Actually, you should now be reading a review about the return of Red Sand in 't Blok. But unfortunately this Canadian band had cancelled all performances in Europe except the Poland shows. The Dutch concert could therefore not take place either. Very unfortunate. But don't worry, fortunately there was someone who was prepared to step in at short notice and fill the empty spot on the stage. This hero is the French flamboyant musician Franck Carducci and his great band The Fantastic Squad. As perhaps not everyone knows, he has already performed on this beautiful stage 6 times. The last time they did so was last year in May (see review). Of course it is not a punishment to attend their concerts. On the contrary. It is always a party when Carducci and his companions enter the stage. And this time was no exception. Unfortunately now for the last time, because the ProgFrog organization

Franck Carducci (►more photos)

has decided to stop and maybe organize something every now and then in the following years to come. Too bad because they did a great job, but that's the way it is. Nothing can be changed and that is why it was perhaps a doubly enjoyable performance on this sunny Sunday afternoon in 't Blok.

It soon became apparent that the same show as last year would be done by the musicians on the very small stage. So the same strong show with the same beautiful songs was performed to the many fans who had thrown themselves in front of the stage. A show with the same effects and gimmicks on stage as I had seen last year. I will not go into detail this time around because that would mean I would simply copy my own review from last year.

But I can tell you that this time the musician again wore outrageous costumes and entertained the crowd in front of them all the way through their performance. Mary Reynaud again let the Theremin speak with her body during the great performance of The Betrayal Of Blue. Thanks to Mary the original long version of Artificial Paradises could be enjoyed as well. Because it's one of her favourites. Unfortunately she did not put on laser lights on her hands which she usually uses during the short version of A Brief Tale Of Time. After the show she told me they were broken. But compared to the last time at this venue Mary wore the LED light wings again when the band played her own composition The Angel. Also her role as a hooker during Alice's Eerie

Angel Mary Renaud (►more photos)

Dream was performed again in the mirror dress. The song had the Right Round guitar solo ending done by the brilliant guitarist Barth Sky. Also Léa Fernandez again during the intro of Torn Apart played an excellent short drum solo. Furthermore, the same brand new pieces of music were played. Meaning I could again enjoy The Limits Of Freedom and Love Or Survive (with band introduction).

Once again words can hardly describe what happens during a Carducci concert. You just have to see it yourself with your own eyes to believe what is happening on stage when all of the musicians are jumping around and playing their parts in an excellent way. Franck Carducci & The Fantastic Squad has become a well-oiled musical machine who are out there to entertain you all the way through. Even if it was for the seventh time at this venue myself and all the other visitors had again an incredible time seeing a band in great shape. As said before it is not a punishment to attend their concerts. On the contrary. It is always a party when Carducci and his companions enter the stage. Also again thanks to the amazing Progfrog team for bringing Franck Carducci and his friends to the Netherlands. Like Franck you are the true heroes once again!

Henri Strik (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen)