1973/08/24
Embryo in Reading - Interview with Christian Burchard
As the first German group ever, Embryo managed to get a place in the star list of the Reading Festival. This probably most legendary British festival has helped Jethro Tull, Rory Gallagher's Taste and the Dutch Focus to achieve a major breakthrough in recent years. Why should Embryo not make it this year! At least they have the necessary experience and qualities, they are always open to the latest musical influences and always willing to play progressive, interesting music. They have proven this not only on each of their 4 fantastic LP's so far, their live performances are also a valuable gem in the German rock scene. MusikExpress immediately spoke with drummer and last original Embryo-member Christian Burchard about the success and the impressions of this performance.
ME: How did you manage to leave most of the English groups behind and get a fixed place in the reading program?
Christian Burchard: Our manager was over there with a brand-new tape of us to maybe sell it there. The people from Radio Luxemburg, for example Kid Jensen, heard it and were crazy about it. They wanted to buy it for their publishing house, but at that time I had already given it to BASF here in Germany! Because the Luxemburg guys were so enthusiastic and also had something to do with the selection for the Festival, we managed to get a gig. Only because of this tape it worked out. We were surprised ourselves, because we really didn't expect it.
ME: How were you received as the first German group there?
It was incredibly good and the people were really fired up. The disadvantage was that we opened the whole festival (3 days), but at least 40.000 people were already standing in front of us at that time. Also many Germans were among them, who shouted our names during the songs, just insane! We didn't stay long after the gig, but I think we were the only ones who played a little bit more freely, so that people could fully join in. Unfortunately there were no encores possible! It was all so well organized, and everyone had exactly 45 minutes time for their songs, no matter who it was!
ME: In which line-up did you perform over there?
We were three people. Roman Bunka on guitar and other string instruments, Jimmy Jackson on keyboards and me on drums, xylophone and percussion. Shortly before the gig our pianist, Dieter Miekautsch, unfortunately left the band. Now at the end of September we want to build up a permanent line-up, which will hopefully stay together for a while longer.
From: "MusikExpress", october 1973