Uebel & Gefährlich is one of the many mid-sized concert venues in Hamburg. It's located in the…read moremassive concrete WW2 bunker in St Pauli, just next to the Millerntor Stadium.
On the way in they search your bags, but don't pad you down. Once past security and the initial ticket check you get to the lift area. There are three lifts, two that hold 8 maximum (by design spec.) but actually generally hold 10 crammed in, and one huge lift that holds more like 20 people. Uebel & Gefährlich is on the 4th floor. There are stairs, but for whatever reason you're not allowed to use them.
I went to see Gogol Bordello, and the place was absolutely rammed. It was literally quite hard to get into the main room as there were so many people - you had to push! If there was a fire, we probably would have all died.
Despite that, or perhaps because of it I'm giving this venue 5/5. The atmosphere was electric. Everyone gets a good view because of the tiered nature of the room. The beer isn't extortionate (EUR2.50 for Astra, EUR3 for other 330ml bottles). There are two cloakrooms around the back, one further down the corridor than the other, and use of said cloakrooms is a further EUR1.
I initially stood at the back (next to a bar), but decided I wanted to get closer to the action. Upon starting pushing my way forward I noticed a corridor that went off to the side of the main room. I reasoned that perhaps I could walk around and come out at the front - I was right!
Down the corridor past one of the central bars it opens up into a chilled area with sofas and tables, and another bar. It would have been a great area on a club night, but I wanted to see the band, so I continued through and found myself just behind the main mosh pit, which is basically exactly where I wanted to be, brilliant!
I should note that on my many subsequent visits, half of the club has often been closed off when smaller bands are playing. If there's any chance that you might want to sit and watch (rather than stand) I'd advise you to get there when the doors open as the seating is very limited.