2007: A Golden Year for Music Legends in Bulgaria

Standart daily, Dimitar Bozhanov, Jan 02 2008

2007 is no doubt a golden year for music legends. In Sofia George Michael, Glenn Hughes, "Supermax" and Europe raised their voices to support the Bulgarian medics in Libya.

We bid farewell to one of the starriest years in the musical history of Bulgaria. So many spectacular pop, rock and jazz events Bulgaria has never hosted. Within 12 months alone the most legendary names of the world show business were on the bills across the country. All, however, had one unifying motto "You Are Not Alone." George Michael, Glenn Hughes, Europe and Hot Chocolate joined the initiative in support of the Bulgarian medics in Libya. The whole world has heard their voices.
No doubt, the top event was the mega concert of George Michael who devoted a song to the medics' cause, he brought to feet 30,000 Bulgarians who sang Freedom along with him.
The legendary rockers of Europe also sang for the medics' freedom. Joey Tempest was so moved by their drama that he broke one of the key principles of the group, to sing only for entertainment. The group performed "Open Your Heart" with deep feeling.

The legendary Supermax also supported the Bulgarian cause, later Eruption and and Hot Chocolate also joined in the initiative.
The jazz lords of Mezzoforte were not indifferent to the fate of the Benghazi Six either and backed them with a spectacular concert in Sofia.
The legendary Glenn Hughes came to Sofia to celebrate the happy end of the Libyan drama with a great concert. Another occasion for his visit was the birthday of The Standart. "I'm very grateful to The Standart for this glorious evening. The main reason for my visit is the happy comeback of the Bulgarian medics home," said Glenn before 30.000-strong audience.
In 2007, Bulgaria welcomed a pleiad of world's greatest musical stars: the legends from Iron Maiden and Deep Purple made unforgettable gigs for their Bulgarian fans. The musicians from Manowar sang the Bulgarian anthem in Bulgarian language. The revived band of Black Sabbath, under the name Heaven And Hell, as well as the unforgettable heavy metal band Motorhead staged concerts in the Bulgarian capital.
Ronnie James Dio welcomed 2007 in the beautiful seaside town of Kavarna and even asked town's mayor Tsonko Tsonkov to give him an autograph. Thus the mayor of Kavarna turned to be the first man in the world whom Dio asked for an autograph. Vocalist of Led Zeppelin Robert Plant made a spectacular summer concert in the same resort.
The show of Foreigner at Festivalna Hall in Sofia was incredible: 30 years after its establishment, the band visited the Bulgarian capital for the first time to give a hard-rock lesson to the musical world. Vaya Con Dios, Placebo, INXS, Joe Lynn Turner, Alphaville, Gary Moore, Boney M and Robin Gibb dedicated time and talent to their Bulgarian fans.
The jazz lovers in Bulgaria enjoyed the wonderful performances of stars like Bela Fleck, Chick Corea, George Benson, Billy Cobem and Marcus Miller.
To put it shortly - 2007 was a unique musical year.