Last Sunday I attended a free concert from the band Venice at the Abbott-Kinney Street Fair in Venice, CA. To everyone's surprise & delight, a bearded Jackson made an unannounced guest appearance!

Venice was wonderful...beautiful harmonies, pure joy! Jackson came on toward the end of the set and performed 3 songs with Venice, For A Dancer, Running on Empty and then finished with Brown Eyed Girl. The harmonies from Venice really add to those songs...notably For A Dancer, this time on guitar instead of keyboards, it was superb! Jackson mentioned that Venice was one of his favorite bands and he really seemed to enjoy jamming with them! Their energy must be infectious, he was grinnin' and rockin' through most of ROE and Brown Eyed Girl. It was a wonderful evening of surprises...keep them coming Jackson!

Thanks Russ...

What is up with this tour? - East Boothbay, Maine?? We are from Maine and when this tour was announced we waited to see if Jackson would come to Portland. When the website stopped saying that there would be more dates announced we decided that we would go to Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut to see him. We luckily have relatives very close by. After we bought our tickets they started announcing more dates - to our surprise! We didn't get very good seats at Foxwoods - but any Jackson is better that none! Then to our surprise it was announced that he would play an Opera House in Boothbay, ME! We have every intention of trying to get tickets to this show also - but why Boothbay? - The only thing that I can figure is that they are trying to save their Opera House, and asked that he help raise money for them to do so. - Either that or he knows someone in the area.

Does anyone have any clue either about the choice of Boothbay, ME or why this tour has been announced strangely? Or is it just me that thinks that this tour has been announced so strangely? - And why another solo acoustic show? It would be nice to see him do a show with his band. We saw him in May of 2002 twice doing his solo acoustic tour, and again in July 2003 with Keb Mo, and Steve Earle, and his band. - We also got to meet him! It was all well worth it! I'd like to think that I wouldn't ever miss another Jackson show that comes close to us. We are true fans! Thank You Jackson, and again, Thank You Russ for this website. It is so nice to be able to get and give information to our fellow Jackson fans. I wish that we could get at least one of our local radio stations to play music from the 'Naked Ride Home' CD.

Hi - perhaps a bit late for posting but Jackson Browne music will be playing through October 25th in celebration of his Birthday on October 9th on my internet show "Seasons & Celebrations". They'll be a Ten Minute Spotlight Special along with John Lennon at October 9th at 9am (PDT) repeated at 3pm if there's time to catch that.

All the best,

Could you please let it be known that I have a couple of extra tickets to the Oct. 22 Indy show. Can be contacted at deffencut@hotmail.com or deffendall@yahoo.com. Thanks,

My son and I are going to the Minneapolis show tomorrow night...and we have an extra ticket. Somewhere between rows 4 and 10, I believe...face value, around $50. If anyone could use it, just let me know.

We have two tickets available to see Jackson in Atlantic City, NJ on Saturday, November lst at the Trump Marina. They are Section D, Row 12, seats # 3 and #4. The cost for each ($50.90 + ticketmaster charges) is $60.00. If interested, e-mail us with an offer, and for Subject, enter "Jackson Browne tickets". Our web address is drossme@aol.com.

We will be seeing Jackson in D.C. in two weeks and again in New Jersey! Can't wait! I have seen all his shows in the area (from Richmond, Va. to Philadelphia, Pa. as well as Sedona) - acoustic solo, benefits and with the band. Each one is great and special in it's own way! He is a remarkable person.

A reminder to support Jackson's nomination to the Rock and Rock Hall of Fame by e-mailing or sending a letter to tell the committee how much you enjoy his music and how he has influenced your life.

"Let the music keep our spirits high".

We were lucky enough to be the first night of Jackson's solo acoustic tour last night. A full house at the historic State Theatre in downtown Mpls. greeted JB at 7:30 and didn't say our good-nights until after 10 p.m. It was a very memorable night. Jackson's generous and warm manner onstage made for an especially intimate concert.

It seems we've been graced with many JB performances here in the Twin Cities in recent years. I've seen him play at two benefit concerts, enjoyed JB and the band opening for Tom Petty, and now this exquisite acoustic evening...wow...we are blessed.

