Sunrise Avenue in Berlin: An emotional roller coaster ride to say goodbye
concert in Berlin
Sunrise Avenue: Farewell to an emotional roller coaster ride
The Finns around Samu Haber stop at the Mercedes-Benz Arena on their farewell tour. An emotional and exuberant farewell.
Berlin. The charismatic keyboard sounds give way to a distinctive guitar picking, while the drums drive everyone along with a rich beat. And the Mercedes-Benz Arena is totally freaking out. Because everyone knows that one of Sunrise Avenue’s biggest hits is coming up now: “Livesaver”. The jubilation in the sold-out hall could hardly be greater. Only the sea of lights with its thousands of mobile phone twinkles is more overwhelming when singer Samu Haber intones the gentle “Home”.
In any case, the main focus is on the front man, who has won a huge fan base in Germany as a coach on the show “The Voice of Germany”. Of course he’s still the center of attention. From a purely visual point of view. While the bandmates have opted for plain black, frontman Samu Haber’s outfit stands out. The blonde hair is now chin-length. In addition, a red and black checkered complete lumberjack shirt for the jeans look. But the 46-year-old could also carry a potato sack. The screaming level of the mostly female fans wouldn’t be any lower.
The cell phone lights are glowing and two neon green hearts are flashing in front of the stage, while the crowd can’t decide whether to say a melancholy goodbye or to celebrate a boisterous party. Due to the pandemic, Sunrise Avenue fans had to wait more than two years for the farewell tour “Thank You For Everything”. Now joy and sadness are close together.
Sunrise Avenue in Berlin: rocking guitars, pop ballads, stadium anthems
For some, the last concert in Berlin by the five Finns is an emotional roller coaster ride. But for most it is a happy farewell. With rocking guitars, pop ballads, stadium anthems, beautiful visuals and a band in the best of moods. At “Forever Yours” an enormous number of women hold up colorful slips of paper with just that promise. Apparently the last chance to draw attention to himself, especially womanizer Samu Haber. sorry girls The man just wants to make music. One last lap before the band-off.
Sunrise Avenue announced their dissolution in 2019. In an interview with “Stern” two weeks ago, Samu Haber said: “I wanted to finish this project alone – the rest could only accept it. With this I unfortunately change my future plans in all probability, but it’s my way and I’m not the servant of others or obligated to them. I want to make the most of my years.” Haber wants to start a solo career with songs in Finnish after the end of the Sunrise era.
Samu Haber: a fabulous live performer
First of all, however, he presents himself as a fabulous live performer with his mostly dark multi-octave voice. Just like his bandmates. The quintet ignites a rousing, energetic musical firework display, which naturally includes the chart-breakers “Nothing Is Over” and “Hollywood Hills”. Sunrise Avenue finally sweetens the pain of parting.
On the other hand, the applause lasting several minutes will not end afterwards. Hardly a spectator leaves the hall. The band runs across the proscenium into the middle of the audience, which they have been celebrating frenetically for many years. The emotional connection between the band and the audience is palpable. That’s exactly what makes this farewell sweet and sad at the same time.