Good evening! I have just returned back from the fan club party. At first I’d like to thank everyone for good advices. The most helpful was an advice concerning coming earlier. I was near Kulturfabrik at 10.30.

I suppose, that the site’s administration has already asked someone to write the detailed report about today’s event in Koblenz. I’m not going to win others’ laurels; I’d like just to share my observations with you. And in order to make my story more convenient I’ll divide it for separate chapters.

ORGANIZATION.

As far as I heard, last year it was not completely perfect. I cannot judge, because I didn’t see it, but this time I liked everything very much. Probably, Kulturfabrik is better place, than “Music...something” last year, which is closed now.

The first part, photo session, has started, as it was promised, at 13.00. People were let in before the noon in order to avoid freezing. At that time there were around 200 people gathered outside. In the spacious cafe one could have sandwiches and some drink. The prices were quite nice; during the party I could have hot black tea (for 1,5 euro each) 4 times.

Before, after and during the photo session one could buy some souvenirs. I’ve bought a couple of splendid throw-over calendar for 2006 with Thomas’ picture (15 euro each), a puppy in a tiny t-shirt with Thomas’ picture (10 euro) and 3 lottery tickets for 1 euro each.

It was an all-prize lottery. When all prizes were raffled off, Guido Karp suggested exchanging all residuary tickets for prizes. I’ve received a t-shirt “Modern Talking” and two Thomas’ pictures. Others could receive posters and CDs (MT and Thomas’ solo).

The hall turned to be very comfortable. There was a small stage in the center, and all main events have happened there. When Thomas was absent, the free space was joyfully occupied by Alexander. A small Anders took part in lottery actively; he’s an attaboy!

Everything was thought over in details, perfectly. There were around 500 guests, but it was not too crowded – no jam at all. It’s enough to mention that in a half of an hour after the end of the party all Kulturfabrik was empty.

The amazing fact – about 85% (or even more) were Germans. It has created a problem: Thomas spoke German solely, and my German is... more than poor. My Spanish and English were out of use. Well, that’s my own problem.

There were 10 or more Russians, a small delegation from Barcelona, some Hungarians, Poles, even one Canadian. Thomas joked a lot, telling us about the newcomers. When one girl turned out to be from Ukraine, he was surprised: “How on Earth could you get to here? You have no gas there!” There was one guest from Iran. Thomas made a wry face: “Not from Iraq? Good; otherwise, you know, anything might have happened!”

And now I’ll tell about the main heroes.

GUIDO KARP

An excellent organizer. I know, that his methods of work are not popular among others; however, these methods help Thomas to concentrate on his creative work and not to be diverted for trinkets.

Of course, he came first (around 11.30) and explained about the proper behavior during the party, repeating it on English. He repeated several times, that all audio and video recording was prohibited, since the new album was supposed to be put out in three months.

When Thomas performed “A very special feeling”, Guido carried out an unplanned appearance on the stage.

“Someone has decided to turn a deaf ear to me! – he said with a ferocious face, shaking a camera. – Well, this time I’ll take away the chip. Next time I’ll take off the camera. I’m not joking!”

Everyone understood that Guido was far from joking, and didn’t dare doing the same.

I was mostly interested in the fan club membership question. I was not sure I’ll be admitted to enter without an invitation letter. So, I asked Guido as soon as he’s appeared near the Kulturfabrik. He reassured us that all newcomers would be let in.

After the party I had one more talk with him and came to know, that the fan club doesn’t exist anymore. All guests were being suggested to leave their addresses. “It’s to enable us to inform you about our next undertakings. See you soon!” – Guido said while leaving the club. He was proud of himself – well, everything was truly nice.

CLAUDIA

In order to understand, how happy Thomas’ choice was, one just has to look at this lady IN LIFE, not in pictures or videos. Claudia is surrounded by a very special aura; she has a charming smile and very kind eyes. It’s a true luck to meet such a person!

I was lucky – a German, standing right beside me in line, took the fancy of Karp, and Guido asked him for help in exchange for convenient seats. This neighbor has reserved a seat for me, and finally I’ve found myself near the privileged seats with respective nameplates on them. And now, when Thomas started to answer questions, Claudia appeared and sat down right in front of me! She seated Alexander on her knees, but he turned to stroll along the rows.

During the small intermission I noticed Claudia in the cafe and decided to interrupt her and to ask for taking picture (on English).

“I’ll fulfill your request for sure, but five minutes later, ok?” – she asked.

