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a musical trip!
"Forever Young" is a tribute to the "27 Club"
an unforgettable evening of theater featuring some of the best songs ever written!
Told from the perspective of Schlepp, a fictional roadie who has worked with all the greats of the rock and pop scene for decades, we visit Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix during the time of the “Summer of Love ” and the Woodstock Festival. In an incredible evening of rock’n’roll, we experience the eccentric chaotic life of Jim Morrison, as well as Kurt Cobain at the MTV Unplugged concert and finally we are taken behind the scenes at Amy Winehouse’s legendary Grammy concert.
With plenty of wit, charm and sometimes philosophical depth, Schlepp leads us through an evening of stories from the rock ‘n’ roll scene.
The cast and musicians of “27 Club” have played with some of rock ‘n’ roll`s biggest names (David Bowie, Roger Hodgsons, Brian May and others) or have had leading roles in shows like: “Saturday Night Fever”, “We Will Rock You”, “Starlight Express” and “Shakespeare and Rock ‘n’ Roll”.
The story of Forever Young
I had been putting together shows for a venue in Duisburg called Steinhof.
My idea was to create some sort of „Tribute “ show for Steinhof, but Arno Eich my friend and Steinhof Entertainment Director suggested that we find a theme or an angle to avoid being just another “look-a-like” show.
While sitting at my bar with Actor and Director Christina Fry discussing ideas, the „27 club“ came up. And later, as I began to research the” 27 club” and write the script, I realized what a fascinating story it really was.
I spent a year writing and re-writing the show and in 2019 I came up with the name „Forever Young“ The story of The 27 Club. I commissioned original logos and artwork , got a cast and band and we were ready to go, first show was going to be Steinhof, Duisburg…..but then….Covid 19 Arrived.
Two years later in September of 2021 we decided to try and restart the show with a showcase in a little club called Ramirez in Schermbeck. Covid was by no means over but we had to do something to keep the idea alive. I showed everything to my friend and colleague Peter Nagelschmidt and he was convinced that we had a hit show ! Peter brought Michael Bisping and Mick Köppe from A.S.S. Concerts to the showcase and the rest is History. We finally went on tour in April 2023 and the premier was of course in the Steinhof !
Kenny Stewart – Creator of the show
What People and Press say
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About the 27 Club
The “27 Club” is the name of a group of musicians who all died at the age of 27. Most of these musicians died from drug or alcohol abuse, suicide, or accidents.
Among the most famous members of the 27 Club are Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain and Amy Winehouse.
All of these musicians had a tremendous impact on the music industry and left their mark on music history. The 27 Club has become something of a legend in pop culture and the music industry, and is often seen as a kind of gloomy prophecy for young and talented artists.
Jimi Hendrix
(1942 - 1970)
In the world of music, there are few names as iconic as Jimmy Hendrix.
Jimmy was born in 1942 in Seattle, Washington, and raised mostly by his father Al Hendrix, a talented dancer.
His unique guitar style was a blend of innovative technique and pure emotion that pushed the boundaries of what could be achieved with the guitar.
Tracks like “Purple Haze,” “Voodoo Child,” and “All Along the Watchtower,” demonstrated his use of feedback, distortion, and wah-wah to add a new dimension to his sound, forever changing the perception of rock music. Jimmy Hendrix’s career was cut short at the age of 27 by a drug overdose, leaving the music world to mourn the loss of a true musical genius.
Jimmy Hendrix’s music remains as powerful and relevant as ever as he continues to inspire new generations of artists.
Janis Joplin
(1943 - 1970)
Janis Joplin was born on January 19, 1943, in Port Arthur, Texas.
From an early age, she demonstrated a remarkable musical talent, but growing up as a girl in a conservative and traditional community in the 50´s and 60s presented its own set of challenges.
She left Texas and journeyed to San Francisco, where she embraced the counterculture movement of the mid-1960s and began performing in local clubs,
Janis Joplin’s music was a mix of blues, soul, and rock infused with raw emotion and an intensity that earned her the reputation as one of the greatest vocalists of all time.
