Deus - live in Zurich. celebrating an anniversary.
Deus – In Concert From Zurich – 2019 – Past Daily Soundbooth: Rock Without Borders
Deus – in concert – recorded live at X-TRA, Zurich – April 29, 2019 – RTS Live Act –
Deus in concert tonight. Recorded live at X-TRA in Zurich on April 29, 2019 during their 20th anniversary tour, commemorating the release of their breakthrough album, The Ideal Crash. All recorded and preserved by RTS in Switzerland, and broadcast later in 2020, with a REALLY CHATTY announcer who sometimes spills over the intros – so bear that in mind.
Formed in 1991, Deus (styled dEUS) began their career as a covers band, but soon began writing their own material. Their musical influences range from folk and punk to jazz and progressive rock. They first came to attention in Humo’s Rock Rally of 1992, and after the release of the four-track EP “Zea”, they were offered a recording contract with Island Records. They became the first Belgian indie act ever to sign to a major international label.
dEUS’s debut album Worst Case Scenario drew influences from Frank Zappa, Tom Waits and Captain Beefheart and was released on 16 September 1994 to critical acclaim. Shortly after followed the release of a highly experimental mail-order-only album entitled My Sister = My Clock, consisting of thirteen songs contained on one physical track. Their next effort In a Bar, Under the Sea followed two years later. The Ideal Crash (1999) saw the manic eccentricity channeled into a slightly more accessible package. Altogether, the band’s first three albums (discounting My Sister = My Clock) sold over 750,000 copies worldwide and gathered the band a cult following.
Meanwhile, dEUS had been subject to various line-up changes. After touring for Worst Case Scenario, guitarist Rudy Trouvé went on to Kiss My Jazz, Dead Man Ray and The Love Substitutes. By the time In a Bar, Under the Sea came out, bassist Stef Kamil Carlens had left the band to focus on his side project A Beatband (that became Moondog Jr then Zita Swoon). They were replaced by Craig Ward and Danny Mommens respectively (from Tom Barman’s side project tENERIFE). Eventually, the line-up was completed by touring guitarist Tim Vanhamel (Evil Superstars, Millionaire, Eagles of Death Metal).
After the tour in support of The Ideal Crash, the band took an extended hiatus that allowed the individual members to pursue different interests. Barman directed a film, Any Way the Wind Blows, in 2003, and teamed up with techno record producer CJ Bolland to form Magnus in 2004. In June 2002, dEUS did however play six concerts in Portugal, the Netherlands and Belgium, supporting the CD and DVD release of their singles collection, No More Loud Music.
If you aren’t familiar with Deus (and I’m not sure American audiences are), here’s a sample from their 20th Anniversary tour to get acquainted with. Their 8th album, How To Replace It was issued in February of this year. You might want to check that out. In the meantime . . . .
