Please click on the link below to access a petition (okay, a nice request) to bring Jackson's solo acoustic tour back to the West Coast! I've recently contacted the Guacamole Fund and was dismayed to discover that, as of this writing, Jackson has no plans to bring this amazing tour out here. Take a moment to sign the petition and then forward this e-mail on to as many people as you think would be interested. Then tell them to forward it on to as many people as they can! I'm trying to get 2,500 signatures (at least) by November 21, so this can be received by JB when he returns home from his current tour. (If you have any trouble clicking onto the link, e-mail me and let me know.)

Thanks!!!!

This is a response to the person that wants a petition to have JB to come to the West Coast. HOW DARE YOU! He plays out there so often we East coasters don't get half the chance. I live in Erie, Pa and did not get a chance to see him this acoustic tour. You guys out there get to see him a lot more than us. If he does not come to Pittsburgh/Buffalo/Cleveland, we folks are screwed way more than you. He has played in very different venues this time, leaving us wanting more than you people can imagine. So, while I feel your Jackson pain..... tooooooo bad, cause we easterners are at a loss also. Russ, again, your site keeps us JB fans tuned in, yet longing for more concerts here. Keep up the excellent work, and heres hoping he comes back around. LET THE MUSIC KEEP OUR SPIRITS HIGH.

Just a note to Jackson, in hopes that he reads postings here from time to time. I've so enjoyed the solo acoustic tour in the past that I would do anything to see it again, and this year that means getting on a plane and flying to Omaha from Memphis just to see you again.

Regarding the set list, I wanted to make one point, and hopefully it won't offend you. I understand your desire to play the new material, and how proud of it you are, rightfully so. And we love to hear it, believe me. But these solo acoustic tours seem to be the only venues where we tried-and-true, longtime fans of your music can hear those gems less known to the general public. Can we sneak a few more of them in, please?

And can we start a petition to request a concert DVD from the solo acoustic tours? Surely you have enough information from ticket sales alone to know how much interest there is in this kind of thing. Don't make me beg you; that would be too unkind.

In closing, I wish you would allow some method of arranging a limited number of people to attend your meet-and-greets with your shows through this web site. There are any number of ways to accomplish this -- trivia questionnaires, first ten people per venue to respond with the correct answers, etc -- to enable fans who don't have inside connections or who don't have the means with which to buy themselves access to be able to express their appreciation in person for the music we all clearly love and the artist who has created it.

Thanks for listening, and here's hoping I get some support for these ideas from the others who frequent this page.

WOW....what a show! Jackson was unbelievable! He was so kind to the audience and really seemed to be enjoying himself. It was such an intimate venue...I couldn't have asked for anything better. Jackson played his heart out, had a few laughs and really enjoyed his fans. He played all of his old music. Sounded like i popped a CD in and was listening to him..his voice was amazing. Thanks for the wonderful memory.

Russ ... I sent this set list already, but in reviewing it again, noticed that I omitted Barricades from the first set ... here it is again, in approximate order.

Hi Russ - as always, great job with the website! Thank you for all your hard work. We just returned home from Jackson's Atlantic City concert - WOW! We saw him twice on the last solo tour (both were very good shows) but JB was in TOP shape tonight! I mean, his voice sounded stronger than I have ever heard it... and it was strong all night. We took my Mom & sister to the show for their birthdays & we had a really great time. I'm sure someone will post the setlist, I didn't write it down.

Sound was perfect. I do have a technical question though. I'm a HUGE Martin guitar fanatic. I noticed that last year it was almost all Gibsons onstage, but this time we did see a Martin D-41 sunburst & what looked like a Martin 000-15. For whatever reason, JB didn't play the D-41 at all. I'm just super curious if anyone here heard this guitar somewhere else on this tour, or has any cool info on the subject. Of course, every guitar he played sounded great ... just would have been cool to see my favorite guitarist play my favorite brand of guitar ;) Anyone with tix for upcoming shows - you're in for a great time! Thanks

Hi Russ,

Thank you so much for the great website to keep us informed about a wonderful artist. I was fortunate enough to attend the November 30th show at the Stamford Center for the Performing Arts and Jackson was amazing. He treated us to a generous, spontaneous and fun evening performing a wide array of his work which others have already posted. The slight rasp in his voice that evening did indeed sound kind of nice and I appreciate that he performed in spite of a cold!

In any case, what I was wondering was, if you have any personal connection to Jackson, is letting him know that his fans would really enjoy and appreciate a Live Solo Acoustic CD collection...these concerts have been so much fun (I saw him in May of 2002 as well) and they have an entirely different feel from studio recordings. Jackson, if you are reading this, thank you for giving us the gift of your words and music...you are a wonderful human being.

I first time I saw Jackson Browne was in 1978 at Pine Knob in Pontiac, MI. Needless to say I became a devoted fan. I have had the honor of seeing him at both the Opera House and Chateau St. Michelle in Seattle and the Gorge in George, WA with Bonnie Raitt and Shawn Colvin. My friends will tell you I did not even notice the rain in Woodinville.

The acoustic concert in Minneapolis was fantastic. I did not keep a list of all the songs but it is never enough. There is always one more you wish he would sing. I could have sat there all night. The only thing that marred it was all the audience chatter. I came from Sun Valley, Idaho to hear Jackson, not someone who wanted her sister to date him. He speaks from the heart and I admire that. To many more years Jackson. Please don't stay away so long next time.

ps River Run is a very nice venue, ask Willie Nelson & Shawn Colvin.

last nights show at foxwoods was great! jackson's music was as always inspiring and beautiful. he said that paul westerberg just recorded a great version of these days.

Russ - thanks for a great site! I always look forward to logging on. Last night's show at Foxwoods was great, Jackson seemed a little more mellow than last week in Washington, DC (maybe a little tired). The crowd didn't scream out all night for requests (which he said sometimes is a good thing). But here's the setlist:

Russ,

Let me tell you -- of course, Jackson was wonderful on his solo tour. However, the Trump Marina was horrible.

First of all they had WAY too many seats in there -- corporate greed at its worst. Second of all, in just the two rows near me, there were 8 seats that were sold at least twice. They were trying to find seats for those who came after the first set of people were seated -- they had their tickets and they were for the exact same seats.

Jackson Browne was wonderful, though, as always.

Jackson's Atlantic City show was superb. It started off a little rocky when Jackson started playing his opening number and had to stop when flash bulbs were going off from the front row. Jackson said "You guys aren't going to be taking my picture all night, are you?". I don't know how they replied but he said "You'll have to go" and they promptly left. The crowd was fired up, but Jackson seemed to enjoy it. He talked with the crowd all night long, saying several times what a great audience we were. Between songs the crowd shouted just about every song Jackson ever wrote or played.

However, for the most part, when Jackson was playing the crowd listened with very few interruptions. A few times when he was strumming his guitar or playing a few notes on the keyboard he would look up and seemed to be waiting for someone to make a request. A couple of times the crowd was border line rowdy with their requests but he seemed to feed on it. He said that we would never know the feeling of being up there and hearing people shout and scream for his songs - he pointed at himself making a gesture of "you mean me?" He also pointed out that this was the first time during the tour that he could actually see the crowd and seemed very pleased that he could see us and converse with us.

Jackson sounded great but it was obvious that he had been touring. A few songs he wouldn't even attempt (one girl kept shouting for I Am A Patriot all night long and Jackson finally responded to her saying "If I thought I could get all the way through it I might attempt it"). He messed up a few songs by forgetting the lines or singing them in the wrong order, but the crowd singing along usually brought him around. Once he started all over after he was pretty far along (I think it was About My Imagination). When the crowd tried to get him to start where he messed up he said "It's like an encyclopedia salesman going door to door, if you stop him halfway in his sales pitch he has to start all over" and he promptly started from the beginning.

I won't even attempt his set list, but he mixed it up really well. About My Imagination, My Stunning Mystery Companion, Take It Easy, These Days, The Pretender, For Everyman, For A Dancer, Late For The Sky, Looking East, Jamaica Say You Will, Rosie, Too Many Angels, Doctor My Eyes, - I'm drawing a blank but he played a lot of songs - what a class act. He really personalized this show, it was like he was our friend and we were sitting there talking with him all night long.

Jackson really seemed to enjoy the night as did the crowd. If anyone ever wants to learn about the Jackson aura you really need to see him during his acoustic tour to understand what this guy is all about - he is a performer, an entertainer, he's a good person, and in this atmosphere, a friend.

Submitted by: cbvalent@starpower.net (Charlie from Baltimore)

A nice review from The Press of Atlantic City written by John Curran:
www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/lifestyle/110303BROWNE_REV.html
"There was no stage set to speak of, no light show, no video montages, no backup singers. There wasn't even a band, or a set list for that matter. Jackson Browne was pretty much just winging it Saturday night, but what a show he improvised..."

Hi Russ. I enjoy your web site, thanks!

I am a novice at being a regular attendee at the JB concerts, having only attended my first this summer, but I hope to make up for that in the future.

Like JB, I am also of Minnesota Norwegian decent. In addition to being more of a placid observer, I might not under normal circumstances send such a note. However, I cannot hold back from a few observations with regard to the Atlantic City concert.

First of all, I live in DC and attended both the DC Lisner Auditorium concert and the AC concert and the audiences were like night and day. The AC ticket holders were a crazy exuberant bunch—to say the very least! I was thrilled to go to a JB concert and be able to sing! Jackson’s voice sounded much more alive and clear and he was noticeable more talkative and anecdotal with the audience. Thank you Jackson Browne for a fabulous, and truly spectacular evening.

However, I would never attend another concert at the Trump Marina. Could they not have considered putting a good 4” space between the chairs? Although on second thought, it is considerably easier to make friends when you're touching thighs with your neighbors.

On the whole, I found certain aspects of the crowd to be slightly obnoxious. First of all, when the time of a concert begins at 9:00, that doesn’t mean the performer or other attendees want to be interrupted for the first half hour of the concert by late arrivals. Second, I found that the individuals who sat in the front few rows assuming that ticket holders were no shows were, in fact, incredibly rude and disruptive. To say the least of those who insisted on using flash bulbs on their cameras when it was asked several times that the performer has asked that you refrain from using cameras with a flash. JB did the right thing to stop the first song. Third, I believe that his little bit when he spoke of the Norwegian concert goers was to let the audience know that the clapping was disruptive to him. Pure speculation, but I thought perhaps this was a kind maneuver to ask the crowd not to clap as it throws him off his own beat.

At any rate, bells and whistles (what can I say I can't get them out of my head) to you Jackson Browne—what a great show!

Hi - my name is Kathy and I just wanted to share my experience with all of you. I went to the Atlantic City concert on Saturday night. We had great seats - 5th row - and the concert was beyond perfect - great audience - except for the wasted girl in front of us - who thankfully finally left. During the intermission my friend went to the men's room and ran into one of our local DJ's who i know slightly. He came to my seat and visited with me for a few minutes and then went back to his seat.

