22 March 2003, Stuttgart, Germany

Procol pictures from Hans Volkhardt

A great concert in Stuttgart, Villa Berg, Germany. The concert took place in a radio music hall (SWR), so the acoustic was very good. Gary and the band were in good humour. They had much fun on stage. I think it was the longest concert on the European tour 2003. The concert was sold out, about 800 spectators. I met old whaler-friend Hermann, what a pleasure.

Gary at his Roland electric piano. Three metres behind him there was a grand piano. It was a pity that he didn’t play on it as in former days

Goeff with his white 'Fender', always smiling.

Matt with his 5-string bass, singing backing vocals

Matt and Maf. The only photo of Maf I could take, because the audience in front of the stage
was too crowded. I couldn’t come nearer to Maf.

Mark behind his mighty drum kit. He’s becoming better every year;
the best part he played was A Salty Dog and Conquistator.

Maf’s Hammond with the Synth on top. I took this photo after the concert.

Nearly the whole equipment of Procol: Gary’s RD600 piano, Geoff’s three guitars,
Mark’s mighty drum kit and Matt’s five-string bass.

The fans from Landau: from left to right: Whaler Peter, Armin (fan of Geoff), my wife Doris, Peter’s girlfriend Dani and me (Whaler/Paler Hans). We had made the banner with the inscription "Chiddingfold 95, Redhill 97". After the encores I put the banner on stage to get it signed by the band, but they ignored it. I must admit: I was a little bit disappointed.

50 minutes of the concert were to be broadcast on Easter Monday on SWR 1 (German radio station): see here for details.

Thanks, Hans!