European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - April 11, 1990, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Caught in the acts amps Michael Abrams Rock legend David Bowie on his Way out David Bowie has kept his Promise. That s the Best thing one can say about his current show. In a press conference in London at the Start of his world tour in March the British Rock Star announced that he would concentrate exclusively on the biggest hits of his More than 20-year career. It would be the last Chance fans would get to hear the old songs in concert the Singer vowed. Whether Bowie will Ever play the songs on stage again or whether his announcement was just a ploy to sell More tickets this time remains to be seen. The fact is bowies concert at the fest Halle in Frankfurt West Germany last week was indeed a greatest hits compilation featuring some 20 songs from throughout his career. Bowie supposedly chose the songs for each concert from a Telephone Call in service that allowed fans to vote for their favorite oldies. Those Soncs with the most requests formed the basis of his live shows it was easy to guess which hits Bowie would Nav for the Frankfurt show he chose such classics As space oddity Jean Genie changes rebel rebel Young americans Fame ashes to ashes fashion let s dance China girl and heroes. A what was unexpected was the lacklustre renditions of the tunes. Bowie rattled off the hits a Many of the numbers were uninspired two minute versions of the originals a and generally gave the impression that he did no to want to be performing the songs in the first place. Added to that were the poor acoustics in the fest Halle just about the worst this reporter has heard in the Hallwhich left the sound Muddy in some places and discordant in others. Also unexpected was the stage show a if one can Call it that. Bowie known throughout his career for his elaborate costume changes wild wigs and other gimmicks had said in the press conference that his 1990 concerts would not feature any of his previous theatrics. What he did no to say was that he would remain virtually motionless on stage standing behind a transparent Gauze video screen for most of the concert while giant Black and White images of himself loomed before the crowd. The Man who once provided a show simply by being himself now resorts to High technology to amuse his fans. Bowie fanatics who get off on seeing close up images of his face May enjoy the concert but fans of his music should Best put the approximately $30 Cost of the concert ticket toward purchasing the 49-song compilation sound vision. A nuff said. A by Anit Gosch staff writer David Bowie performs in the following locations. Germany Stuttgart Schleye Halle april 11 Dortmund westfalen Halle april 22 Italy. Milan Palat Lussardi april 13 and 14 Rome pal eur april 17 and 18 . Milton Keynes bowl aug. 4 and 5 Manchester City football ground aug. 7. A god made All things including heavy Metal by Effie Bathen Nurnberg Bureau Barren Cross is born again christianity with a California Flower child heritage shoulder length curls and heavy Metal. Anointed with a touch of Cocoa butter from the Southern California Beach scene Barren Cross is four apostles who Are Slick tanned and committed. The heavy Metal Christian band gave a concert in Naila West Germany last week As part of a european tour of Power Rock and proselytizing. Promoters booked the band less than five Miles from the East German Border in the Hopes that a Rock starved and gospel lean East audience could be lured to the concert for free. The show Drew 500 to the Small franconian towns sports Hall and promoters estimated that a Quarter of the Denim Clad fans came from the East. Quot East germans Are now free to believe As they wish Quot said guitarist Ray Parris one of the groups founders. Quot for our band its perfect timing to give a gospel  Kay Hoefer from Auerbach 20 Miles on the other Side of the East German Border came with three friends to hear their first Western concert. They said a popular pastime for Young folks from the East these Days is piling into their trabant on a Friday night and cruising the West. Hoefer and one Friend both in their Early 20s, said that the last time they were in Church was when they were baptized. The word Christian is usually left off Barren Cross posters. The los Angeles band Hopes to deliver its message without being prejudged. Many who come to hear their concerts Are desperate for Healing said Bass player Jim Laverde who often counsels those who approach him at concerts. Quot other churches Are afraid to help them because of Page 16 a a a the stars and stripes the Way they look Quot said the 25-year-old Laverde an associate pastor at a Beach Community Church called Sanctuary. Quot god will judge a Man by what a inside his heart Quot he said not by Quot his three piece  Laverdes fellow band members who All have shoulder length curls looked squeaky clean compared to Many of those in their audience. One fan wore a jacket with Quot Jesus is god Quot ringed in Metal studs. Barren Cross music is loud. The High Decibel lyrics cry out the sorrows and torments of youth and the world but leave out the obscenities that have become part of the traditional Metal culture. Quot our goal is to Tell them about Jesus Christ and More that their life can be changed Quot said drummer Dave Lavie 27, who expressed frustration at not being Able to speak German to the crowd. But the music is what reaches them he said. T. Vincent Van Vollerberg 24, is the newest High voltage preacher in the group replacing Mike Lee who was the Lead vocalist on the band s last album state of control. An eight year Veteran of Christian bands Van Vollerberg broke away briefly to work in a Quot secular Quot group but said the spirit just Wasny to there. Quot All they cared about was sex drugs and Rock a no Roll. You re a wimp if you Don t do it Quot he said. Quot i was committed so i  Van Vollerberg said he Felt the band s message was the one for him salvation and a Good time. After All he added Quot god made All things including heavy  staff writer Vince Crawley from Nurnberg contributed to this report Barren Cross performs in the following locations in West Germany Niernberg Furth Sta Thalle april 11 and Neu Ulm Konzer Taal april 15. The band will 8ive an All Day seminar on topics of interest to Christian music groups in Gunzburg near Neu Ulm. April 14. For information Call 08221 -$1604. Wednesday april 11,1990 Barren Cross Bass player Jim Laverde tells fans to let Jesus into their hearts. /