After the show he came looking for me and took my friend and I to meet Jackson. When he told me what he was doing, I thought for sure that I would throw up on Jackson's shoes. I was a wreck. We went to a small hospitality room where they had beers and sodas set up for us. I grabbed a beer to try to settle my nerves but I just got more nervous. There were about 7 people is the room and everyone was really excited. After about 15 or 20 minutes - in walked Jackson - just like that - looked everyone right in the eye, shook hands and said thanks for coming. Very humble. He talked separately with each person and with us as a group for about 1/2 hour. He signed our backstage passes and let us take pictures with him - what a incredibly nice man. Very soft spoken and attentive to all that was said to him. I can't believe how lucky I was and all due to the kindness of the world's greatest DJ and one of my most favorite humans beings. It is Monday morning now and I still haven't been able to sleep. I just keep reliving the events of Saturday night. It all seems surreal - I still can't believe it happened. Well, enough for now, I hope that you all get to experience this someday. Jackson fan.

Seeing Jackson Browne is always a great experience, but solo is unbelievable! I was fortunate to get 4th row seats. It was a great evening. I think he's even beginning to reach a younger audience. During intermission I talked with a girl who was 23 and there with her father (who has two dogs, one names "Jackson" and the other "Rosie.") She talked about how much she enjoys his music - although it's very different from what her generation listens to. I echo the sentiments that Jackson should do a solo album and certainly more solo tours.

Why is yank7 gettin all bent out of shape because the people on the west coast would like a little tour? Yall should also petition Jackson to start doin that live recording of every show available when you leave or soon after. That would be the shit for us music junkies, The Dead are doin it ,Bob Weir,Allmans, Peter Gabriel and a number of others. here is a link for one, www.disclive.com there is a few doin it, but anything but clearchannel. Add this to your petition.

Great show in Boothbay Harbor last night. It was a benefit for the restoration of the "Opera House," an old Masonic hall that seats 600. Jackson came at the invitation of the writer Richard Ford ("Independence Day" and "The Sportswriter"), who has worked on the project.

I didn't have anything to write with for the first half of the show; however, I can recall the following songs: "Looking Into You," "Something Fine," "For A Dancer," "Barricades of Heaven," "Your Bright Baby Blues," "Rosie," "Two of Me, Two of You," "In the Shape of a Heart," "For Taking the Trouble" (I think - songs I listened to in the car in the way may be interfering with my memory) and "The Pretender." In the 1980s, the late Warren Zevon said that while suffering a seizure in an airport his only thought was that he was going to die and Jackson Browne would write a song about him. A song would be nice, but there was something very cool about Jackson singing Warren's songs. He performed "Poor, Poor, Pitiful Me" (the Linda Ronstadt version) and "The French Inhaler." Jackson is Warren's daughter's godfather, and Ariel's father- and mother-in-law were in the audience.

Jackson said his girlfriend flew in from California for the show, which might be one reason why the quality was so high. I have seen four of these "request" shows over the last 12 years, and this was probably the best. After intermission (and I nabbed a pen), Jackson performed

The crowd was helpful rather than insistent when it came to setting the playlist and consisted of a lot of folks who were there for the opening of the Opera House and not necessarily hard-core fans. It made it a bit more enjoyable. I thought the highlight of the show was the three-song set that ended with "For Everyman" (all three beautifully played and sung). Not sure that the majority of the crowd agreed - the applause was enthusiastic but not over the top after that one.

Jackson also seems to have developed really good arrangements for some of the songs that seem to cry out for a band - "Running on Empty" in particular. It is funny to think of that song and "looking back at the years gone by like so many summer fields" when it was an anthem of our 20s and 30s. Now that we were in our 40s and 50s, and it is being played on an acoustic guitar, it's got a whole new thing going for it.

A nice review from The Day written by Rick Koster:
www.theday.com/eng/web/newstand/re.aspx?reIDx=3CAC97C5-4F37-4046-A386-5751F93FC9F0
"The eternally youthful SoCal singer-songwriter Jackson Browne's sold-out concert at Foxwoods Resort Casino's Fox Theatre Sunday night was a transcendent experience for three generations of listeners..."

Russ, this is for the website. If anyone lost two shirts at the Atlantic City concert, I have them. Tell me the color, sizes and where you think you might have left them and I will mail them to you. Russ, thanks for your help.

I previously sent in my comments about attending Jackson's November 1 concert in Atlantic City to this website. Awesome! I got the tickets through the Guacamole Fund - 4th row seats - and dropped them a quick note to thank them along with my thought - - and the consensus of the audience I talked with during intermission and when we left the show - that Jackson should do a solo album. I received an immediate response, which I didn't expect. They said they would pass the comment about a solo album along to him. They seem to have a direct line of contact to Jackson....Soooo.....if you agree that he should do a solo album, I suggest you write to the Guacamole Fund and ask them to pass your comments along to him too. (It also seems to be a good organization supporting the environment and a better world.)

I've seen Jackson Browne with is band several times over the years, and, very fortunately, solo 3 times in the past year, twice in 2002 and recently in AC. I thought about why he is so "enchanting"-- especially solo--when you feel like he's singing just for you. There are many talented artists with great songs, but what sets Jackson Browne apart from the others is that each song he sings - especially when he's solo - relates to an experience or emotion that each of us has had but can't articulate.. It's amazing how someone can sit alone playing a guitar or keyboard/piano without any fanfare and SIMPLY sing, yet touche your heart....your soul.

After coming away from the Community Theatre, Morristown, NJ concert a bit disillusioned with the audience, I was completely blown away with JB's concert in A.C.!

My friend and I seize every opportunity to see Jackson when he's in the NY area and, happily, have seen several of his acoustic shows but this one was truly amazing! Though our seats left a bit to be desired (probably our only complaint about that venue in that those of us on the floor and in the back could not see JB or the stage without standing), we had an absolutely memorable and incredible time. Met some great people in our row and behind us and were grateful for the audience who were both enthusiastic and respectful to Jackson. You could have heard a pin drop when he was singing "Too Many Angels".

Jackson seemed to enjoy the audience and their energy which came right back at us through his performance and what an inspiring one it was.

And to Jackson, if you should see this, please don't disappear from our landscape for too long. For those of us who were lucky enough to catch the tour with your band as well as this one, we are spoiled, but grateful. You still rock!!!!

Thank you too for sharing the "Excitable Boy's" music with us at your shows and for keeping him in our hearts for a while.

Jackson Browne's concert at Foxwoods was just unbelievable. What a treat for him to make a variety of selections from his extensive catalog of songs. He was so relaxed, and his voice so rich. This may have been the best concert I've seen, and I've seen quite a few!

Does anyone have tips of how to get those Guacamole Fund tickets? I always call immediately, and they are gone!

My wife and I just returned from Jackson's Kalamazoo appearance at the State Theater. The Kalamazoo State Theater is a wonderful venue and it was nice to add Jackson Browne to the list of wonderful musicians that have played there.

Jackson's show was wonderful. Simply an amazing musician. Prior to coming to Kalamazoo, our local paper did a short article on his solo tour and made a comment about him accepting songs from the audience. From the moment he got on stage, people shouted out songs. Not necessarily a good thing but he tolerated it well. From the balcony, a person was yelling "Song for Adam". Jackson took the lead and started to play the song, but this person just kept yelling. Jackson told this guy to "shut the fuc%" up and ordered someone to take the guy out of the building. It kind of was a buzz killer for a moment. Jackson stopped playing the song since he felt it would be dedicated to this guy. You don't see that every day.

Anyway, the evening was great and Jackson seemed to like our Kalamazoo crowd. I enjoyed hearing Ready or Not although he cut out the verse about the washing machine. He said that it was never liked by the person he wrote the song for. Walking Slow was another one he did that you normally don't hear. At times you missed some of the instrumentation you normally associate with the songs.

Jackson also spoke about the death of Bobby Hatfield of the Righteous Brothers. Mr. Hatfield died the night before in a Kalamazoo Hotel. Jackson spoke of the influence the Righteous Brothers had on he and others.

Thanks Russ for all you do.

Hi Russ,

I was checking out sones assorted artist sites, and ran across this dated 10/19/03 on the James Taylor Unofficial Site:

"No Nukes" Video

After a lengthy out-of-print period, the "No Nukes" concert movie is now available from Amazon.com in VHS format (no DVD yet). The 1979 MUSE (Musicians United for Safe Energy) concerts featured James Taylor, Carly Simon, Jackson Browne, Crosby Still & Nash, the Doobie Brothers, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, and others in a hugely popular 5-night engagement at New York's Madison Square Garden. An excellent double-CD recording is also available.

I didn't see it in news on this site, though it may be tucked away somewhere I didn't check. Keep up all the great work on this site!!!!

Indian Summer greeted Jackson and his fans as we all sojourned to the beach to spend the evening in Jackson's mobile living room. What a wonderful show. Trump Marina provided an intimate setting for Jackson, his carpet, guitars and keyboard. I felt like I was in his home being entertained. Jackson hopped from bench to bench, one for guitar, one for keyboard and jumped up between tunes to choose a guitar. It was fun to watch. When an artist engages the audience in conversation it makes a show so personal. Jackson spoke freely between songs, sometimes talking about the song and sometimes just talking. At one point he joked about a guy who seat hopped his way to the front row. He said, " Everytime I see the usher coming this way, I think they are coming for you, man. " The crowd roared. He really is very funny and so at ease with the crowd.

The reason we were there though was to see Jackson and hear his music. Thanks to the fan who sent the set list. I loved seeing Jackson by himself. I saw him twice this past summer and it is great to see him with his band, but solo is the best. The slight changes in arrangement to suit this acoustic style were great. His voice was so clear and lasted throughout the entire show. Not an easy task for someone singing solo for more that 2 and a half hours. Every song was a highlight for me, but my night was complete when Jackson finally played "My Stunning Mystery Companion" as the first song of the first encore. What a beautiful song. I loved it!

This was a very special night because of Jackson and the friends who shared the evening with me. I must admit, I am so envious of the fan who got to go backstage with the DJ who shall remain unnamed. I met Jackson this past summer and had no camera. He is incredibly personable and attentive when he speaks to you; the eye contact; the smile...what a sweet man.

Thanks Jackson, for a wonderful evening by the sea. Thanks Russ for all your hard work with this website.

A nice review from The Boothbay Register written by Robin Beck:
www.boothbayregister.maine.com/2003-11-06/concert.html
"It was a big time in little Boothbay Harbor Monday night. Jackson Browne was no pretender, he was the real deal, and over 600 fans recognized it. They brought him back onstage for three encores in the highly charged christening of the historic Opera House, where the floorboards once again pulsed with rhythm and the walls reverberated with rousing cheers..."

Have seen Jackson for the last 20 years, and Atlantic City has been the best. Yes, it was like sitting with an old friend. He really enjoyed us and we loved him. The very, very best I have seen him. Purchase College came close to this concert. Jackson, stay solo!!!

Russ,

Second time writing to you, but I've been an avid reader for several years, and a dedicated fan of Jackson's for 30 years! I just got home from one of the most incredible experiences of my life, and wanted to share some of my euphoria with all of your readers --- it's nice to have somewhere to go to share these wonderful feelings with others who have also experienced them and can relate on the same level. This night's acoustic concert was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and Jackson was really "in the zone" and in incredibly high spirits, which just flowed out over the audience and deeply touched many of us! This had to be the most I've ever heard him talk and laugh in one show, and what a treat! And his voice, so true and magical and timeless, and so in tune with his chords and lyrics..............