All around me in the balcony were Jackson Browne fans spanning several generations. Looking at the different ages around me, I was reminded that my grandfather liked Jackson's songs in the '70s. Grampa was in his sixties then and watched JB on "Austin City Limits" or another PBS show with me. He was totally taken with the lyrics and depth of the songs and asked me all kinds of questions about "that young man." I couldn't help but remember this last night. The songs and the lyrics are timeless.

Right at the start last night, Jackson let us know that he did not have a set list and that he was going to let the evening be more spontaneous than most concerts. The only complaint I heard all night was that the audience was a little TOO outspoken with their requests and shouted-out comments (positive, of course) to Jackson on stage. This aspect seemed to bother some of the other audience members, but I figure it was part of the experience. (Though an audience member yelling to Jackson that he really had to go out with her sister was a bit much!!!!)

Jackson was alone on stage, surrounded by his twelve guitars (I counted!) and his keyboard. He asked us if we liked his big oriental rug which he'd bought for the tour. Its fall colors were very warm and rich, and it suited the evening and the music well. Good choice, Jackson! Some fans shouted "Happy Birthday, Jackson!" and he acknowledged having just had his birthday, along with his guitarist from his band. He wore his new blue shirt for the show, and later told us that he plans to wear a different shirt each night of the tour, which means he'll just have to go find a bunch of nice shirts to buy!

He played two long sets for us with a 15-minute intermission. The sound was gorgeous in the State and I don't think I'm exaggerating to say that JB had the crowd in the palm of his hand all night. Never a dull moment. It was extraordinary to hear these songs played in such an exposed way, without a band, without even a harmony singer to complement Jackson's vocals and guitar/keyboard work. His guitar playing was really spotlighted in songs like "Linda Paloma" (his final encore) and "In the Shape of a Heart" (wow). At the keyboard, he always captured the essence of the songs. His vocals were, well, perfectly Jackson all night. Many of us in the balcony came prepared with binoculars; it was beautiful to watch Jackson's expressions as he performed these songs. He seemed to look into the audience quite often. Later, he told us that although he can't really see most of us, he likes to make up little stories in his head about people he can see in the audience.

I want to mention that there is a tendency to say "Oh, he looks so young, like he always did!" and thus sort of dismiss his body of life experience and acquired depth. People do this all the time. True, he was wise before his time, being able to write the lyrics he did 30 years ago. But he's lived, and grown, and it shows in his newer songs and also in the way he performs the older ones. It also shows in the cover songs he chooses: the Little Steven song "I Am a Patriot" could not have been more timely, and Warren Zevon's "Carmelita" was great to hear, too. But this was a night for Jackson's own songs. There are so many!

The only "throw-away" song played all night, in my opinion, was "Ready or Not," which Jackson played as an encore when pressed by an audience member. He told us a very funny story, too, about receiving an honor recently for his environmentalism; at those ceremonies, the song they chose to talk about was "Ready or Not" (odd choice!), and he told us about the "washing machine" verse. It seems like a sort of embarrassing song to sing nowadays, but he infused it with enough humor and self-deprecation to make it ok!

I did not keep a set list, but here are some songs I know he played during the wonderful evening (not in correct order):

Thank you to Jackson for a gorgeous evening of music and words. I'm sure your tour will be full of more such evenings.

Get a ticket to this acoustic show...NOW. Here are 3 hours worth of reasons.

Tonight, my soon-to-be 11 year old son Brendan joined me for his first solo Jackson performance. We saw him 10 months ago (time flies) along with my wife Rebecca, as Jackson warmed up Tom Petty in St. Paul. Tonight in Minneapolis, we arrived to the State Theater with an extra 6th row seat, as my wife was in SF visiting. In no time, someone needed the ticket, we sold it for face value ($50), which got turned over a second time for $60, got a picture taken of Brendan and me with the flashing lights surrounding the Jackson Browne marquee in the background and in we were.

