dArtagnan Brings Musketeer Rock to Life in Linz
Heart and soul is the name of the Nuremberg band’s current sixth album Musketeer Rock – Band dArtagnan. These guys didn’t just bring their new album to Linz; they hoisted a flag, rolled out the barrels, and launched a veritable piratical fiesta! Support on this magnificent adventure came from the spirited Storm Seeker.
A Hard-Drinking Crowd and the Joy of Musketeer Rock
Now, let’s face it: there are concerts where you can spot the innkeeper behind the Posthof bar grinning from ear to ear. And why not? When dArtagnan is in the house, you know it’s going to be a raucous good time—you could swim in the beer. If “Musketeer Rock” sounds like a genre crafted by over-caffeinated medieval history buffs, that’s because it is! Ben Metzner and his band of merry men really know how to attract a hard-drinking crowd with their catchy hooks and anthemic choruses.
Storm Seeker: The Perfect Opening Act
As if that weren’t enough, we had Storm Seeker opening the show, a lovely bunch hailing from Neuss in northern Germany. Pirates? Check. Catchy choruses like “Row Row Row”? Double-check. If they didn’t quite manage a full hour of rocking out, they sure got the room warmed up for the main event. Let’s just say, if they had more time, we might all have ended up in a grand sea shanty singalong!
Power-Up with dArtagnan!
And then arrives the grand spectacle: dArtagnan! No introduction needed for these legends—at least not unless you’ve been living under a rock. The crowd was whipped into a frenzy from the very first note of Freedom & Death, which apparently does not involve any actual freedom OR death, just a lot of happy dancing. Replace “freedom” with “beers” and you’ll get the idea. Their set was a whopping one and a half hours long of pure bliss, featuring new tracks from Heart and Soul, including Musketeers and Call of Freedom. Did I mention they threw in a raucous version of Hey Brother? Somebody call Avicii’s ghost, ’cause there was plenty of life in that room!
Chaos and Cheer: A Night to Remember
And let’s not forget the classics like Three Black Riders and Farewell that got people singing away their Saturday night sorrows. There was rowing in the hall—yes, actual rowing, perhaps to mimic that adventurous spirit and help the beer go down smoother! On occasion, the set could have used a lull or two, just between you and me. A moment to catch your breath… maybe chug a pint or two as the crowd collectively decided how many headaches they’d be nursing the next day. That “What should we drink?” question? All answers lead only to “Yes” when dArtagnan is in town!
A Fantastic Concert Experience
So, ladies and gentlemen, if ever you find yourself in the presence of dArtagnan, just remember: it’s not just a concert; it’s a wonderfully chaotic experience that leaves you with happy memories—and possibly an empty wallet. But hey, what are birthdays for, if not to celebrate life as gracefully as a drunken sailor trying to balance on a tightrope?
Photos: Christoph Leeb
Heart and soul is the title of the Nuremberg band’s latest sixth album, Musketeer Rock – Band dArtagnan, which they showcased during an electrifying performance in Linz last Thursday. The evening was further enlivened by the captivating support act, Storm Seeker.
There are concerts where you can easily spot the beaming smile of the innkeeper behind the Posthof bar, and this was one of those nights. It comes as no surprise that dArtagnan draws an enthusiastic, lively crowd, known for their hearty spirits. Fronted by the charismatic Ben Metzner, dArtagnan proudly represents their own unique genre: Musketeer Rock. Echoing the famous motto of solidarity, One for all, all for one – the atmosphere in the Posthof Hall on this Thursday evening was vibrant. Although the venue was not completely sold out, it was impressively filled with fans eager to revel in the music. Kicking off the night was Storm Seeker, hailing from Neuss in northern Germany, whose sound seamlessly complements dArtagnan’s style. The band, embracing a pirate theme, previewed their energetic set with songs like Row Row Row which hinted at the high-energy performance that dArtagnan would deliver later. Tracks like Set The Sails showcased their knack for catchy melodies, making for an enjoyable first appearance in the Austrian Alps. We would gladly welcome them back, ideally with a longer set next time!
dArtagnan: always fun
Clearly, dArtagnan requires no introduction to the audience in this concert hall. From the moment they launched into Freedom & Death, they had the crowd completely engaged; as the saying goes, they had them gecatcht. For those present, it was an hour and a half of sheer bliss. The evening placed a spotlight on their new record Heart and soul, featuring riveting tracks such as Musketeers, and Call of Freedom, culminating in a stunning rendition of Avicii’s beloved song, Hey Brother. Of course, beloved classics like Three Black Riders and Farewell were woven into the fabric of the set. At the heart of the event was a raucous atmosphere, with concertgoers rowing along to the beat like never before. While there may have been one or two moments that could have endured a bit more energy, the band’s electrifying stage presence more than made up for it, as did the devoted fans, leaving the venue with joyful expressions, and perhaps a few headaches the following day. When asked What should we drink, the resounding answer from the crowd was a jubilant “Yes!” Such moments are integral to the essence of dArtagnan, ensuring that a concert is not merely a performance but a celebration that leaves fans truly satisfied.
Photos: Christoph Leeb
**Interview with Ben Metzner, Frontman of dArtagnan**
**Interviewer:** Ben, welcome! Congratulations on a fantastic concert in Linz. How does it feel to be back on stage showcasing your new album, *Musketeer Rock*?
**Ben Metzner:** Thank you! It feels absolutely energizing! We put our heart and soul into this album, and it’s amazing to see the crowd respond with such enthusiasm. When we hit that first note of *Freedom & Death*, the energy in the room was electric—just what we were hoping for!
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the energy in the room. How do you cultivate that special environment during your concerts?
**Ben Metzner:** It’s all about creating a sense of togetherness. Our music is about celebrating life, freedom, and camaraderie—much like the spirit of the Musketeers. When the audience joins in, singing along, it transforms the show into a communal experience. We want them to let loose and enjoy every moment!
**Interviewer:** Speaking of communal experience, tonight you had *Storm Seeker* warming up the crowd. What do you think of their performance?
**Ben Metzner:** They were fantastic! Their pirate theme and catchy songs really set the stage for what we were about to unleash. It’s always great to have a supportive opening act that knows how to engage the crowd. I think they got everyone in the perfect mood for a night of Musketeer Rock!
**Interviewer:** Your performance was quite the spectacle—there was even actual rowing in the hall! How do such fun elements contribute to the overall experience?
**Ben Metzner:** (laughs) Exactly! We love to incorporate fun and chaos into our shows. Rowing in the hall? Why not! It keeps the spirit adventurous and playful, which is what our music is all about. We want everyone to leave with memories of a night filled with joy, laughter, and maybe a bit of reckless abandon!
**Interviewer:** Your new tracks, like *Musketeers* and *Call of Freedom*, resonated with the audience. What do you hope listeners take away from the album?
**Ben Metzner:** We hope they feel inspired and uplifted. *Musketeer Rock* is all about the joy of living in the moment and sharing experiences with others. We want our audience to feel like they belong to something bigger when they listen to our music. It’s a celebration of life, friendship, and all those little adventures that make life worth living!
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a blast! Is there anything you’d like to say to your fans who came out to see you perform?
**Ben Metzner:** Just a huge thank you! Your energy fuels us on stage, and we wouldn’t be able to do this without you. We hope you had as much fun as we did. And remember, we’ll see you on the next adventure!
**Interviewer:** Thanks for your time, Ben! We look forward to seeing more from dArtagnan and wish you all the best with your tour.
**Ben Metzner:** Thank you! It was a pleasure chatting with you. Cheers!