What time is it? It's beer o' clock!

The Toasters @ Das Bett, Frankfurt - September 2009.

The Toasters, one of the finest SKA bands of the world. 9 albuns, tons of live recordings, big festivals, and tons of fans around the world - including Brasil, of course. When I heard they would play in Das Bett, I went nuts. So I decided to get my ticket, and I also got 2 friends with me (Oskar and Arne). I couldn't be a lonely witness on this event.

NOTE: For those who don't know Das Bett, it is a real small place in Frankfurt. Actually, they just moved now to a bigger one, I think the place supports around 300 people now. Before, 100 tops. Still, it is such a cool place, nice bands, nice crowd.

When we arrived at the place, I had a big surprise: it was totally empty. By the time we got there, there were around 40 people! Of course it started later than expected, and it was good because a few more came in, but still... it's TOASTERS you know? I was expecting a totally packed place, with people outside screaming their names... And Rob, the vocalist, was selling the merchandising alone inside there, because the 40 fans were outside smoking. I went to talk to him, and he was very cool. I told him I was surprised, couldn't expect such a small crowd, but he was totally fine, and so was the band. When they reached the stage, they made an amazing concert, like it was for 10.000 people. And they made everybody dance. There was no one there standing still, it was impossible. Besides bad quality of the sound of this new place, the mood was great: the set list was great, dancing, beer toasts, we even had a joke break between songs in the end of the concert. It was a really cool experience, felt almost like a private show. Too bad just a few people had this experience to share. And I am so glad I was one of them.

Don't let the bastards drag you down!

Cheers.