The show started at 7:30 sharp, and it was packed. I've seen Jackson solo before, at St. Ann's Church in Brooklyn when Bonnie Raitt joined him, at the Santa Barbara Bowl for his 50th birthday, as he let EmmyLou Harris and Steve Earle get more stage time, and in Seattle (for my 40th) with Bonnie and Keb' Mo. This time, the stage was set up with 11 guitars standing in back of a chair (on the left side of the stage as he faced us) and his keyboard (on the right side). He appeared in a dark shirt and grayish slacks. During the show, he looked at times 19 years old, and never as old as 55, which he turned last Thursday.

The show started with I'M ALIVE, same as other acoustic shows. He didn't strain at all. After the song, he joked about all the guitars behind him. "I got a couple more guitars" and we all laughed. Some women in the balcony then yelled out "Happy Birthday", at which time Jackson said "Thanks I got this shirt for my birthday."

The second tune was a WARREN ZEVON SONG I don't recall the name. But when he said Warren's name, evenryone cheered.

Even though he has been nominated and not yet voted into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame, I yelled out, "Happy Hall of Fame" since I wanted that energy to follow his birthday salute. He responded, "Thank you but I'm not in yet. Believe me when I say it, that doesn't mean much to me. But my family is always asking when I'll be in. I've been nominated before so I don't get excited." I didn't know he had been nominated before. He then asked if we liked his floor rug...and told a story of a place in California that sells them on the street. He said they're "fall colors..fall tone to his tour." He brought up Arnold, "I don't know what to tell you, but YOU can tell ME about an actor-hero as Governor" referring to Minnesota's previous Governor Jesse Ventura. Fans yelled out "He sucks" a few times until Jackson was able to understand the words.

Third song was THE BARRICADES OF HEAVEN. It was clear many times that there was no real playlist to this show. It reminded me of a concert in the early 90's in Providence, RI when Jackson was so moved from all the requests from songs he didn't think anyone knew, remembered, or cared to hear again. A few times tonight, he was about to start one song, heard a request, put down his guitar and picked up another one to satisfy himself and the crowd.

Next was one of those times. When it was quiet, someone yelled out THESE DAYS and Jackson said "here's to picking your moment." Wow, what a version. Jackson appeared emotional during this and a few other songs. And his acoustic picking had been very under-rated until this song tonight. During the intermission, I bumped into a former co-worker who said Jackson should be inducted into the Hall of Fame for "These Days" alone!

Next Jackson said, "I had the best year playing with my band. I love my band." One guitar member of his band had a birthday a day before his, so they had a party and it sounded like they jammed (instead of Jackson getting ready for the tour). As Jackson was tuning his guitar before the next song, a fan got playfully impatient and yelled out "Close enough" to signal that Jackson need not tune the guitar any further. Next song, THE NAKED RIDE HOME. Say what you will about the new album, but tonight hearing these songs acoustically was unbelieveable. "Naked" was so startling, just like "Sky Blue" and other powerful lyric-based songs. To hear "Naked" without the band was an unexpected treat.

Jackson dedicated the next song, LOOKING EAST to the late Minnesota Seantor Paul Wellstone, who died with his wife, daughter and staffers in a plane crash 50 weeks ago. Wellstone was one of the few outspoken critics of the pending Iraqi invasion, who conveniently to the Republicans, died just days before a key election to determine control of the US Senate. The rest is history, or history with lies.

THE PRETENDER followed. And if you've seen Jackson solo, you know what a high point to the night this is. You just shake your head and remember how many years ago he wrote this and others. Just amazing how good he sounds tonight.

The weird part of the show followed. Someone yelled "Read the Book." Jackson asked "are you the one who sent me a book on Jonathan Edwards?" But the fan kept yelling "Read the Book." Since it wasn't clear to anyone what book the fan was referring to, Jackson spoke for all of us with the lines of the night. "Because I like to read and there are a lot of books, and I don't want to get the wrong one, what book are you talking about?" We think it might have been the bible the guy was referring to. Weird.

