IGNITE - Graz (Music House) 11.08.2024.

Tired and drained out, my friend Petra... and I hope you all have that one friend like Petra that supports every and more than often stupid idea you get, without so much as a word, well...Petra and I decided to go see Ignite in Graz after a whole week at a festival. Tired doesn't even start to describe the feeling, but it was Ignite and we were in a post festival blues. And it was a right decision!

As we arrived late in the afternoon in Graz, we got to our hotel that was close to the venue, rested, showered and of we went! Sadly, we missed the supporting bands, but got in time for the main thing.

First of all, MUSIC HOUSE is one of the coolest places I have ever been to. And one of the smallest! The stage...well, there is no stage. And no AC. Just some fans in corners, a full house and a place in the club that is one step elevated - that my friends, that was the stage! So cool...

So, it was hot as hell even before the show started. And once the IGNITE hopped on that "stage", well...it was burning hell! 

Orange County boys started strong, no bullshit. "Veteran", than "Anti-Complicity Anthem", "Poverty for all", "Who Sold out Now", "Slowdown", "Bleeding" and new stuff "The Butcher in me" and "Done digging the Grave", some more old stuff and than finished with a singalong "Live For Better Days".

I wrote about Eli before. He is a force of nature. He is the energy pill that the band needed. As we were drowning in sweat, breathing like fish on dry land, that guy was all over the "stage". Nik was on his knees at one point, Craig pulling most of the work ended without the shirt, Brett was dying along us in the first row, but Eli...noup! Not even tired! 

At one point they even stopped the show as we all looked like we are gonna faint, Brett distributed some backstage water to people in the crowd and after a short break they resumed.

After the gig we went outside for some fresh air and to cool down. In the meantime Eli and Craig joined us for a chat and for some selfies with the fans. I tell you, those are the nicest guys I have ever met. So polite, cool, fun and down to earth. Love them so much!

I have been on more Ignite shows over the years than I can count. But this one I will remember for ever! This one was "live to tell the tale"...

And we did. And we will! For a long, looong time...

Written by I.