The Coronado is a beautiful theater from the golden era of vaudeville theaters in the 1920's, recently restored to all of it's earlier glory and then some, and is a very intimate venue, despite it's size. In fact, Jackson commented towards the end of the show that it reminded him somewhat of the coffee houses he used to play at back in the 60's, because it had that very "close" atmosphere. Anyway, he was unbelievably talkative and comic the entire first half of the concert; a number of times the entire audience was caught up in such laughter that you would swear you were at one of those intimate comedy club routines, except that it was Jackson Browne up there, strumming chords and bits of songs in between his quips, funny stories, and light banter with the audience. And all you kept thinking was, OH MY GOD, is this an incredible experience, or what?!! He started off by stating that he had no play list, and had no idea what he was going to play or when, played many requests, and at times he made up his own requests! At one point he asked if we wanted to hear a joke he had told earlier, stemming from a radio interview he had earlier in the day. He laughed that he would think of a joke to tell us later, and incorporate that into his show. Then he went on about interviews with DJs in general and some of his experiences, joked about a contest the station had for the lucky winners who got to come to his sound check "party" --- a grand total of six people there looking lost or something, and that it wasn't really a party at all; no drinks or food, no balloons, nothing really. I think he said he took them out for drinks or something afterwards, to make it more a party. He exchanged some banter with people in the audience yelling out requests, asked if there was a bar in the place and joked that he was getting worried because people kept getting up from their seats and leaving the theater, but that explained it! Later he joked about everyone in the audience having the same size bladder, because it really was getting annoying that so many people kept leaving their seats! Seriously, folks, you had to be there to believe it, but Jackson went on with this joking and interactive banter the entire first set! He laughed at all the requests people would yell out at times, and would go from one guitar to another, or back and forth between the keyboards and guitar with every request being called out, and just about everything that happened became funny or had a story to it. As he started the first chords of "These Days", he laughed that he had written it when he was only 16, and had forgotten that he allowed the song to be used in a movie. Years later he happened to see the movie, and thought, "wow, I used to play just like that, not realizing at first that it was his song!" He then proceeded to tell us his son took a piece of one of his songs, made it into a loop, and said he could make a rap song out of it, which one of his son's friends did end up doing; we all had quite a good laugh at his impersonation of that one!

At several of the shouted requests during the show, he would immediately play them, and said it was part of his set of rules that he had to play certain requested songs right when they were shouted out. He botched "In the Shape of a Heart" by singing the end chorus near the beginning, was about to abandon it, then said, "no, I can do this", and fiddled around with some chords until he remembered the words, and we loved all of it! Before launching into "Here Come Those Tears Again", he explained about his former mother-in-law writing it with him, and her love of country music influencing the song, and that the two were still good friends. He had a story to tell with just about every song the first set, and had so much to say that I can't accurately recall it all. Anyway, here's most of the set, from what I remember, but not in any kind of order because I'm into just enjoying the music, not memorizing the list. All I know for sure is that he started with "Barricades of Heaven", beautifully done, and ended the last encore with "Late for the Sky", equally beautiful and moving, as was everything in between.

I'm sorry to be so long-winded, everyone, but this was an awesome 2 1/2 hours, and I wanted to share some of it with you. We are truly blessed to have such a beautiful person as Jackson Browne in our lifetime, to share part of himself with us through his words and music that have touched us and shaped our lives!!! Thank you so much, Jackson, for giving this part of yourself so unselfishly.

Hi Russ,

A little late with my "review" of the Trenton show but the the night can pretty much can be summed up in five words - IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER! The theater was magnificent, the sound was crisp and clear, the crowd was festive (but not over the top), and the improv-ed set list was perfect. Jackson was as comfortable and as gracious as I've ever seen him as he poured his heart and soul into each song. There is no doubt in my mind that Jackson Browne is the only man on the planet who can pull off a show like this with just a piano, a guitar (O.K, twelve guitars), powerful heart-felt lyrics and his voice. The set list has already been provided but some of my highlights of the show included - Farther On (always a highlight) - For A Dancer and Before the Deluge, two beautiful renditions that included longer-than-normal solo stints on the piano - Don't You Want To Be There (unbelievable) - a country version of Here Comes Those Tears Again (I have a copy of this song where he butchers the lyrics. On this night, however, he nailed it!) - a strummin' accoustic version of Running On Empty (who would have thunk it?) - a fitting tribute to Warren Zevon (Mohammad's Radio) and on and on and on....

One thing I thought was funny - at one point everybody is shouting out requests and Jackson says "Wouldn't it be great if there would be a time when people are all yelling out songs and eventully they start yelling for the same song", and he likened it to a ball in a pinball machine getting funneled down the middle. Well wouldn't you know, a little later on in the show, he finished a song and everyone strated yelling for Rosie at the same time! More banter - someone in the crowd yelled out for You A***** You. Jackson looked down sheepishly and said, "You probably heard about that song on the Internet. The Internet...I don't know. After I do a show, I pretty much forget about it. But on the Internet there's talk about what song I played and what I said and that sort of thing." Sorry, Jackson, but I guess I'm guilty as charged. But it's just great to relive an unforgetable night with great fans who know musical nirvana when they experience it. Thanks for a great web site, Russ!

"Go out and make a joyful sound!"

Dear Russ,

Thank you for a great web site. I have been visiting for about one year and it has become my favorite site to get up-to-date info on Jackson and upcoming events. Thank you for all you do! I felt compelled to write after seeing all the reviews about the Nov. 1st concert in Atlantic City. I was at that show and the one in Reading , Pa. It is so true, there was something magical about that night. Jackson was in great spirits and his music reflected his good mood. The impromptu remarks from the audience generated much conversation from Jackson, and at one point he stopped to tell the audience how it made him feel so good to hear people calling out his songs. So true! The audience was interacting with Jackson and this made for a wonderful evening. His voice was crystal clear, allowing the words to sink deep into the souls of the audience, and I looked over at my friend, who was not as familiar with all his music, as she complimented on the beautiful lyrics of each song, Sky Blue and Black, my favorite, For A Dancer, another great classic. Jackson is a prolific writer, and a poet, who allows us to see life's challenges and beauty through his creative and expressive choice of words. Thank you, Jackson!

The concert in Reading, Pa. was also an outstanding event. I was armed with second row center seats, and the intimacy of seeing Jackson up-close and personal lent a special feeling toward the evening. It felt as if Jackson was playing in my living room and just for me. It was also nice to be around so many nice people, who too were big Jackson fans. I was very fortunate, earlier in the day, to meet Jackson outside the venue. I live only minutes from the city of Reading, in the suburbs, and decided to take a ride past the venue to see if Jackson had arrived yet. My eighteen year old son, Alex, decided to come along, and so he drove his car, therefore I did not realize I didn't have any Jackson's CDs because they were all in my van. My husband opted for a nap instead, since he had worked earlier that day. I did not honestly believe we would see Jackson, but I wanted to give it a try. We drove past the alley where we saw the JB bus. I said we would just drive by once because I did not want to look as if we were stalking him.

What happened next was a matter of being at the right place at the right moment. Jackson was getting out of a car directly in front of us. I became so excited, I beeped the horn, and started waving at him. My son, who was much calmer than I, said, "stop." Then, I realized I had goofed. I think I was so afraid he would walk right into the venue. Sorry, Jackson! Jackson looked over and cracked a huge smile, and therefore I knew I was safe and had not managed to tick him off. We got out of the car, and talked to Jackson for what seemed like twenty minutes or so. He is as wonderful as everyone says, who has had the pleasure of meeting him. I introduced my son as an aspiring musician, and Jackson talked to him for quite a while. Alex was very impressed by Jackson's mellow demeanor, and the interest he took in him. He did not talk about himself, but instead gave words of encouragement to Alex about continuing to do what he loves.

Alex, along with my other children, have grown up listening to Jackson because of their parents' love and passion for his music. Although, they listen to Metallica and new bands, such as Brand New; I like to believe Jackson's music has also had an impact on their lives. I mentioned this to Jackson, but I think my words seemed to come out all wrong, I said, "It all began with you." I was so overwhelmed with the "awe" I feel for him, I was unable to say anything intelligent. I said some silly comments, in my attempt to compliment him, but I wish I could have told him what his music has really meant to me over the last twenty years or so. I had met him at the Mann Music Center, at a benefit, and had told him then what an impact he has had on my life. But, even then, I was overwhelmed with emotion, I could barely speak. I am truly very educated and intelligent, but when I opened my mouth, I felt as if "blah, blah,blah," was all that would come out. I have still not been able to reason with why this happens; my husband feels it is because I hold him on such a high pedestal. It is difficult not to, when he is such a creative genius with his lyrics and music. Thank you, Jackson for the joy you bring to our lives.

I grew up with older brothers, who were both musicians. My oldest brother is thirteen years older than I, the same age as Jackson, and he would often bring me records of the Beatles and other musicians of that time. I was only three when my love of music began. My father discouraged music as a career, and so we all opted for professional jobs to please him. The music remained in my soul, and has been my guide and spirit throughout my life. My brothers and I had the "ear" for music, and can play any instrument simply by listening to a tune or writing one. My children also have the gift of playing by ear, and are truly amazing. I gave up some of my artistic dreams, however; I have learned to encourage my children in pursuing their creative dreams. It is due to musicians, such as Jackson, that I have decided to encourage and support music and art as good career choices. Afterall, one should be happy at what he or she does. Hence, the comment to Jackson, "It all began with you." A gentleman, as always, Jackson was pleasant and seemed to overlook my silly unclear comments.

My husband turned me on to Jackson when I was nineteen. Running on Empty was on the car stereo continually when we were dating. I went to see JB's first concert at the Tower Theater in Philadelphia, an acoustic Mexican composition, including several Mexican musicians. It was wonderful. We then, continued to see him over the years with other artists, and with his band. But, it wasn't until Looking East came out, when I fell "deep" into Jackson's music. I was driving to a university, forty five minutes away, where I listened over and over to the CD. The words were so powerful and so true, "...the infinite power of change alive in the world," my favorite all time quote. I went out and bought CDs for all friends and family. The truth behind coming out of oneself and becoming one with the world, becoming responsible, to some level, for each other, was a message we all needed to hear. Thank you, Jackson, for playing it so beautifully at the Atlantic City concert.

