch)

Faceless killers (Moordenaar zonder gezicht)

The dogs of Riga (Honden van Riga)

The white lioness (De witte leeuwin)

Sidetracked (Dwaalsporen)

The fifth woman (De vijfde vrouw)

One step behind (Midzomermoord)

Firewall (De blinde muur)

The man who smiled (De man die glimlachte)

The young Wallander (De jonge Wallander)

Sat, 05/09/2009 - 11:56 pm

Step by step, summertime is getting closer … the most beautiful period of the year with many festivals to choose from. One of those splendid festivals, is GentJazz, which takes place from July 8 to July 19 in the gardens of De Bijloke, one of the most beautiful sites of the city, an ideal environment for those who like to be busy with music, dance and other forms of art.

Nowadays, many different musical styles are often categorised as jazz. However, these styles can be divided into two distinct sections: on the one hand, jazz based on tradition (traditional jazz, mainstream, bop, avant-garde, free...); on the other hand, jazz which has developed from diverse forms with more popular musical trends, the so-called fusion with funk, soul, singer-songwriter, techno, world, hip-hop,…

The Gent Jazz Festival aims to give a true and present-day representation of both movements, with a progressive approach, presenting both legends and newcomers, both national and international, allowing musicians to convey their artistic adventure.

The festival consists of two parts, both created around their own musical idiom. The theme of the first part of the festival is pure, genuine and classic jazz. Today's jazz with a recognition for the past. Today's jazz confronting the past. Senior jazz musicians looking at today's society. Fusion is the keyword for the second part of the festival. This section aims to present jazz as a living genre with influences from many musical styles.

This year, the Gent Jazz Festival opens with a Special Night featuring BB King.

Other highlights this year are: Brussels Jazz Orchestra International Composition Contest, Sing The Truth Nina Simone Tribute, George Benson, Jamie Lidell, Lambchop, Rodrigo y Gabriela (photo), Marianne Faithfull, Jamie Cullum, etc. Line up: www.gentjazz.com

New things on the festival this year:

rodygabthe Gent Jazz Festival café, which opens at 12 o’clock at noon and is accessible for free. On July 8, a special concert will be given to open the festival café musically. From July 9 to 19, Young Jazz Talent Ghent will also take place in this café. Line up: www.gentjazz.com. These bands will also perform in the Duvel Droomschip during the Ghent Festivities (July 18 – 27: www.gentsefeesten.be).

From this year on, the Gent Jazz Festival will also organize jam sessions in the evening in collaboration with NH Hotels and the Ghent Conservatory. These jam sessions will take place each festival day in the medieval basement of the NH Hotel Gent Belfort and begin at 11.30pm.

Info & tickets: www.gentjazz.com. Gent Jazz Festival from July 8th to 19th, Bijloke, Gent, Belgium. Tickets cost 27 euros per evening (excl. booking costs), except for those for July 8 (concert day with BB King) which cost 37 euros (excl. booking costs). A Three-Day Pass costs 68 euros (excl. booking costs). Tickets can be booked via www.gentjazz.com, via Uitbureau Gent (www.uitbureau.be or +32(0)9 233 77 88) or at FNAC. Just as it did last year, the final festival weekend coincides with the opening weekend of the Ghent Festivities.

Hope to meet you there!

Wed, 07/22/2009 - 12:27 am

Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero met as teenagers in Mexico City. Both heavy metal fanatics at that time, they decided to combine their talents in the metal group Tierra Acida. They recorded an album, but wouldn’t sign the record contract. Instead, they decided to concentrate on learning more guitar styles. They survived by teaching lessons during the day and playing bossa novas in hotel bars at night. One day, they decided to take a step in the unknown and traveled to Europe. They ended up in Dublin, where they still are based today.

Rodrigo y Gabriela create a unique sound on their acoustic guitars. They describe their style as ‘fusion music’. You might call it a mixture of flamenco, rock, and metal influences.

They recorded their first album ‘Re-Foc’ in 2003. Since then, several albums followed such as ‘Live: Manchester and Dublin’, ‘Rodrigo y Gabriela’, ‘Live in Japan’,…

I had the honor to see this Mexican duo at GentJazz, a festival which took place in the gardens of the Bijloke, one of the most beautiful sites of Ghent, from July 8-19. This year, the festival counted 35.000 visitors! www.gentjazz.com

Rodrigo y Gabriela performed on Friday July 17. There was a good atmosphere that night, with a lot of interaction between the guitar-players and the audience. Wonderful!

They create the most amazing sounds on their guitar! They played a mixture of self-written compositions such as Diablo Rojo, Tamacun, Satori and Juan Loco, and alternative covers of songs of Metallica (Orion) and Led Zeppelin (Stairway to Heaven). They also played music from their new album “11:11”, which will be released in September. Something to look forward to!

Sun, 11/06/2011 - 9:11 am

On October 30, I was one of the lucky ones to be in a sold out Sportpaleis for the concert of Lenny Kravitz. I don’t think he needs an introduction, right? This time, he visited Belgium with his Black and White Tour.The support act that night was Raphael Saadiq, an American singer, songwriter, and record producer, of which I never heard of before (shame on me). It was a good decision to program him as support act, although he could have given an amazing concert on his own as well! If you want to know more about him and check his tour dates, go to his website.After one hour Raphael Saadiq and a half an hour break, it was time for Lenny Kravitz to perform. At both sides of the stage, there was a screen, not a square one like mostly is the case, but a triangular one which made it a little more unique. At the back of the stage, there was a big screen, in which the triangular form came back in the shape of a mountain with sharp peaks on which projections were shown (live, pictures,…).He opened the concert with ‘Come On Get It’, a song from his new album Black and White America, according to critics the best album in 20 years. Three more other songs from this album were played that night: ‘Black and White America’ that was accompanied by pictures from him and his family on the big screen, ‘Stand’, and ‘Rock Star City Life’. This means, there was plenty of time for older songs, such as ‘Believe’, ‘It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over’, ‘Fields Of Joy’, ‘Always On The Run’, ‘Mr. Cab Driver’, ‘American Woman’, ‘Fly Away’, ‘Where Are We Running’, of course ‘Are You Gonna Go My Way’, etc. A nice mixture of old and new works.Before the encore, Lenny Kravitz took quite some time to introduce his band. The encore opened with an acoustic version of ‘Belong To You’ by Lenny and Craig Ross sitting on the border of the stage, and a nice saxophone solo later on in the song. The second and last encore was a 29-minute long version of ‘Let Love Rule’. During this song, he made a tour through the huge stadium! The concert lasted 2h15min!