Bonfire are one of the most enduring melodic rock acts still around today. Having now been entertaining audiences around the world for over 20 years, it seems like a perfect time to release a new live DVD, this one filmed during their blistering slot at last year’s Firefest 3 festival, as part of their Double X tour.  

As well as the full Firefest set, there’s also a whole bunch of superb extras which I’ll get to in a minute.  

But first the Firefest set. As anyone who was there will tell you, Bonfire put on a superb show on the day and this has been brilliantly captured on this DVD, which must be one of the best filmed I’ve ever seen. Both picture and sound are crystal clear from the 8 cameras on duty.

The first highlight for me is “Never Mind”, which was when the gig really kicked into top gear, with vocalist Claus Lessmann showing everyone why he is so highly regarded in the genre. Not only is he a brilliant singer, but he also always comes across like he’s really enjoying it and that transmits very much to the audience.

Other tracks worthy of mention are the seldom played “Tony’s Roulette” and of course anything from the seminal Fireworks release. 20 years on and that album still contains some of the finest melodic rock tracks I’ve ever heard and which the audience absolutely lap up live.

The final couple of songs, “Ready 4 Reaction” and “Bang Down The Door” round the set off perfectly and to a hugely enthusiastic reaction from all those in attendance. Most people present were probably already aware of, if not already fans of the band but I am sure they would have converted anyone who had not previously crossed paths with them. A fantastic set and a great reminder of an awesome day.

And so to the extras. On the copy I had to review, there are 5 promo videos, followed by a previously unreleased trio of live songs from 2002 and some behind the scenes footage taken at Firefest. On the blurb that accompanies the release, it states that there are also two other short live sets (one acoustic and one under the Rock For Asia banner) equating to another seven live songs. Altogether that would mean 15 extra songs on top of the main Firefest set, which certainly represents extremely good value for money in my book.

I would unhesitatingly recommend this DVD to all fans of Bonfire (obviously !!), melodic rock in general and anyone who went to Firefest 3 to tide them over until this year’s installment!!

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Track Listing

Day 911
But We Still Rock
Never Mind
Under Blue Skies
Hot To Rock
Don`t Touch The Light
Tony`s Roulette
Give It A Try
American Nights
Hard On Me
Sweet Obsession
Ready 4 Reaction
Bang Down The Door
Starin`Eyes
Sweet Obsession
Sleeping All Alone
Hard On Me
Sword And Stone
Sweet Home Alabama
Proud Of My Country
Under Blue Skies

Line Up

Claus Lessmann - Vocals
Hans Ziller - Guitar
Uwe Kohler - Bass
Jurgen Wehler - Drums
Chris Limburg - Guitar