Late Year Benefit: Songs to sing along to and lots of positive energy

Chris Norman thrilled over 2,000 concertgoers at the Alte Oper Frankfurt

World hits, an audience in a celebratory mood and a fantastic after-show party – and all for a good cause. The PASS Consulting Group's Late Year Benefit more than lived up to its reputation in 2024. About a very special evening in the heart of Frankfurt:  

It's always a really special moment: the lights go down in the large concert hall, triggering applause from the audience, which expresses its anticipation for the concert that is about to begin. But before that, we ask for a few minutes of attention for our film, which shows which artists have already performed at the Late Year Benefit.

20th edition of the PASS Late Year Benefit

A journey through time, which began in 2003, shows Roger Hodgson (Supertramp), Klaus Doldinger, Nena, Ute Lemper, Max Mutzke, Milow and many more flying across the screen. The second part of the film is then dedicated to the purpose of the evening: the proceeds will once again benefit a project for children. This year, money is being collected for the construction of a school in Sierra Leone, Africa. The situation on the ground is shown on the screen in impressive images and it quickly becomes clear: every euro counts. The movie ends.

Chris Norman takes to the stage with his band. There he is: the former bandleader of Smokie, the band that enjoyed worldwide success in the 70s. Successful music producer. Successful solo artist. A career that has lasted for over 55 years. Of course, there have been ups and downs, as with all long-standing musician biographies.  

Live performance also captivates non-Smokie fans

Chris Norman continues to fill concert halls to this day and on this evening we understand why: world hits non-stop, a voice that is recognizable among millions and musicians who can clearly be heard and seen to enjoy performing live. It takes less than ten seconds after his appearance and the fans – in the packed hall – are standing right in front of the stage.

It's the Smokie hits that get the whole room singing along. Their timelessness is astonishing: “Lay Back In The Arms Of Someone”, “Stumblin' In” (in an impressive duet with Rachel Parga), “If You Think You Know How To Love Me” and the inevitable “Alice” also cast a spell over non-Smokie fans in this live performance. It should also be emphasized that Chris Norman also has great solo hits to his name, above all “Midnight Lady”. Finally, the latest productions are also worth listening to: 'Low Life' (album: 'Just a Man'), released in 2021, is a must-hear live and brings the room to a boil. Songs from the current album “Junction 55” show it once again: Chris Norman is absolutely up-to-date. The audience reluctantly let the Englishman go after four encores. Thanks, Chris!

At the subsequent after-show party for the PASS guests, many shining eyes can be seen: “I knew so many songs, I could still sing along to them all”; “Great concert, impressive live performance by Chris Norman” – we hear.

After-show party and raffle for a good cause

After an extensive dinner buffet, it's time to dance. The show band SHAKE, led by bandleader Christian Koch and singer Carolin Bien, knows which music mix motivates the guests to keep partying. This mix of concert and after-show party with raffle is what makes the PASS Late Year Benefit such a unique event.

Tombola is the key word here, as this event is of course primarily a fundraiser for our annual cause of doing something good for children and young people who need our help. Out of deep conviction, we are supporting the construction of a school in Sierra Leone, Africa, this year. The “New Hope School” is now being built on the outskirts of Freetown. We will report on the progress of the project on our engagement page in future.

We would like to thank all our generous supporters for their donations: Lufthansa, Brass Group, Timo Boll Webcoach, Steigenberger Icons, Handball-Bundesliga, Deutscher Turnerbund, Showband SHAKE, the clubs TV Großwallstadt (handball), Viktoria Aschaffenburg (soccer) and many more*

Thank you for your donations, for buying a ticket and for coming! An event is always as good as its guests!

*Hotel The Flag, Andrea Lindholz (MdB), Karsten Klein (MdB), Prof. Winfried Bausback (MdL), Mercedes Kunzmann, BMW Arnold, Auto Centrum Stange, Künzig + Bleuel, Grampp, Ristorante Da Claudio, Hofgarten Kabarett, Alte Oper Frankfurt, Kuffler AOF Restauration, Restaurant Lebenswert, Hommel, Kaffee Braun, Zeeem Sim Racing, Greenwood Sports and – last but not least – Chris Norman.