So onto the next song, right? Not yet. Someone yelled out "The Rest of the Pretender." Jackson said something to the effect that 'I know I don't remember everything, but I think I just sang that.' Jackson flowed into a story about "The Pretender". The last verse was missing on some albums. Someone made an edit, in hopes it would get played more on the radio.The song runs 5:50, so it was not surprise when Jackson said "Fat Chance." I yelled out "Sky BLue and Black" and Jackson responded by saying he forgets some parts of some songs (like Sky Blue). Uh oh, he won't be playing it tonight I thought....until he added, "but that hasn't stopped me before." Jackson was truly moved by the Minneapolis crowd (his cousin was in the audience) and said "You guys are great, so warm." and he touched his heart in a gesture of deep appreciation.

Which made a great flow for LOOKING INTO YOU. I've heard him get so deep during this song that he has mixed up the lyrics. But tonight, he was nearly flawless. Any confusion in lyrics was immediately corrected and didn't impact the flow of the show. Jackson followed one great song with another, SKY BLUE AND BLACK. As he did during other songs, Jackson appeared to be on the verge of tears. My son said towards the end, "he's crying." Brendan and I were holding hands during the show, but nothing matched the connection during "Sky Blue." He squeezed my hand on the beat...a special moment. If you haven't shared a Jackson performance with your kids, you should. As much as Brendan would make fun of his Dad's obsession, it's clear he wanted to be included in this night.

A woman from the balcony yelled "You need to date my sister!"

Jackson started playing a song, a difficult melody on the guitar, and stopped and said "Ah Shit!" which was very funny. He talked about Willie Nelson, who he watched last night on TV (a PBS program I believe). Willie has been playing the same guitar for 50 years, he recalled, and he never makes a mistake. So Jackson launches into a story of a guitar repair shop and the worker there who is part-Italian-part Krishna. The worker gives Jackson some Zen-like advice by saying he doesn't need all those guitars. It's like a woman, when the right one comes around, you only need one. And Jackson told the guy, yes but I need one with three necks.

THE NIGHT INSIDE OF ME was next. That's the tune with difficult guitar parts. Perhaps because of that, I preferred the other songs from his latest album to this one.

20 minute intermission...great new shirts for men and women, blankets and fleece. Reasonably priced.

The second set started with FOR EVEYMAN. "...gentle father's hand" was one of many lines that struck me as I sat beside my son.

Before the next song, ENOUGH OF THE NIGHT, Jackson said "I love this song." More humor followed. We know some songs need a full band (or do they, as you'll see later). "20 years ago I learned, you write a song with others and play it alone....and 1 little part (his meager one) doesn't support the song." He dedicated it to his sister, who wasn't here tonight. But "my cousin is here from Minneapolis."

I remember hearing IN THE SHAPE OF A HEART in Portland, Maine back in the 80's. As good as it is with the full band, Jackson loves playing it by himself too. Tonight, it was consistently great.

Next song was NEVER STOP and I wished he never did. Again, the first time any of us probably heard this without the full band. How great it must have been to be a fly on the wall as he wrote this song with just his guitar, paper and a pencil. Unplugged was unreal. Jackson got choked up during the final words, "when you smile I'm the richest man I know." You could tell that Jackson was truly listening to his own lyrics. I felt he was taking them in and was actually moved by them, the way we are all moved when we hear the words each time.

Before the next song, Jackson said he's only played it in public one other time...as a band in Spain...in the town of Mutlea (?) near Almania (?). It's the place those "Eastwood spaghetti westerns" are filmed. SERGIO LEONE was next, and again without the band, it had the depth of Jackson's classics. I was so surprised how much I enjoyed his latest songs in an acoustic format. Usually it takes a decade to really appreciate the tunes going unplugged. But this was just a year and a week after the debut of "Naked Ride."

Each time he plays solo, I wish for those great early songs. And tonight, as if telepathic, he came through as usual. The next song was FOR A DANCER and it was totally emotional. To me, the song is filled with inspiration and a roadmap to how to live life. And with my son next to me, the lyrics "throw some seeds of your own" never seemed more important to pass on our gifts to the next generation.

The repeated request for ROSIE still amazes me. Tonight he played it, and I was shocked. It was great. Maybe I don't appreciate the version from "Running on Empty" but years later, it was solid. When he got to the line "who you look like, not who you are", Jackson gave a playful yet stern glare to, I believe, a woman in the front row.

