Growing up in the 80s, I was a big fan of Modern Talking, the German pop duo from Berlin (then still West Berlin) comprising Dieter Bohlen and Thomas Anders. Their debut standalone single, You're My Heart, You're My Soul, was a top 10 hit around the world and earned them a huge following, mainly in Europe and South America; in fact, they are the biggest-selling German music act in history. Their distinctive pop sound and falsetto choruses defined an era and their legacy has endured well into the 21st century, despite splitting up for good in 2003. Other huge hits for the duo include Cheri Cheri Lady, Brother Louie and Geronimo's Cadillac, all of which were played constantly on various radio stations I used to listen to.
I was both surprised and excited when Anders announced "an evening of Euro Dance music entertainment" in NYC, featuring fellow 80s German icon, Sandra. Sandra had several hit singles such as (I'll Never Be) Maria Magdalena, In the Heat of the Night and Everlasting Love. With record sales around the world, even outselling Madonna in some countries, she established herself as the most successful German female vocalist. In addition to her solo success, she was also part of the musical project Enigma between 1990 and 2001.
I secured tickets to the show at the start of 2020 before Covid shut down all parties that year (and some the following year). The concert finally took place this weekend, two years after its initial scheduled date, at the lavish United Palace Theater.
Before I get to the actual show, I have to mention some things I did not care for. Firstly, I could have done without the MC/hype guy before each artist took to the stage. There are only so many times an audience can be asked if they are "ready" and instructed to "make some noise" before it gets old - and that time is one. It would have been better to let the DJ continue spinning his 80s tracks until the stage was set up. Secondly, much of the audience was annoying AF. It was an older crowd, some sporting the same hairdos and make-up they did in the 80s, so I was expecting more considerate concert conduct. I was mistaken. A special mention to the insufferable foursome two rows behind me, who yelled their conversation to each other for much of the show. Then there were those who strolled in throughout Sandra's set, giving zero fucks about their disruption.
Obnoxious, common audience behaviour aside, Sanda and Thomas Alexander were fantastic. From the opening notes of Sandra's (I'll Never Be) Maria Magdalena, I was transported back in time to my childhood and trying to record her songs from the radio on my tape recorder. Some of my favourites included In The Heat Of The Night, Everlasting Love, Hi! Hi! Hi!, Johnny Wanna Live and Heaven Can Wait. She looked and sounded amazing; it was also great to see projections of her original music videos on the screen.
The charming Thomas kept the party going with a setlist filled with Modern Talking hits as well as a few songs from his solo career and latest solo album, Cosmic, which sees a contemporary twist on the signature Modern Talking sound. Some of the highlights from the setlist included: Geronimo's Cadillac, Atlantis Is Calling (S.O.S. For Love), No Face No Name No Number, You're My Heart, You're My Soul and Brother Louie. He too performed with vibrant projections behind him, including some lyric videos - which came in handy with Brother Louie since I never know the lyrics of the chorus and just sing "chewy chewy chewy". One thing is certain: after 40 years in the industry, he still knows how to excite his fans and show them a good time.
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