FARGO – Live In ’25

This album is a trip into German rock history and a step through time into the world of the band Fargo. While some may know that the band released two albums in the intersection of rock and hard rock in 2018 and 2021, does everyone realize that we’re dealing with a true veteran of the local rock scene here?

A Little Bit of History

In fact, Fargo was founded in 1973 by Peter Knorn – from now on referred to simply as Fargopeter – in Hanover, the capital of Lower Saxony. By 1976, another Peter had joined: singer Peter Ladwig, who still holds the mic today. For a while, guitarist Matthias Jabs was also part of the band before moving on to the Sorpions that was even before Fargo signed a record deal with EMI for its Harvest Records label and released four albums in quick succession. At that time, the band toured with greats like AC/DC on their Back in Black tour, Mother’s Finest and The Small Faces. To achieve international success, however, the band adopted a different name: Victory was born. The Victory debut album is essentially Fargo’s fifth record.

Fargopeter revived the band in 2018, and now – more than five decades after its founding – comes the first live document of the band. With guitarist Henny Wolter, known for his work with Primal Fear, Thunderhead, and Nitrogods, as well as former Mob Rules drummer Nikolas Fritz, two more seasoned musicians complete the lineup. The album was recorded during the 2024 Germany tour at various shows and then compiled into a CD. That’s a pity, because the result leaves gaps between songs, which somewhat takes away from the authentic concert atmosphere.

The First Live Album After Five Decades

Musically, what’s offered is fantastic for seasoned fans, though perhaps less spectacular for younger rockers. Clearly, classic rock doesn’t have an easy time reaching today’s youth. Which illustrates the point: you don’t have to be old to be wise – but it helps if you want to appreciate Fargo. Still, this concert isn’t merely a journey into the past. The first three tracks actually come from the newer albums: Rain of Champagne and Gimme That Bone from the current Strangers D’amour, as well as Leave It from 2018’s Constellation. I must admit, I find that album rather weak, and the track included here proves to be the weakest on Live in ’25. But afterwards, the set runs through the period from the late ’70s up to the last album released under the original band name, F, from 1982.

The old songs sound powerful and clear and are still a lot of fun today. My highlights are the long I’m a Loser, refined with its famous voicebox solo, Sole Survivor with its emotional guitar solo, and the wonderful, bluesy Little Miss Mystery. Of course, the somewhat shallow Tokyo is also included, as well as the almost metallic Hard Attack. Altogether, Live in ’25 offers a fine, hour-long journey into the past with a few contemporary injections – perfect for fans of that classic rock ’n’ roll sound.

Old School for Old Rockers

However, those unfamiliar with the band and unaware of its place in rock history should definitely give it a listen first. Nothing here sounds modern, and naturally some of the songs feel a bit dated – that comes with the territory. What Live in ’25 really shows is that it’s worth catching Fargo live when the guys come to town, because right in front of the stage it’s bound to be even more fun. Still, it must be said that the fresh update does the old songs a world of good – and my highlights mentioned above easily wipe the floor with their old studio versions!

Tracklist

1. Intro
2. Rain Of Champagne
3. Gimme That Bone
4. Leave It
5. I’m A Loser
6. Soul Survivor
7. Little Miss Mystery
8. Frontpage Lover
9. A Girl Like A Trigger
10. Tokyo
11. Don’t Talk
12. The Tide Is Turning
13. Little Smile
14. Hard Attack
15. Arrows In The Wind

Lineup

Peter Ladwig – vocals, guitar
Peter Knorn – bass, backing vocals
Henny Wolter – guitar, backing vocals
Niolas Fritz – drums