Just as thin as the thin line between insanity and genius there's an equally thin line between a true guitar-hero and just a know-it-all. There's no doubts that Paul Gilbert qualifies as the first, there's not many out that that beats his technique and ability to bend strings. He's been proving that over two decades, first in guitar-crazy metal act RACER X, then in Hair-Heroes MR BIG and last but not least his solo career.

His more than humble appearance don't give away much, he actually looks really plain ala mid 90's Grunge when he entered the stage, like my style's no style type of outfit. Ok, besides the huge headphones though (which makes him look like something from out of this world), and that is until he starts playing. Then his appearance switches over to something supernatural. When he gets going he's creating monsters or perhaps aliens if you like. There was the following comment on the 'SwedenRock' forum after the concerts; After this I actually believe in aliens because no human can play like that and that describes everything really well.

I really admire Paul's ability to entertain, he kept everyone's interest on top for more than two hours with his mainly instrumental music. The setlist only featured a few songs with vocals but it wasn't boring for a second so most of the night was instrumental. I don't know if the crowd was stunned by his playing because marble statues in the front row didn't really do anything. I can get it that you want to focus on the music 100% and study what this genius does but doing that you should at least look interested. The ones that actually were having a good time were treated with angry faces. Come on, this is still entertainment even if you went to the concert to study some outstanding guitar playing. I don't get that attitude but I guess it's very common among guitar players, they seem to be very territorial and very egocentric. Normally it is possible to squeeze in to the front for a few photos but not here. From seconds after the doors were opened the first 5 rows were completely packed and there was no chances in hell those people were going to move an inch. Perhaps, I should have planned everything a little better and been there earlier but the point is that the atmosphere was very different from normal concerts.

Burning Organ featured a duel between Paul and his wife Emi Gilbert and it was a heavy, DEEP PURPLE smelling song that gave Emi the chance to shine too. Her appearance made it almost impossible to believe that she would be capable of Hammond-playing as heavy as Jon Lord, but she did and she looked absolutely satisfied doing it.
This is a song in B-flat Paul informs us. Who the hell writes a song in B Flat? That's just the weirdest key to play in. The introductions of the songs have been really thrifty but here Paul gave us the full story. It doesn't sound weird at all of course, but to get the story behind it was really much fun and brought on laughter among everyone present. Unfortunately, I don't know Paul's music well enough and the story isn't as good without the song-title but that's the way it is. And now the front-row had lightened up a little. Ok, 20% still looked bored but at least 50% looked elated 20% really happy and the rest just dejected. Guess it takes a guitar hero to get the guitar-nerds started and to make the same laugh (or cry perhaps).

The only concern I had was the mix of the setlist. To me there was a little too much blues and too little metal. Paul's back-catalogue is massive and holds really high standard and it's a shame it's left to dust in on some shelf. I doubt anyone would have objected against him changing the MR BIG-hits in benefit for some more, to the masses, unknown material. Sure, he has to play Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy to be able to show off with the power tools but I'm sure that could be featured in another song too. Mr. Gilbert was truly amazing to watch and those +2 hours flew by way to fast. I bet the rest of the people at Debaser agrees with me and are already looking forward to his next visit with the same great excitement as I am.

Paul absolutely deserved the response he got and I hope he'll get even more the next time he steer his tour-bus to these northerly latitude. Then he might get a bigger stage and more than the first two rows can see what he's doing to his guitars.

(photos by Merciless Erika)

PAUL GILBERT