Schlossberghöhlen

The Schlossberghöhlen in Homburg is an amazing venue. A sandstone cave, originally laid down some 250 million years ago, it was first mined 500 years ago. It was then used as air raid shelters during the 1940’s. Conversion began in the early 1950’s into a nuclear bunker for the president of Saarland when, for only a few years, Saarland was an independent state run by France. When Saarland joined the Federal Republic of Germany the central government decided not to continue building the bunker. Today it makes a totally unique concert venue.

The lights on the wall form the Schlägel und eisen, the hammer and pick, also referred to as hammer and chisel. It is a common symbol of mining.

Ray tours with his own PA which allows him to perform in venues such as this. Today was his third visit. In previous years, the gear had to be carried down the 135 steps from the hotel on the top of the hill to the entrance to the cave system and then down inside the cave to the bunker. And then back up again after the gig. This year, we were met by the local fire brigade who brought their “mule”, a small 4 wheel drive vehicle, onto which we could load all the gear, except for the guitar and cello, so they could drive it up to the cave entrance.

We still had to carry the gear down into the bunker ourselves and set up. Here is a 6 minute video showing the cave and excerpts from three songs: the new Even For A Shadow, 7 Curses and The Dark Days Are Over.