On Saturday, the 1st of December, Chris's concert during the Close Up Tour took place at the Schwarzl Centre in Unterpremstaetten near Graz in Austria. I had two tickets, one for me and one for my dad who saw Chris for the first time live.

To be honest, I was a little bit sceptical. I am not a big fan of string music and I needed to hear Chris's new album for several times until I liked it. But Chris and the string quartet convinced me within a few minutes. It was a very special event. A great show with pure music. Chris's voice is sensational. His new arrangements of the old songs was surprising and unbelievable good. And the best was to hear songs, which he didn't for a very long time.

Please find below a set list:

Hello Baby (the best opener!), Love Not War, I'll Meet You At Midnight, If You Think You Know Hot To Love Me, Baby It's You, Mexican Girl, Lay Back, Some Hearts Are Diamonds, No Arms Can Ever Hold You, Stranger, Lady Blue, Sleep Alone Tonight, Catch Your Dream, Lay Me Down, Baby I Call Your Name, The Boxer, Things We Said Today, Don't Play Your Rock'n'Roll To Me, Midnight Lady, All Shook Up, When The Night Has Turned Cold, Dangerous Heart, Lost In Flight, Living Next Door To Alice, Million Miles To Nowhere, All Day All Night, ... (I'm not quite sure, if I have listed all songs!)

While Chris performed the “good old Smokie songs” the audience clapped the hands, and some of us sang along with Chris. But everyone stayed on the seats. Until Chris wanted us to stand up and to shake. This was the sign for the real Chris fans. Within a second we were right in front of the stage and enjoyed the rest of this extraordinary evening face to face with Chris (and the girls of the Fiorini Quartets and the piano player – which are all very good musicians).

Two hours went by so fast, and the concert was over. But we all have our memories of an unforgettable evening and once again of a wonderful time with Chris.

There is one thing I want to mention at the end of my report: my dad was keen on Chris and his music. My dad is 70! So it is confirmed once more: Chris has fans at every age! He is simply THE BEST!