Band : Gotthard
Album title : Homegrown – Live In Lugano
Label : Nuclear Blast GMBH
Distributor : PIAS
Release Date : 30/09/2011
Release : CD

There’s still no news about a replacement for the late Steve Lee, who sadly enough died in a stupid road accident in Nevada – USA on October 5 – 2010, where he was hit by a Harley Davidson motorbike, which took to the air after the motorbike, which was parked, was hit by a truck.

So this is probably one of the last performances the band had with the sadly missed Steve, and surely one of the last to be recorded officially.   Due to the sudden death of Steve, the release of this CD was however postponed.

The gig actually took place during an annual event organized by Harley Davidson bikers.  Does the fact that the gig took place in Gotthard’s hometown, and the fact that it was for Harley Davidson bikers contribute to the atmosphere I cannot tell, but Steve seems to be enjoying himsels, while the public is very enthusiastic as well. There’s also a bonus DVD included, which contains 4 tracks, and interviews.  The album itself also contains one previously unreleased track with Steve, caller ‘The Train’.
Knowing what happened to Steve afterwards you could say that is was a twist of luck that this show was recorded, since both singer and crowd were enjoying themselves, and the band gave all they got as well.

For once I must say I appreciated a live album, but this might be one of the few exceptions to the rule.

93/100

Erik Morren.