My son once mentioned that Jackson writes sad songs and the lyrics can be depressive. I said I feel just the opposite when I hear his music. I feel inspired to do my best, to be all I can be; I feel that all dreams are possible. I become socially aware, and socially active, as opposed to complaining about what is wrong with this world. I become more compassionate to others. I hear a familiar and soothing voice that makes me feel calm and uplifted. I feel happy. I often listen to Jackson right before I enter my classroom (I am a teacher), or before I write (I am also a writer), or at other times, and become uplifted and inspired to start my day. My husband and I reminisce about our relationship, and remember times and things we did, where Jackson was in the background, playing his soul for us. His songs are experiences we all have had at some time in our lives. When others do not know who Jackson is, it always amazes me, and I want to say, "Wake up and listen." I feel fortunate to have found my way to his music. I feel as if I am discovering Jackson's music each day. I have listened to the Naked Ride Home until I have worn it out. I relate so much to the lyrics, but it is his "old" stuff, as some like to put it, that I discover or rediscover every day. For example, For Everyman, I recently got reacquainted with after hearing Jackson perform it in Reading, where our eyes met a few times and I felt as if he was playing it to me. I went home and had another look at this incredibly beautifully written song. What a gem! Recently, I came across Sky Blue and Black and Rebel Jesus, which have now become some of my favorite songs of all time. Lately, I find myself listening to mostly Jackson as my choice in music, but there is a lot to yet discover. As for the new generation, I only wish they too find their way to such greatness. As I listen to my son write his own lyrics and music, I can only hope there is a little bit of Jackson's influence there. Jackson, if you read this, I hope to see you soon, without so many verbal blunders, on my part, next time. Thank you for inspiring Alex with your kind words. Come back and visit real soon, for we have been spoiled this past year. We love you from way down deep. May the next twenty years be even sweeter!

Thank you, Russ. You truly ROCK!

A nice review from The Kalamazoo Gazette written by Marci Persky:
www.mlive.com/search/index.ssf?/base/features-0/1068232827275000.xml?kzgazette?FEMU
"Early in Wednesday night's performance at the State Theatre, Jackson Browne told members of the audience to imagine they were sitting in his living room. It turned out to be the perfect analogy for the evening. Browne's solo acoustic performance and his easy-going, friendly demeanor created an aura of intimacy despite the fact there were nearly 1,500 people in his 'living room.'"

A nice review from The Quad-City Times written by David Burke:
www.qctimes.com/internal.php?story_id=1020207&t=Local+News&c=2,1020207
"A man, a wooden chair, a keyboard and about a dozen guitars. The man in question is Jackson Browne, who mesmerized a crowd of almost 2,500 Sunday night at the RiverCenter Adler Theatre, a stop on his fall solo acoustic tour."

1. The Barricades of Heaven
2. Farther On
3. Mutineer (Zevon)
4. Poor Poor Pitiful Me
5. Jamaica Say You Will
6. Rock Me On The Water
7. Your Bright Baby Blues
8. Take It Easy
9. For A Dancer
10. Doctor My Eyes
11. My Imagination

1. For Everyman
2. Looking East
3. Fountain of Sorrow
4. I'm the Cat
5. Rosie
6. Somebody's Baby
7. Running on Empty
8. The Pretender
9. Sky Blue and Black
10. Redneck Friend
11. These Days
12. My Stunning Mystery Companion

1. Late for the Sky

1. The Barricades of Heaven
2. Poor Poor Pitiful Me
3. Looking Into You
4. Rosie
5. The Naked Ride Home
6. For A Dancer
7. I'm The Cat
8. Your Bright Baby Blues
9. Sky Blue & Black
10. The Pretender
11. Something Fine

1. Fountain of Sorrow
2. Too Many Angels
3. For Everyman
4. Looking East
5. Late For The Sky
6. These Days
7. Rock Me On The Water
8. Jamaica Say You Will
9. Doctor My Eyes
10. About My Imagination
11. Enough Of The Night
12. Running on Empty

First Encore

1. My Stunning Mystery Companion
2. Take It Easy
   Second Encore
3. Alive In The World

Hello, Russ and friends! Just awakened from the show in Omaha last night, and thought I would send off the set list with just a few comments about the evening.

Overall, a really spectacular performance, two and a half hours of actual performance and a very intimate feel to the show. Unbelievable to me that he would do a show without doing Too Many Angels or Sky Blue and Black, but I guess it happens. There were six digital cameras strategically placed around the stage, so one can only hope we will see some of these performances in some fashion in the future. He mentioned a possible CD or CD ROM, but he made no mention of a DVD, unfortunately. Perhaps with more encouragement......

So here's the set list:

Well, time to get on the plane and head back home. Thanks, Jackson, for a wonderful evening. I took my brother and my sister, and I think they are now solid converts!

Just got back from a sold out Orpheum Theater in downtown Omaha. What a sight and what a night of pure entertainment. Jackson played and talked to us for three hours. Here is the two set list - but not in the same order Jackson played: For Everyman;Running on Empty;Take it Easy;Our Lady of the Well;Fountain of Sorrow;Late for the Sky;Jamaica Say You Will;Something Fine;Rock Me on the Water;These Days;For A Dancer;Your Bright Baby Blues;The Pretender;Rosie;Cocaine (the rehab version);Nothing But Time (this went deep);In the Shape of a Heart;Lives in the Balance;I am a Patriot;Boulevard;Sky Blue and Black;I'm Alive;The Barricades of Heaven; and For Taking the Trouble. He also honored Warren Zevon by playing Poor Poor Pitiful Me and another cool song of Zevon's, Mutineer.

Jackson did open the night five minutes late with Barricades of Heaven. He opened the second set with I'm Alive. The article in the Omaha World Herald, I post below, underscores the event. Jackson noted that a guy just left in a huff out the door when he commented on his political position following "Lives in the Balance". He said he hoped the door kicked him in the ass (words to that affect) on the way out. Then he tore into "I am a Patriot". The crowd was behind Jackson even though most of this crowd had to have voted Bush. This is Omaha Nebraska!

A review from The Omaha World-Herald (written by Niz Proskocil):
www.omaha.com/index.php?u_np=0&u_pg=1458&u_sid=914085&PHPSESSID=2004b1ebae1dae295152c86453a137f0

Adios

This was a great show. I could not belive that the show was so small. That is the most incredible time I had at any show. I would just like to go on record in support of Jackson's new music... Keep playing it... Be proud of it .... It will only be time before it is classic rock....

I must confess, I am very disappointed. I saw Jackson in Milwaukee, and enjoyed the show so thoroughly that I bought tickets to see him in Rockford last week. Sadly, because I had been traveling so much the week prior to the Rockford show, I elected to stay home, miss the show, in favor of time with my 2 year old son. Those of you who are both parents and Jackson Browne fans can understand the difficulty of my choice. I gave the tickets to a partner of mine, who I am sure thoroughly enjoyed the show.

My disappointment comes, in no small part, from the fact that I understand that he played "The Birds of St. Mark's" at the Rockford show. He did not play it in Milwaukee, and I wasn't bellicose enough to holler it out as a request. So to whomever this may concern, this is my petition to Jackson to release a live CD of this acoustic tour, complete with "The Bird's of St. Mark's", and a selection of the many other classics he performed acoustically, with differing twists from the "record" version.

Perhaps someday I can then play such a record for my son and share with him the depth, range and meaning the music evokes about the many themes we face in life, not the least of which is fatherhood itself.

Wishing I could have been there, but knowing I did the right thing....

I have a different perspective on the Kalamazoo show which I should premise first. I have been a huge Jackson Browne fan since 1986, when I first saw him in concert at the old Indianapolis Tennis Center on the Lives in the Balance tour. For much of my life, Jackson 's music has served as a soundtrack. When I met my wife in college, we would spend countless hours listening to his CDs. We 'd talk about life and dreams. Jackson 's music came to me at a very influential time in my life, a time when I first began to discover my social consciousness and began thinking about the bigger picture. His voice served as mine, when I couldn 't find mine; his conscience was mine when I was still developing mind. And his compassion showed me the way. He was such a big influence on me, that we named our second son after him.

I got a chance to meet Jackson for the first time four years ago in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. My best friend and I drove eight hours to see him perform acoustically at the Paramount Theatre. When Jackson arrived, his tour manager, Dennis, told him who we were, and that we were good guys. Jackson came over and said hello. He was very polite, but not overly friendly. Still, it was a huge thrill for me to meet one the people that influenced my life.

Earlier this year, I was thrilled to hear that Jackson was going to actually play in the city where I live, South Bend, Indiana. I stood outside an hour before I tickets went on sale and was able to secure front row seats. This was shaping up to be a great night. I decided that it would be nice if I could get a picture of my Jackson with the Jackson. Well as we arrived early for the show, I saw Dennis again. I told him what I hoped would do, gave him Jason Wilbur 's newest CD, and waited. When Jackson arrived, it was only my family and three other folks waiting. Jackson could not have been nicer. He chatted with my boys, took a picture and told them how nice it was to meet them. It was perfect. That night the concert was magical. Front row seats with my best girl, and one of my all time favorites musicians. He even played my favorite song, "Song for Adam" Things couldn 't have been better.

Because of how great the South Bend concert was, a couple of weeks later, I decided to drive up Kalamazoo, MI to see the show. I got there early and waited by the stage door. I was greeted by a Canadian man who had driven three hours for the show. About twenty minutes after I arrived, the Canadian stepped away for a minute, and as luck would have it Jackson arrived. When he got, he looked over at me, and without prompting said not today. I responded that I had a picture I wanted to give him. It was a matted 8 x 10 picture of the Statute of Liberty with storm clouds all around her. To me, it said lives in the balance. Anyway, he commented on it being nice and asked if I took it. I told him yes and then told him how much his music meant to me personally. He then said that he would sign one CD cover for me. I told him that if he didn 't want to he didn 't have to, but he went ahead and did it anyway. He was polite, but not anywhere near as friendly as in South Bend. I left feeling like I had been a pain in his ass.

With that premise, I want to express my displeasure with Jackson 's actions at the Kalamazoo Show. This is what happened from my perspective. It 's been well publicized that Jackson is performing without a set list this tour. So early in the show, someone yells out I am a Patriot. He says okay. Then someone else yells Song for Adam. He asks the crowd if its okay if he sings that first. Everyone yells their approval, then the same voice that yelled out Song for Adam, yells something else out that I couldn 't understand. Jackson acknowledges it, and the guy yells something else out. Jackson then yells, "Okay, now its time for you to shut the fuck up so I can play your song." The guy then yells something else out, and Jackson responds by saying, "I better not hear another peep out of you! I 'm serious!" Then Jackson yells out to Dennis to get that guy out of here, and as an after thought he sarcastically says, "You 'll like Dennis he 's really gentle!"

After the show, I found out that it was the Canadian that I was talking to before the show. I should also tell you that from talking to the Canadian that I guessed he may have been mentally challenged. And was booted out of the show. Here are my points.

1. It is always in terrible taste to yell out obscenities at a concert.

2. Why would someone who writes, "My personal revenge will be to give you these hands you once so mistreated, but failed to take away their tenderness" take such an aggressive, borderline violent approach to someone else.

3. The screaming out requests, although not my thing is an accepted act for this tour.

4. Why yell at someone, who may have been mentally challenged. I know there was no way for Jackson to know that while on stage. But that 's precisely why you don 't yell. If in doubt why not err on the side of love and compassion and not just jump to aggression.

5. Why kick the guy out, he just paid 40 bucks to see you, because he loves your music and you kick him out? It 's crazy to me.

6. Its great to do all kinds of charity work, but if your not a kind, gentle tender person at home, the purpose of the charity work abroad is lost.

7. I agree that all an artist owes his fans are the music that he produces, but when he takes on the role of a leader by publicly speaking out on issues, then his culpability increases. Time and again, I have applauded Jackson for his public stances on injustices occurring throughout the world, I just wish he hadn 't been the cause of the minor one that occurred in Kalamazoo.