Her breakthrough came with Big Brother and the Holding Company album “Cheap Thrills” which included iconic songs “Piece of My Heart” and “Summertime”
She later released the solo album “Pearl,” which featured “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Mercedes Benz.”
Janis Joplin’s influence on the music industry cannot be understated! She paved the way for future female artists, breaking down barriers and challenging gender norms until her untimely death from a heroin overdose at the age of 27.
Janis Joplin’s death marked the end of an era and served as a reminder of the power of art and the enduring impact of an icon.
Jim Morrison
(1943 - 1971)
From an early age, Jim Morrison displayed a rebellious spirit that would come to define his persona.
His father was a naval officer, who instilled in him the love for literature and classical music that later shaped his unique artistic style.
The defining moment of Jim´s life was when his family moved to California. It was here, during the psychedelic 60`s that Jim Morrison he found his artistic voice.
He studied film at UCLA and moved to Venice beach where he wrote poetry , living on canned beans and LSD.
Here he met keyboard player Ray Manzarek and together they formed The Doors.
The Doors quickly established themselves as pioneers of psychedelic rock, fusing elements of blues and rock with Jim’s poetic lyrics.
Hits like “Light My Fire” and “Break On Through (To the Other Side)” captured the rebellious spirit of the era and Jim Morrison’s reputation as a charismatic and enigmatic frontman went viral!
Morrison’s electrifying, uninhibited and often provocative performances mesmerized audiences and earned him six trips to jail.
His death on July 3, 1971 at the age of 27 is also shrouded in mystery, which further fuels the legend that is “Jim Morrison”.
He was found dead in a bathtub in Paris, and the exact cause of his death is still debated.
There was no Autopsy and no body at the funeral.
Was it drugs or a heart attack… or did Jim Morrison simply drop out?
Kurt Cobain
(1967 - 1994)
Kurt Cobain, the iconic musician, songwriter, and poster child of punk, grunge, and alternative rock is one of the most influential figures in the history of rock music.
Cobain formed the band Nirvana in 1987, along with bassist Krist Novoselic and drummer Dave Grohl.
Together, they crafted sound that captivated to the angst-ridden youth of the time, and the song “Smells Like Teen Spirit” became the anthem of Generation X
The emotional depth, and rebellious spirit of Kurt’s songwriting allowed him to explore themes of alienation, depression, and social commentary with a level of authenticity that resonated with millions.
On April 5, 1994, the world was shocked by the news of Kurt Cobain’s tragic death. He was found dead at his home in Seattle, Washington, with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. .
It is believed that Cobain’s struggles with addiction, depression, and fame lead to his untimely demise.
Kurt Cobain’s impact on music and popular culture is immeasurable and he remains an enduring symbol of uncompromising artistic authenticity,
Kurt Cobain, A once beautiful, then pathetic, lost little boy… gone in a heartbeat…
Amy WInehouse
(1983 - 2011)
Amy Jade Winehouse grew up in a household surrounded by jazz and soul music, Her father, Mitch Winehouse, a jazz enthusiast, played a pivotal role in nurturing her passion.
Amy`s critics and fans alike were captivated by her soulful voice, witty lyrics, and the depth of her musicality and it was her second album, “Back to Black” (2006) that struck a chord with audiences worldwide. Hits like “Rehab” and “Back to Black” went to the top of the charts and earned her five Grammy Awards.
While Amy Winehouse’s professional success soared, her personal life was a battle with alcohol and substance abuse which due to intense media scrutiny often overshadowed her musical achievements.
The defining characteristics of Amy`s music were raw emotion, and soulful delivery.
Songs like “Love Is a Losing Game” and “Tears Dry on Their Own” showcased her ability to captivate listeners with her deeply personal and intimate lyrics .Her distinctive style and fearless approach to storytelling resulted in a sound that was both timeless and contemporary.
Despite her tragic death at the age of 27 in 2011, Amy`s talent,and passion live on, reminding us of the power of to connect and heal.