In 5 or ten minutes I passed by this table again, and noticed from afar that Thomas’ wife had a conversation with the same people. That’s why I decided not to disturb her anymore. How, then, I was amazed, when Claudia waved her arm at me: “Now I’m ready. Sorry for my previous refusal – I just took a seat in order to talk with my friends. I hope you’re enjoying the party?”

These words overwhelmed me completely. We saw each other for the first time; she’s a wife of the party’s hero, and I was just one of the quests (even without an invitation letter). And still she has apologized to me! By the way, the picture was perfect.

One more detail. When Thomas was singing, I took a look at her few times. My God, how did she look at him!

THOMAS

He did his job perfectly. Last year Altamann, my new acquaintance, was amazed by Thomas’ ability to stand so long-out photo session. This time, as I said, there were much more people, and the photo session took almost three hours. However, Thomas could endure it, understanding, how important it was for these people to take picture together with their idol.

I was 97th who entered an extempore studio. I shook hands with Thomas and said:

- Thank you for all that you’re doing!

- You’re very welcome, - Anders said in response. The rest 500 and more people could hear something similar, I suppose. Then I asked him to sign my newly bought calendar and puppy-toy. Thomas signed them after suggestion to take picture. As it was a year ago, this process was performed by Guido Karp. And the picture’s quality was perfect, I say.

After the small pause Thomas started to answer the questions; it took a long time. The questions were prearranged and ad lib, from the audience. Unfortunately, because of my poor German I cannot tell you anything. The main news, according to the translation of my Austrian neighbor – Thomas is planning to put out two DVD with songs, concerts, interviews and so on. I hope that others, who know German better, will tell about it in details.

During the first part of the party Thomas was dressed in club jacket and jeans. And during the final part – in the stunning light suit (oh God, I’d like to have the same!)

NO RETURN TO THE PAST?

We have approached stealthily to the most interesting point – to the new album; the songs from it were performed during the party. I tell you – I don’t like to thrust my opinion on anyone, so don’t expect any appraisals from me. Probably, this site’ haunters will tell you more, highlight key points and start a discussion. I’ll touch upon this subject a tiny bit. All the more, after the party we discussed it with some Russian fellows, and our opinions were divided.

Obviously, this album makes it clear: Thomas is diverging from MT style further and further. By the way, during the party he criticized the lyrics of ex-native band (he said there’re always the same rhymes: “emotion-devotion”, “heaven-seven” and so on).

The new album, to all appearances, will not have so-called “fast songs”. The majority of these songs are light and quiet, and some of them were performed by other singers earlier. I didn’t expect to hear “Cry for help” (Rick Astley), “Is this love” (Whitesnake), “All around the world” (Lisa Stansfield) and some other old songs, interpreted by Thomas. I liked all of them very much! Beautiful and melodic ballads were decorated even more by Thomas’ unique voice and perfect performance. Of course, we’d like to have more completely new songs, but what’s to be done?

We may like or dislike it, but Thomas has changed. And this is one of my personal conclusions, which I made this year on January, 7 in Koblenz. He is changing his style and delves into more serious music. I suppose, soon this issue will become the subject of wide speculation on this site.

The second conclusion: I have to go to next party for sure! It was a splendid festival, and I’ve got a great positive emotional impact.

Obviously, this party was of great importance for Thomas. He wanted to speak his mind, to share his future plans and to check, how the audience would appreciate his new songs. Otherwise he wouldn’t perform them that evening.

“It is an absolute premiere” – Thomas underlined before the performance at the end.

I’m sure that this party didn’t bring anything in return. I don’t know how much they spent for 24-hrs rent of Kulturfabrik, and so-called petty expenses in addition... However, as it seemed to me, Thomas’ team did their best to help people avoid spending up. The entrance ticket cost only 12 euro, and the desired pictures with Thomas, made by Guido Karp, were completely free, can you imagine? Obviously, people were ready to pay much more! As I said, the prices for souvenirs and snack were quite cheap. Well, there was a checkroom for 1 euro, which was functioning from noon until the last visitor. “Of course, you can leave your things for free, but if you pay a euro, I guarantee: after the party you’ll receive your stuff back” – Guido explained. One could feel the respect towards the guests in everything. And it was one of the reasons, why the party was so successful.

I could have written a lot, but I’d like to save something for other witnesses. I could have a chance to use the computer with Russian support, so I decided to share my impression forthwith.

Thank you for your attention.

P.S: During the party Thomas performed three songs, which will not be included in the new album. One of them has touched me so deeply, that I’m already anxious in my attempts to find it...