8. Finally, I do think that if Jackson continues to push product by selling everything from T-Shirts to Beach Towels, the same people that he is making a profit off of, may have expectations of talking to him and meeting him.

I know that it 's hard to make such conclusions on just one event, but it left me shaken. Even after the show, I 'm still a fan of Jackson 's music. I just think he took a misstep on this night, and hope that he doesn 't do it again, because in the end, its over in a blink of the eye and the only thing we have is how we treat each other.

Sincerely,

A very beautiful article from 1977 by Carlo Massarini about Jackson Browne, for those who can read Italian:
www.marcogiunco.com/JB/lastradaecielo.htm

Russ;

Thanks again for the great web site. I've had the chance to see JB three times in the past 11 months and feel very fortunate. The most recent was Wednesday night in Sioux Falls. Don't have a set list, but he started with Barricades of Heaven and ended (the second encore) with Late for the Sky. The latter almost moved me to tears. Jackson Browne looks and sounds great. His fine performance was before a polite audience, many of whom were not familiar with his music, but I'm sure left the Washington Pavilion an enlightend group who grew to appreciate the man's talents in a few short hours. What struck me Wednesday was the total appreciation Jackson Browne has for the people who turn out to hear his music. He again touched his heart in complete sincerity several times and appeared to be grateful for the chance to play. His interaction with the audience was priceless. He stopped in the middle of Jamaica Say You Will after forgetting a few words, talked a bit and resumed to the applause of the audience, who seemed to appreciate the fact that hey, "nobody's perfect." If you ever read this Mr. Browne, thank you for another memorable evening. You're the best.
Submitted by: benson@bevcomm.net (K. Benson)

I attended the Oct 29 show in Trenton. It was great but, I found that Jackson was not pronouncing his lyrics as clearly as usual, especially during the quieter passages. It sounded like he was mumbling a bit. Did anyone else notice this?

To Katephi@aol.com (Kathy), that is an amazing story. You were lucky. The only thing that could top that would be If Jackson had walked in with a guitar and taken requests.

For a number of reasons, I was especially looking forward to Jackson's show in Kalamazoo. It was at one of my fave venues, the State Theatre which is only a 40 minute drive from my home. The State's interior is designed to resemble a Spanish courtyard. Brick and stone Spanish building facades are along the side interior walls. With red or white lit lanterns and candelabras in the windows of the buildings. The ceiling is painted medium/dark blue and has small twinkling lights that resemble stars...moving white clouds are projected on the ceiling to give an outdoor effect. And with only 1,200 seats, it's a pretty intimate place to see a show...though the sound can be bad with a loud band.

Also, K'zoo was the one time home of Gibson Guitars...as John Hiatt said at his solo show there..."I can tell you, they don't make 'em like they used to make 'em in Kalamazoo". With JB being a guitar collector, I was curious if he would comment on that at all.

Then there was the unexpected death of Bobby Hatfield of the Righteous Brothers the day before in his K'zoo hotel room.

Jackson addressed all of these points early in the show. Before launching into Barricades for the opening song, JB said (and I may be taking liberties with the quotes in this review, but they're close)..."last time I played Kalamazoo, in the 80's, we went by the Gibson Guitar factory...in fact half these guitars were made here in Kalamazoo." Of course that brought a cheer from the crowd.

Then after Barricades, Jackson dedicated the show to Bobby Hatfield and the Righteous Brothers...said he had met him once and "he was very nice to me." Then went on to say how the RBs were one of the first blue eyed soul acts and showed it was alright for white kids to like and do R&B and the blues...and how JB and his friend Eric, when they were young, would sing RBs songs with Eric singing Hatfield's part and JB taking Bill Medley's part.

At one point early in the show Jackson said "this is really a beautiful theatre, we were walking around earlier today...you're lucky to have it." Judging from the online pics I've seen of tonight's venue, Coronado Theatre in Rockford, IL...I'd say JB is in for another treat tonight.

There was one weird exchange about 30 minutes into the show. Someone had called for I Am A Patriot and JB said "ok...good call." Then starts to pick at the guitar to familiarize himself with the song and just then a very loud drunk rudely yells "SONG FOR ADAM!, SOOONG FOOOR ADAAAM!" JB stops and says to the original requestor "do you mind if these guys hear SFA first?" A smattering of applause...he tells the drunk, "I think they mind." Then JB decides on yet another song..."I had another in mind...though it's a happy song and maybe I ought to save it in case I dig a hole for myself." He then starts to pick at the guitar for SFA and talking about the origins of the song and the drunk guy yells "THANK YOU!" JB laughs, then continues talking and the drunk yells "THANK YOU!" again...at which point Jackson says "now you're gonna have to shut the fuck up 'cause I'm trying to sing the song for you!" Wild applause from the audience. JB continues picking and talking and the drunk yells again "THANK YOU!" JB says..."alright, get this guy outta here!...I mean it...this has to work for me too...I mean, I'm not hear to listen to you" He then quickly composes himself and tells the guy..."I mean it, one more peep outta you and you'll be moved outta here...and you'll like the guy who will remove you too...he's real gentle." Jackson then starts SFA and I could tell his heart and mind weren't into it at all..."though Adam was a friend of mine, I did not know....ahh shit, I'm not going to do this song...there wasn't much response anyway when the idea was brought up." The crowd tried to cheer him into continuing the song but JB says "you know, think of yourselves as being at my house and I can do what I want...and you can too...to a degree." He then played I'm The Cat and followed that quickly with Your Bright Baby Blues.

After playing YBBB, someone called for Colors of The Sun and a lady in the audience, feeling JB had heard enough, yelled "leave him alone!" Jackson laughed and said "no, that's alright...I want people to call for songs...you're a funny bunch of people...but you're my people and I'm endlessly interested in you." He then went into the schizophrenic audience bit and afterwards told the lady..."but thanks for sticking up for me."

At one point during the second set, JB played in order, These Days, Ready or Not and For A Dancer...with a lot of talk between songs of his son and first wife. Said his son wanted to do a hip hop remix of These Days, but I think he mentioned that someone else had already done it (?). There was more talk about his wife than I ever remember hearing. Of course there was the washing machine story before Ready Or Not. Then later, he said about 10 years ago he worked on a video, filmed at the Abbey, for For A Dancer (has anyone seen this video?) and he noticed while working on the video that the song was about his wife as much as anyone else he might have written it for. Before playing the song he said "having sung the last songs for my son, I'd like to dedicate this to his mother."

A good show, but not JB at his best I think. His voice seems just slightly tired compared to the Toledo and South Bend shows from two weeks ago. Then the drunken buffoon put a damper on things for a while...but I think Jackson recovered nicely.

set list

What a treat to see Jackson unplugged. The night was full of fun lightearted moments such as when Jackson recalled wearing red faded pants at a concert back when he was trying to be hip like the Rolling Stones and a cowboy comes up to the stage and tells him that pink pants dont cut it in Lincoln (NE.) Then he acknowledgews this isn't Lincoln. It's Omaha. Jackson seemed amused that a woman had called out for Rosie and he did his regional intrepretaions of how people may sound in various parts of the country when they request that particualr song. At one point, Jackson gets a hair in his mouth and discusses how when it gets grey it gets stiff and pokes you so, he contemplated a short haircut. The display of guitars ala Steven Stills was impressive and a challenge to keep in tune at times. Jackson acknowledged his crew and old friends such as Bonnie Raitt and David Lindley as well as new collabroators Keb Mo and others.

Early on in the show Jackson was coerced into singing Boulevard which he first hesitated to do because that was a song for his band. He found a guitar and made it happen - even if the tuning was not exact - and set the tone for a evening that was full of sounds better that a band could have provided for the setting. I admire Jackson for his patriotic crusade that he had carefully chosen to place in the show at the time he felt right. Despite some folks getting up a walking out the door - which Jackson called the guy out on - everyone was respectful and I did not here one single boo and the Patriot wore his heart on his sleeve about the issues. Jackson solo show it was truly entertaining and he is an excellent one man band. He didn't find any antique light fixtures this time around Omaha because the store had closed as he shared but the light will always be on in Omaha for Jackson to find his way back here - even if it is with the band!

Sometimes the things that sound crazy to everybody else turn out to be exactly the things that you need to do in order to restore your sanity!

Taking two days off work; travelling alone across half the county; meeting and planning to stay with people you have never met; attending a Jackson Browne solo acoustic concert for the first time... aaahh... you see - now most of you reading this realize that the last phrase makes perfect sense of all that came before!

I arrived in Omaha (from Texas) on Sunday evening - wondering where I would meet anyone in these days of non-user friendly airports. While pondering this and ambling along, I spy some "Magritte" type clouds floating on a blue sky ... of course this gets my attention ... a treasured album cover being held by my newly treasured friend! How amazing to greet someone with smiles and hugs when you have never met before - but of course we had a connection straight away - a shared excitement for meeting each other and a shared anticipation for seeing Jackson.

After a late night, we had a kind of leisurely start to the day on Monday. We headed off downtown to do some sightseeing - in the mist & light, drizzling rain - quite pleasant weather really for walking around but disaster for the 'hair'!!!

First stop was the theatre - and there it was - THE BUS! ... and thus ended any resemblance we ever had of being intelligent, mature, independent, assertive women!! That bus, I swear, weaves a spell around you and all of a sudden your brain channels only thoughts of Jackson through your head and heart. The rest of your normal, mundane life ceases to exist!!!

We walked the beautiful market area - wonderful old buildings; funky, unusual stores; great eating places - and every so often we returned to the theater hoping for a glimpse of the 'sight' we really came to see. We visited the 'retro' shop which Jackson had visited on a previous stop in Omaha - but alas we never did run into him. (He did mention at the concert that he had looked around there during the day but our timing just didn't coincide) We finally decided we were getting cold and a little damp and by now the hair was "more than a little lost and wild". Time for some action...

I had brought with me a superb bottle of vintage wine (South Australian; 1999 Shiraz-Cabernet - from the "Miranda" wines of the Barossa Valley) We found a great card and a sack for the wine and proceeded to prepare a heartfelt gift of thanks for Jackson. I wrote a short message in the card and included in the envelope an 'aboriginal, hand-painted' stone - all the way from Australia (I have had this stone for several years and it was my favourite). So the package was ready and off we went again back to the bus.

There was a lone security guard standing at the stage door so I walked up to him, gift in hand. I said all I wanted was for him to be so kind as to make sure this gift got to Jackson himself. He said he would for sure.

And so to the concert itself. Beautiful theater, very tasteful ambience, great seats, great view and surrounded by wonderful new friends and then ... there was Jackson!

Charming, sweet smile and greeted by a thunderous and warm standing ovation as he entered the stage. Of all the times he experiences this, he still manages to look somewhat taken aback and humbled by the enthusiastic response of his audience!

The set list has been posted already - he sang a 'lot' of songs but as usual, the time just flew by...

Highlights for me:

Mutineer (gorgeous) and Poor Poor Pitiful Me The Pretender - not ususally one of my favourites - in fact I groaned when he started it because there were so many others I would rather have heard - but this was the best rendition of this I have ever heard - a passion in his delivery that was unique.

