It's been 7 long years since Gemma Ray last played a live concert, so when Gemma announced a solo concert at Berlin's Galiläa-Kirche I bought a ticket immediately. This was something I wouldn't want to miss. Gemma's been busy during her concert break being the mother of 2 children, having a bad fracture of her arm, and she's also released a new album "Gemma Ray & The Death Bell Gang" in 2023.
Gemma did a nice interview on Radio Eins the night before the show to promote the gig and she also played a few songs. She even teased that she is working on a new album that will come out whenever it is ready.
I didn't have a clue what to expect from a concert in a church. I am not any kind of churchgoer, but it was clear that the acoustics would play a big role. When I arrived at the church the sign outside said "Sold Out". I found myself a nice seat on Row 2 with a good view to the stage. I also found out that this church actually was selling cold beers for the show. Maybe God knows how to rock n roll after all?!
On the stage could be seen 2 guitars, some gear and Gemma's big pedal board. I also got myself a picture of the "encrypted" setlist, something that is always useful when you later try to decipher what was actually being played at a concert.
Gemma entered the stage and the room went silent. It is nice with a crowd that knows when to shut up and just enjoys the music. The sound was pretty good in the church. It got a raw touch to it that suited the music fine. Gemma's great voice, her guitar, reverbs, delays and church acoustic is not a bad mix.
Gemma was quite talkative between the songs. She explained how her trusty guitar "Lil' One Arm" was not in the best shape and required a lot of tuning, but this guitar means so much to her and she wouldn't want it any other way.
She took us on a tour through her back catalogue. It was a good mix of Gemma's own songs and some covers by Etta James, Lee Hazlewood and The Beatles. We also got a single new song that sounded promising for her next album. She had also played this song the night before on Radio Eins. The title of the new song is as of yet unknown.
It was really nice to enjoy a live concert by Gemma Ray again. Hopefully we won't have to wait another 7 years for the next gig. If her next album gets released in any foreseeable future then it would be really nice with a few gigs to promote it. I will certainly want to go if I get the chance again.
Rating: 
Band: Gemma Ray
Venue: Galiläakirche, Berlin, DE
Concert Date: 2025-10-10
Setlist:
- 900 Miles
- We Do War
- If You Want to Rock and Roll
- I'd Rather Go Blind (Etta James cover)
- The Right Thing Did Me Wrong
- Land of Make Believe
- Killbite
- Your Sweet Love (Lee Hazlewood cover)
- Tough Love
- [New Song] (Unknown title, "Doubl" in setlist)
- Long, Long, Long (The Beatles cover)
- So Do I
Encore:
- Shake Baby Shake
- Flood And A Fire
Ticket Price (DKK): 161
Ticket Provider: Eventfrog.de
Content Type: Concert Review
Language: 
Updated: 2025-10-12 00:09
Created: 2025-07-11 16:45
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