Late for the Sky - a breathtaking version - literally - even Jackson took a moment to pause and look up at the end and breathe ... A nicely delivered political offering as a prelude to Lives in the Balance - made all the more significant by the noisy exit of some guy who was not impressed - this inspired Jackson to add a little more to his repartee about what being an American means - it also lit a fire in his delivery of the song - immediately followed by a resounding I Am A Patriot - drew thunderous applause and obvious support of the majority of the audience. And yes, I was on my feet in a flash to support his heartfelt words! Shape of a Heart (sigh)- no words needed For A Dancer - enough said ...

For Taking the Trouble - the only song from Naked Ride that he did - lovely version - he said it was a song about finding ways to deal with a broken heart.

Lady of the Well and Something Fine - beautiful as always but his guitar playing was particularly fine!!!

The unexpected - Nothing But Time; Boulevard (worked well on solo guitar) and a little glimpse of a verse from Angel From Montgomery. All too soon it was over - 2 hours and 45 minutes and it seemed like seconds - where does the time go - and why does it have to go so fast?

He was very relaxed, happy, content ... oh, he did comment on how much his hair was bugging him (and that maybe he might go short - heaven forbid!!!) He said that one of the problems of growing old and getting grey hairs was that they were more 'kinky' than normal hair and so his hair just wouldn't sit right. This was too funny to hear after I had spent all day whining and moaning about what the weather was doing to my hair!!

And so the pilgrimage to the bus (again) to watch the load out and wait for our Everyman. I guess around 20 people were waiting and the weather was cool but fine, so it seemed a good chance that Jackson would be accessible. And so we waited ...

A little while more and finally an announcement that Jackson would come out and meet us but no signatures etc - maybe a few photos - but don't keep him too long in the cold etc etc. Finally, Jackson walked out 'carrying his shoes with him' (instead of her smile I guess). He had changed into comfy travelling clothes - baggy pants, sneakers... He was very gracious - looked over and smiled as though to say okay you can come closer now. People kind of moved in and gathered about him - most being polite and understanding of personal space and willing to wait their turn. Except for one woman who blustered forward and virtually launched herself at Jackson to try for a big hug. The rest of us stood there a little fearful that he would run onto the bus & disappear from us all. Luckily he disengaged from her although she stuck to his right side like glue. He started to speak to a few people on his left and took things from them etc.

He then turned to me - I was standing directly in front of him. I smiled, extended my hand to him and 'held his eyes with my eyes'. He took my hand in his and I asked him if he had received the wine I had left for him. He smiled and said "Yes, thank you - I did - that was from you? ... and the beautiful stone too - the aboriginal stone - from Australia?" I nodded and said that that was where I was from too.

At that moment someone who had pushed forward kind of interrupted us. Then some people behind her called out thank you's to Jackson and he acknowledged them. It's funny how most people just want to say thanks for being a part of their lives - how so many of us feel the same way as each other...

And then the woman- still stuck to his side and trying to hold on to his arm, looks up and says "I love you Jackson" - (Oh my God!!!!! ... Where to look?)

A kind of uncomfortable silence followed here and I looked down and realized that through all this passing conversation since he had spoken to me, I was still holding Jackson's hand!!!!! I mumbled something to him about 'guessing he would probably like his hand back' and tried to remove mine but he wouldn't let my hand go!! I kid you not!! ("it was a time I won't forget" )... but if he wanted to hold on and have me stay a little longer, who was I to argue, right?

He then looked up to break the awkward silence and asked if we thought the set list he had done was 'kind of weird' tonight. He looked right at my friend for confirmation. She reassured him, with her touch on his arm, that all of it was good!! He then talked quite affably to the crowd about the famous people who had come from Nebraska, learning to add Fred Astaire to his list.

Finally he started moving towards the bus and we let go of each other. I moved away to let others in, but turned back to say thank you for the last thirty years - then when he smiled, I shook my head and said laughingly, "I can't believe I've been listening to you for thirty years!!"

We stood and watched him move off. Others grabbed him for photos and of course there were those who wanted things signed!!! I moved over nearer to the bus - not wanting to leave while he was still there - being fascinated by people running up for yet another photo - listening to the pleading stories of those who wanted autographs.

Finally he entered the bus and we wandered off toward the car. The bus actually came along that very street and we waved and gave a peace sign to those who were up the front - someone waved back...

What an ending to a wonderful trip!!

I feel somewhat relieved and fulfilled - I know he received my gifts - I know he read my card and I got to do what I have wanted for the last 25 years- make eye contact, have his individual attention, shake his hand and say thank you.

On the way to the airport in the morning, we drove through a little slice of Iowa (due to the course of the river). There was a low mist all around- quite beautiful in its way. I could have sworn I was in heaven ... I was assured it was just Iowa!!!!!

Ah, but the whole trip felt like my dreams come true to me. Thanks to my friends who made it all possible. Thanks Jackson as always...

Wow - what a great concert - Jackson Browne, solo acoustic at the Uptown Theater in KC - we've never seen the solo acoustic performance before and were thrilled with the immediacy of the performance in this venue. Jackson seemed to enjoy how "demanding" the audience was - they definitely wanted him play a lot of songs. His comment about a lot of KC mentality was accurate, but there are also a lot of liberal Democrats here in KC - we're just very outnumbered! Special thanks to Jackson for "Lives in the Balance" - still so very relevent.

Set list for the Ames, IA concert, November 15th at C.Y. Stephens Auditorium.

An incredible show. At the end, he mentioned that it was the last show of the tour, and he acknowledged his crew, and the crowd went nuts when he started The Load Out. Said he hadn't played it in a long time, but he did a wonderful job on it, and we all got to sing along on the "Stay" section. You could tell he left it all on stage when he was done. A great ending to a great concert and tour.

November 15th -- Ames, Iowa. It was chilly and maybe a bit damp. The memory of the weather escapes me. It's all overshadowed now.

I came outside to the stage door exit after the show. There were people scattered everywhere...across the street where the bus was parked, in a small grassy area near the stage door and even in the road. I wasn't sure where to stand. Some of the people there were a little rambunctious and I didn't want to be to close to them. I didn't know what they were thinking and their shouting out of things I wouldn't say, made me uneasy. So I stood alone on the curb.

After awhile, someone came and told everyone to move from the road and up to the grassy area, as they would be pulling the bus in where many people were mulling around... Then John came to speak to all of us, and said, Jackson would be coming out, but that we could only look at him - no pictures, no signing - and John asked that we form a line, like a reception line, and assured us that Jackson would speak to everyone.

As everyone crowded to the area closer to the stage door, I stayed where I was.

The excitement tensed up when Jackson walked out and came down the steps. He looked relaxed in his leather jacket and sneakers. As he spoke to each person, I tried hard to watch him, but people kept jumping in the way, and I was leaning around in my space like a little kid waiting to see Santa. He was calm and casual and just ever so friendly to everyone. His facial expression was relaxed and he smiled a lot as John pulled his arm, ending conversations, and lead him down the line.

He was getting closer to me. And I was shutting down. I didn't know if I was going to be able to form a word. I wasn't sure if I could speak when it was my turn. The man exudes that much energy. I find it very overwhelming.

When it was close to my turn, a large man jutted into the line and knocked me off balance and pushed me into the bus. John steadied me, "whoa honey,' he said," Be careful there." I was embarrassed and hoped Jackson didn't think I was drunk or something. Then it was finally my turn, and I could feel myself freezing up and thinking, 'oh my gosh, no words are going to come out.'-just then, another fellow jumped in and handed Jackson a small package saying, 'got something for ya' Jackson'.....Jackson said, 'Thanks man' and smiled, and the young man was gone.

Then Jackson was looking at me. Smiling. Oh dear Lord.

I remembered the bookmark I had bought for him. "I have something for you, too," I said. Handing him the bookmark and looking up into those eyes....I watched him reach out and take it from me in what seemed like slow motion...He took the bookmark and while he was thanking me, and smiling, -- gosh what a smile, did I mention that? - he began to try to examine the bookmark to read it, holding it up to the light. At that moment, I could not remember what it said! I told him I had left a bookmark for him in Atlanta and didn't know if he had gotten it. He was so sweet...." Oh yeah, yeah....I think I did!" he exclaimed. "Ummm, was it blue?" His face was priceless as he tried hard to remember and fill in the blank. God, I love this man.

"It was yellow" I said, "yellow leather" (Now you try to say *yellow leather*) ....at this point I got tongue tied and told him I just couldn't talk anymore. He laughed. He really did.

I asked could I shake his hand. He said, 'of course' and put his hand in mine as if this was a given. I told him "thank you" - "thank you so much" - he looked at me intently, moved in closer and said, "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for coming." Three times. Three times he said "thank you." -- I gazed at him unable to speak any more. I just really wanted to hug him. We just looked at each other.

I watched as the moment ended and he got on the bus.

It was 24 hours later before it dawned on me. I was the last fan he spoke to on that tour. I think when he said 'thank you' three times, he was thanking everyone. He was thanking all of us. There is no way that he couldn't read in my eyes that I was indeed a fan. A real fan of Jackson Browne. I really think that 'thank you' is there for me to share with all of you.

Maybe one day, I can speak to him. Maybe one day, I will not feel overwhelmed by his energy. Maybe one day, I will get another chance .....But I hope that in this last chance that he knew, for sure, I appreciate him sharing himself with me. With us. With his fans.

Jackson Browne thanked me. Can you imagine......?

I have been a blindly loyal and obsessed fan for 20 plus years. Saturday night I took my 18 year old son to Jackson's concert in Ames, Iowa. I have been to 7 concerts over the years and it breaks my heart to say this was the worst performance I have ever been to by Jackson. He seemed to be exhausted. He missed so many notes and forgot lyrics during several songs. He wasn't overly responsive to audience requests though he was his usual gracious self. Basicly he played the title songs to nearly all of his albums, except "I'm Alive" and maybe one or two others like "Lawyers in Love" . I still love this guy, but felt very let down and disappointed. Anyone else have a bad experience?

Friday night at the Uptown Theater in Kansas City: It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.

It was the best of times...Having a great preconcert meal with close friends Bill and Stephanie at the justly renowned Jack Stack Barbecue. Attending a Jackson Browne solo acoustic performance with my 2 friends. Having center section seats in row G for the show. Meeting and getting to know the legendary Vape and his lovely caretaker Denise--two really beautiful people. Getting to listen to Jackson perform for his fans as if we were all personal guests in his living room.

It was the worst of times...Being seated 3 rows in front of the Audience Member from Hell. Then having Jackson seemingly cut short his performance as that Audience Member from Hell was forcibly removed from the building to the applause of the audience around him. Spending only 2 hours and 15 minutes listening to Jackson give a wonderful performance--but his shortest of the tour. Feeling depressed because a blemish had been placed on Kansas City's reputation as one of the great towns for seeing a concert.

But still...it was the best of times.

Sporting a black shirt with white buttons down the front and on both pockets, grey slacks and socks, black loafers, Jackson came out at 8:08 as he let a late-arriving audience get more or less settled in before starting the show. He sat down with one of his 12 guitars and almost immediately broke into a wonderful performance of The Barricades of Heaven. From this first song until the end of the performance Jackson was in nearly perfect voice, certainly as good as I have been privileged to hear--amazing on the next-to-the-last show of the tour. His voice was fuller and deeper than it was in the past, but wonderfully suited to the arrangement of his songs.

After Jackson had finished Barricades and the enthusiastic applause had ended, audience members immediately began shouting out requests. Jackson remarked that we had obviously heard that he was playing this tour without a setlist. Since several people had shouted out requests for it, Jackson then switched guitars and gave us a heartfelt version of In the Shape of a Heart. Moving directly to the electric piano, Jackson told us he would do a Warren Zevon song and then performed a truly stunning interpretation of Mutineer, which drew some of the loudest appreciation of the night from the crowd.

Then, after seeming ready to do one thing, he switched guitars to do another song called out by someone in the audience. Explaining that this was a true story, but that he had gone for many years without playing it until he decided that he could just leave off the last verse, Jackson launched into a vigorous Ready or Not. Following this, he again acceded to audience requests and sang Jamaica Say You Will and Rosie, before which he once again explained that the song was not about him.

During the course of the first set he explained that what usually happens at these concerts is that people call requests in ever-increasing numbers until someone eventually shouts out, "Play what you want!"

"Don't worry," Jackson said, "I always play what I want."

Well, whether the songs Jackson performed were a result of some very intelligent audience requests or simply the whim of Jackson at the moment, it was obvious our very lucky audience was getting a somewhat different and very special setlist for the night as Jackson finished out with a selection of songs that made his first set noticeably unique (and for me at least) more memorable than some of the setlists of previous shows.

He continued with a tasty slide performance on Your Bright Baby Blues. Jackson often defers to other slide players and makes light of his own chops saying he can only do it because the Slide Police are not present, but he really does himself a disservice as he is quite adept when he chooses to play YBBB. Next came a beautiful Late for the Sky, for which many in the audience had been calling.

Saying no one had called for it but that it was adult song that even children--especially a certain 5-year-old--enjoyed, he treated us to a lively I'm the Cat. Another request, Call It a Loan, quickly followed. Before finishing the first set almost exactly an hour after he had started it, he recounted the story of the many versions of it around the world and elaborated on the Spanish version, which he said was his favorite as it changed the "I'm looking for a lover who won't blow my cover" into "I'm looking for a girl who is not religious, not dangerous and will eat me like a lobster in pink sauce." He went on to tell us how he tries to keep track of the lyrics as they are translated in these various versions because he doesn't want anyone to satirize the song. Perhaps of note to many of us who have wondered about this, Jackson said that one member of the crew is particularly adept at moving around the internet and that Jackson has had him trying to find the Chinese lyrics to the song so that David Lindley could keep his promise to sing them if they were ever translated.

(Note: Earlier today I read an account of Saturday's show in Ames by Cathy on the Yahoo list in which she wrote that Jackson talked about how information about his shows travels on the internet.)

Jackson then took his usual mid-show intermission.

Twenty minutes later he was back, guitar in hand, and ready to mesmerize us all with For Everyman. Hardly pausing between songs, Jackson jumped right into Running on Empty, which had most of the crowd singing and clapping along, including of course the line "I don't know about anyone but me," which Jackson stopped singing quite some time ago. (I don't think I've ever heard an explanation for this. Does anyone know why?)

About this time the Audience Member from Hell was really becoming obnoxious and basically ruined the wonderful mood Jackson was creating for those in front of and surrounding him. I won't go into the details here,but I was relieved when I talked to a couple of friends of mine, one of whom sat with his wife and two children about 30 feet in back and to the right of this (excuse me) cretin and thankfully were totally unaware of him until he was noisily led out.

Following ROE, someone called out for Of Missing Persons and Jackson, who had said he was highly suggestible, told us that he was especially drawn to requests for songs that he had not played in quite some time. Well, Of Missing Persons filled that description to a T, and he moved to the piano and haltingly began the song. Not far into the song Jackson got to the line, "Music was his..." and could not come up with the next word. "I don't know this song," Jackson said, smiling. A lady that Vape evidently got quite a good look at had wandered toward the stage and yelled out that the word was "angel," and Jackson quickly restarted the song, only to stall out once again. "This is just not a song that I know (or something to that effect)," Jackson commented. This time several in the audience helped him out and he fought his way through to the end of it. After he concluded, Jackson expressed how much he had enjoyed taking on the song and added, "It's like I'm learning it for the first time." At this point my friend Bill leaned over to me and said, "That's a song he should learn and include in all of his shows."

Still at the piano and with the audience hollering out all types of requests, Jackson played the beginning notes of The Pretender and once again had the crowd in the palms of his hands with many in the crowd once again singing along. Next came a moving version of Two Many Angels.

Again crossing over to the piano Jackson started For a Dancer, but after going not to far into the song, something caught in his throat and he couldn't continue. He stood up and walked to where he had a cup on the stage and (evidently) coughed into it and returned to the piano. Apologizing, he asked the audience if they still wanted to hear that song, and inundated with positive responses from the crowd, proceeded into a flawless and moving performance of it.

Earlier Jackson had commented that perhaps some of the songs a handful of audience members had attempted to clap along with were not particularly appropriate for that kind of response. He laughingly went into how many Scandinavians (and he said some of his family was Norwegian) were rhythmically challenged (my words) and there must be some Scandinavians in the audience. But he also noted that people from the Mediterranean areas were much better at clapping along and he could tell there were some of them present as well. Nevertheless, during For a Dancer that said Audience Member from Hell, who probably wouldn't have recognized a suggestion if it hit him in the head like a baseball bat, not only clapped loudly in the middle of the otherwise reverent audience, but followed Jackson's "In the end there is one dance you'll do alone" by screaming "You've got that right, Jackson!" at the top of his lungs.

Fortunately Jackson appeared not to have been piqued and moved on saying that the next song was one everybody could clap along to, and jumped straight into Doctor My Eyes. And most people did clap along energetically (but surprisingly the Audience Member from Hell did not). Coupling DME with About My Imagination as he had done during his solo tour in the spring of 2002, Jackson turned in a performance that really enthralled the crowd.

A somewhat laid-back but warmly received version of The Naked Ride Home was next, followed by the always beautiful and haunting Sky Blue and Black. Staying at the piano, Jackson then sang Before the Deluge and it was during this song that the Audience Member from Hell started becoming abusive to the audience members around him who had finally had enough and were more forcefully telling him to can it. Thankfully a few seconds later, two female ushers came to the rescue (just about 40 minutes late, however) and after a couple of verbal explosions were able to make him leave while asking meekly, "Does my wife have to go, too?" Boy, did she have to feel small right about then, but she hadn't once to my knowledge tried to get him to stop. Jackson continued with Before the Deluge during all this commotion, and, as the audience members around where the AMfH had sat applauded as he was led away, I could see Jackson staring intently out into the darkness to see what was going on.

As Jackson was finishing the song, I thought to myself, "Well, at least now we can all enjoy the rest of the show in peace," but when it ended he stood up and said, "Thank you, Kansas City..." and walked off to an enormous amount of applause. There is no doubt in my mind he cut short what was perhaps going to be, along with Toledo, the best show of the tour thanks the AMfH! Whereas his second set at almost every venue had been no less than 2 hours and 30 minutes long, this time he had ended it at slightly less than 2 hours and 15 minutes.

However,Jackson certainly wasn't holding a grudge against the audience, despite what had happened as well as another time when 2 members of the audience had walked up to the stage between songs and asked him to autograph a shirt. (Of course, Jackson said he couldn't but amazingly when the show was over a member of the crew brought out the shirt--signed! I don't know if the owners got it, but I kind of hope they didn't.)

Anyway, Jackson returned and immediately began perhaps his most empassioned performance of the night--a magnificent version of Lives in the Balance. Jackson said that by now all of us should know his politics without him talking about it. He followed up with a performance of I Am a Patriot that skipped the usual beginning refrain of "And the river opened for the righteous" and was probably the more powerful for it.

Once again saying, "Thank you, Kansas City!" and (very graciously) telling us what a wonderful audience we had been, Jackson left the stage.

Returning for a second encore, Jackson sat at the piano and sang a wonderfully lilting and spiritually uplifting Don't You Want to Be There, made somewhat surreal by a woman who almost appeared in the darkness to be dressed like a bag lady, wistfully sweeping her arms through the air and dancing to the Jackson's dulcet tones, seemingly unaware that anyone else was present. After concluding his final song, Jackson again thanked the "spirited" crowd left the stage for the final time. Soon the lights came up and the piped music started, leaving us all a collection of individual memories filled with sounds and images which we most likely will never forget.

If you've stayed with me this long, bless you. I've been typing for so long my back is killing me. I can verify that everything I've included is factual, but I may have made an error or two as to exactly when in the program Jackson made a certain comment.

And I've just remembered another little thing I'd like to add. During the first half of the show Jackson looked offstage to his right and grinned and laughed a little. He explained that something he'd done had made his sound mixer look like a deer caught in the headlights. He went on to say that on the way to Kansas City they had hit a deer and that, while that wasn't funny, he thought the look on the crew member's face was. He said the guy's name was R. J. and he asked him to come out so we could see him. Well, R. J. came and he had a child's reindeer ears on his head!

In the end, it really was the best of times. Thank you so much, Jackson!

Well, I've got to stop or fall asleep and lose this before I get it posted, but Vape, if you're out there, man, I think you're one righteous dude, and I'll see you further on down the road.

Setlist:

Good night, all!

Just wanted to respond to DThomas.

I don't know what show you were at, but my wife and I saw and heard a great show. You can see from the set list I posted that he played much more than just the title songs from most of his albums.

I remember *ONE* song where he muffed a lyric, and that was very early in the evening. He chatted with the crowd a lot and seemd relaxed to me. And considering he was on the road for nearly two months doing this amazing tour, it's understandable that he did seem a little tired at the end of it. Yes, you could tell he was tired, and yes, there were a few times when his voice showed it, but HE GAVE A GREAT PERFORMANCE! He played great, he sounded great. He played "the Load Out" for crying out loud. As I said, he left it all there when it was over.

Just my take. For the record, it was the 4th time I've seen him (the first was in 1977!), and he's never disappointed.

It's about time!

Congratulations, Jackson, on your election to the the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! It's long overdue and well-deserved.

This is a very fine year for fans of Jackson Browne. He gave us wonderfully rich and varied tours, first with Tom Petty, next with Steve Earle & Keb' Mo', and finally the ultimate in generosity to his fans, the wonderful solo acoustic tour. Reviews have been so enthusiastic, and I feel very thankful for the shows I had the pleasure to attend. Each was special, the vocals were intense... rich... and intimate, and many times it was as if it was the first time I had really heard the song. - And now the rest of the world will know that Jackson Browne Rocks!!! Congratulations to him, this is so well deserved. --

Best Wishes,

I was so happy to hear that Jackson will finally be inducted into the Hall of Fame. About f****** time!

Long, Long Time Fan

It's good to hear that Jackson has finally made the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame! He is very deserving, and I am very happy for him! We were able to be a part of this tour for two shows but I wanted to wait to write about them until after the tour ended and all of the other's had written about their experiences. That is because I really enjoy being able to go to this website and read about everyone's experiences, and I'll miss it when it's over. So I'll save my story until later - but I just had to congratulate Jackson on the induction!

Russ- It has taken a month for me to write this review, and, only after I have seen other reviews from this show. Now know that I am up there in the second tier of fans (behind you!), but I beg to differ with the other reviews.

First, a quick background: I am from Buffalo, NY and saw Jackson do the show back in May (Rochester, NY) with my 23 year old son. He is a hip hop performer and loves words in music. He was awestruck by the performance that Jackson put on the fact that he could mesmerize an audience for 2 plus hours by himself. Having recently broken up with his girlfriend, For Taking the Trouble, really hit home with him. Iíve never been prouder or happier.

I have a very close high school friend who lives in Toledo and arranged a road trip, for me and one of our other high school buddies, to go visit and go to the concert. We got 4th row center seats and couldnít wait for the 18th to go and see him (the first time for my friends).

The highlight of the concert was there, in the waiting. Jackson came out and performed abysmally. He could not remember the words to between 10-14 songs and his guitar/piano playing was mediocre at best. At one point. While playing Linda Paloma, he was doing a beautiful strumming Latino style of the guitar, changed to "picking" and was so bad that he, very uncomfortably, switched back to the strumming.

I can honestly say that I have never been so uncomfortable in my life! I am worried for the health of my idol! I am hoping it was medication, a personal issue or because he was out the night before (his day off) watching Mary Carpenter and Co playing in Cleveland. I don't believe it was any other reason.

JB helped heal my relationship with my father through "Daddy's Tune" and there are few people who are as influential in my life. I was crushed at this concert and I honestly don't know if I will go to see him again. Maybe idols and expectations are best left where they belong-in your head and in the future!

Congrats to Jackson for being elected to The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame! It's been too long... but it happened! Thanks for all your beautiful, inspiring, heartfelt music. YEAH!

Going to the site just now was great to see in big bold red letters...Jackson Browne elected into the Hall of Fame. I've been waiting for an update, Russ...expecting something about a spring tour or Cuba trip , but this was the best. Congratulations are in order for Jackson Browne to be in the Cleveland Hall of Fame...another reason to go back to Ohio.

He had a great tour all year long. I was lucky to see him in Cleveland, Atlanta and last DC. This is the way it's supposed to go.

Thanks Russ for all you do to keep the music and the info coming. It's appreciated.

There is some measure of justice left !

Congratulations and thanks for all the music!!!

What a great and well past due honor for Jackson. When I saw the news I looked at the news, I did not believe it at first. He never seems to get recognized for his accomplishments. Yet, if anyone has had his handprint on today's music, it is Jackson. He has inspired so many of today's musicians. More importantly perhaps, he has inspired so many of his fans. Though life in my last 30 years has had it's share of highs and lows, I could always find comfort in his music. I really don't know why, but I do know that others share this as well. No other artist has the "everyman" connection that Jackson does.

Thanks for your work as well, Russ, for keeping us all connected by this great website. Let's all continue to work and pray for sanity in a world that daily becomes more insane.

I wanted to say I think it's great that Jackson Browne is going to the Hall of Fame.

Hi Russ, just wanted to take this time and congratulate Jackson for finally being inducted into the Rock n' Roll hall of fame. It is long over due. I had the pleasure of seeing Jackson in Indianapolis and he was great as ever. I look forward to seeing him inducted and I can finally go to the actual rock n hall of fame. I have been boycotting until Jackson got in. Thanks again Russ for this great website.

Russ,

As always, thanks for your work on this site. I was so glad to hear the news regarding Jackson Browne's entrance into the Hall of fame. Not necessarily because he got into some pathetic, superfluous institution, but because of the folks he's going in with. It should be one hell of a show! Prince, Jackson, Traffic and Bob Seger. And he gets to go in the same year as George ("give me plenty of that guitar") Harrison. I love George's last album, go out and get it.

Anyway, on the night Paul McCartney was inducted, his daughter wore a shirt that's fitting for everyone of this years nominees. It read "It's about "F*****G TIME".

Russ,

Wow, 2 times in a month writing, and to think that for years I was just a silent fan of your wonderful web site.......I want to put my 2 cents in for what it's worth, to also congratulate Jackson on finally making it to the R & R Hall of Fame --- we knew it would finally happen; some of us just had more faith and patience than others!

Anyway, I also just had to respond to ddigesare's comments about Jackson's performance of 10-18 in Toledo, Ohio, and in particular the last statement about questioning whether to ever see Jackson in performance again. What a thing to say! Honestly, your comments are very confusing, because you speak in one sentence about Jackson's influence on your life and your son's, then you crush him under your boot heel and question whether you'll ever go to another of his concerts??? For all your fine talk, you are obviously a very self-centered person with unrealistic expectations!

I think I can safely speak for all of us who are true, dedicated fans for Jackson's, sticking it out with him and his music through good times and bad all these many years (as we have done for our country), in saying that good, we don't want you to go to any more of his concerts, because we don't want you to be the one sitting behind us at his next concert, bitching about how he sang the last song! We're tired of your high and mighty expectations of him, and that you are not content with just enjoying and appreciating what he is giving of himself to you and the rest of us, whether it be good or perhaps not so good, if he has an occasional "off" night.

He's a mortal man, people, a fact that seems not to register with some of you complainers of his "off" performances (of which I've seen several), not a superhero or a messiah, and despite what people may write in jest, he succumbs to the same inescapable force in life all of us mortals do, getting older! He still plays and sings rings around most of the other performers out there, many being much younger than he is, and still you can't appreciate that.....no one in life has a good day 24/7, 365 a year. Good riddance to you, fair weather JB fan, we don't want you in our club any more!

Seriously, Russ, and I just have to get this out of my system because it makes me sick reading some of the trashy comments made about Jackson on this web site --- some people just don't get "the big picture here", do they? This man has written and sung more beautiful lyrics for each one of his albums (or CD's, if you're of that genre), than many performers have done in an entire lifetime of musical offerings. This is his "magical" gift to us that inspires us to dare to be ourselves, find ourselves, live life with an awareness of what good we can bring to this world and to our relationships with others. This is what life is all about, you self-righteous, self-centered illusionists of the world, but YOU are the ones who can't seem to grasp it as hard as you try! Anyone who says they would never see Jackson Browne in concert again because he had one "off" evening, was never truly a fan to begin with, and has never connected with the truth he has given us about life which sets us free!

Rock on, Jackson, into the Hall of Fame and beyond, and I for one, along with your millions of other true fans around the world, will be anxiously awaiting your next concert tour! We love you for the gentle, thoughtful, truth-seeker that you were, are, and will continue to be as long as you walk this beautiful planet with us. You inspire us to believe in ourselves, and to believe that this world can still be all we expected it to be, in our childish innocence of so long ago, as long as we give of ourselves as unselfishly as you have done....................

I was so happy to hear about the Hall of Fame election results. Congratulations to Jackson, who is greatly deserving. His music has truly been the soundtrack of my life.

Dear Jackson,

Congratulations on your being inducted into Rock and Roll hall of Fame......................NOONE deserves it more than you. In my opinion, you deserve your very own Hall.but ...this will do...:)

Hope you come to New York or thereabouts again soon..........have seen you a few times...you are an inspiration and a joy......may you live long and have only good things bless your way..........

Love,

I'm a little late in writing but I wanted to Thank JB again for a great show. I was there with my one of my brothers and two of my sisters. We are all huge JB fans. In fact my sister jumped up on stage at the PNC bank show during ROE earlier this year. That was about a week after we saw him at Hersheypark(hate to say it but their sound system sucked).

Anyway, the night was special for me because I had never really seen JB acoustic before. I say "really" because I went to a show with another one of my brothers year ago at the Westbury music fair but we got kicked out for being too loud. At a concert? And I assure you we were not yelling during songs.

It was also special because we had buried our parents earlier in the day. My father passed away 3 years ago and mom earlier this year so it was a nice way to remember them.

My brother and I are not afraid to scream out and it was fun when my brother requested "Disco Apocolypse" to which Jackson replied "Yeah, there's one I want to resurrect". Y'know it's not a bad tune. Also, I yelled for "Daddy's tune", which would have been appropriate because we had buried our parents earlier in the day(my father passed away 3 years ago and mom earlier this year so it was a nice way to remember them), and Jackson said he'd work on it. Maybe next time???

I know Jackson is into giving othe bands/artisits exposure but I'd sure like to see him again w/ a full band.

Keep up the good work

I am sooo happy that my favorite of all time, Jackson Browne, has been selected for entry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

I first saw him in Cleveland at Blossom in 1978 for the Running on Empty Tour. I've seen him so many times, but never enough. Your work and career certainly warrant this honor. I couldn't be happier, for you, or for me. You work and words have always inspired and strengthen me.

I've seen Jackson many many many times, from a hole in the wall in San Diego in 1971 till just recently. His shows are always dynamic, he has the ability to pick the greatest sideman to tour with him, from the infamous David Lindley and Danny Kotchmarr (spelling?) to his latest entourage .... always awesome! But his solo shows have a special magic that not even the greatest sideman can create. He truely still has it going on!

Anyone who is a musician and has followed Jackson knows he is a collector of fine instruments. And so I ask, does anyone know the brand of keyboard Jackson uses on his solo tours. It sounds so great I want to buy one, but can't remember, and so this would be a great place to ask .... any help out there??

Despite very high expectations, Jackson exceeded them, mostly with the quality of his voice. I kept waiting for it to fade as the concert exceeded two hours but it never did and he has also taken up ( I have not seen him in 5 years so I may be late here) dramatically fading/trailing his voice out on some lyrics with almost a soulful whisper, very nice touch. As mentioned in another review, there was an incredibly rude fan in front of us who was finally removed and a drunk woman in back of us who made it very clear over and over that she wanted Jackson in the biblical way. Finally, congrats on his HOF honor. Very deserving. Please come back to KC and give our fans another chance to behave better. Thanks.

Thanks Russ for this site. I have wrote you a few times in the past reviewing concerts and such. I turned my 25 year old son into a JB fan though I cant seem to get my wife turned on to him. I want to congratulate Jackson for the Hall of Fame induction. Finally they recognize him. Its like his lyrics "Its who you look like not who you are", thats the feeling I get from all the non JB fans. I, like other true fans have never been to a bad JB show, I get misty when I read about other peoples lifetime revelations when they talk about how Jacksons lyrics have changed or affected their lives. I cant believe I first saw him 28 or so years ago in Omaha, Ne at the music hall with the opening act of Phobe Snow. I think he only had like 2 albums out then but I remember in 1973 listening to KQKQ in Council Bluffs, Ia( right across the river from Omaha) when they were doing an album side weekend and I heard Jacksons Saturate Before Using and I said man this guy is and will change and affect the rest of my life.

I am 47 years old and love 3 things. My wife, Jackson Browne, and the Green Bay Packers. I change my scedule to never miss a Packer game but on November 10 I missed the Monday night football Packer game because there are some things in life more important:) My sister is a fan and has met JB in ElPaso, Tx a few years back and actually got his autograph. I swear the next concert I hope to get enough nerve up to attempt to meet JB and at least shake his hand. This is what I must do before my time on this earth is through. Well I'm boring you with this