Another WOW moment. I AM A PATRIOT. I had hoped this would be the Wellstone tribute. Jackson sang with major, major power. He was totally into it. Among the greatest moments of the night. Get a ticket if you haven't. If just for this song, and hearing 3 acoustic versions from "Naked Ride"

Jackson spoke of writing a song in England years ago, when he went there with other Californians and David Lindley. He was suppose to record with a producer (Danny Korbell?) who worked on The Moody Blues, Leon Russell, and the first Tom Petty. One day the producer didn't show up...and there was a California earthquake. He remembers everyone calling back to see if friends/family were okay. And then Jackson sang SOMETHING FINE, which I believe he wrote in England.

DON'T YOU WANT TO BE THERE from "Naked Ride" followed. I believe I heard him debut this in Seattle, but he hadn't finished the rest of the CD yet (in June 2001). The line "you'll have to let them go someday" was yet another reminder of parenting. Amazing how Jackson's music has always been about adult relationships for me...but now I'm hearing lyrics that connect with my son. I wonder what he hears, and what he will take away.

As Jackson was about to start the next song, someone yelled out LIVES IN THE BALANCE. And Jackson stopped in his tracks and said "Oh yeah" and switched guitars. Guitars were discussed a lot tonight. He has a new favorite, made in England, expensive, got it home and it needs work. "Lives In The Balance" along with so many songs from another CD "World in Motion" are so timeless. They sound even better today against a Bush-backdrop, than against a Reagan one. I think we've all come to see that Jackson's political messages, while criticized in the 80's for moving away from his love songs, has done more than survived the test of time. Jackson was so clear when there were so few others warning us about a "Where a government lies to it's people, and a country is drifting to war." The crowd was nuts by then. The ovation made Jackson say "it makes me feel like home."

Ready for this? Remember wondering what song WOULDN'T work as an acoustic-only? Well RUNNING ON EMPTY was a gem. All by himself, smiling throughout. "People need some reason to believe....." and "If I can get you to smile before I leave" had Jackson glowing. GLOWING.

2 1/2 hours into the show came the encore. "I'm playing songs I almost never play. I should have a computer file that states the last time I played a song in Minneapolis. But even though they may be the same songs, they are different every night." Then Jackson gave thanks to the crowd by saying, "If I were at this show, I'd be sitting in the balcony." The balcony erupted! He promised himself that he'd wear a "different shirt for every night of the tour". If you want to get him a gift, forget the flowers that remained on stage. Get him a shirt. For the first time, he sounds proud of stylin'! Gone was the T-shirt.

Someone yelled out READY OR NOT, and he dropped his head and said no to himself. More fun when he told the story about the song. Jackson said he was receiving an ecology award and the presenter used this song, as if it was a shining moment in Jackson's career. "I don't love that verse about a washing machine. As the woman who it's about pointed out to me, 'You know it isn't true.'" He said he'd sing it but he'd omit the line. But he added a great one too. "...punched an unemployed actor, who was running for Governor."

The show closed with LINDA PALOMA. How appropriate. Great lyrics, great guitar work. Jackson showed his humor, skill, storytelling and power tonight. Thanks for starting your tour in Minneapolis, Jackson. I hope to be on hand when you're inducted into the Hall of Fame.

To "Winterbrook" who wrote on Jackson's date in East Boothbay - I totally agree! And, to add insult to injury, I find out the show is sold out (tickets went on sale Saturday) and it still says ticket sales "TBA" on his website. So, he must be doing the show as a charitable contribution, because they seemed to have only advertised the ticket sales to the local public!

I fortunately will see him in Washington, DC and Connecticut, but I would have gone to Maine had they posted the sale date somewhere!

First, I wanted to thank you, Russ, for a great web site. I know it's a lot of work, and I appreciate your efforts.

Six years ago, almost to the day, I attended a benefit concert that Jackson gave in Berkeley--my first JB concert. Last night I attended his concert--the first of the 5-week tour--in Minneapolis at the Orpheum Theater. What a study in contrast!

The comparison is not about the quality of music. Jackson sounded great last night, and his selection of songs over the 2:45 program was fantastic. I didn't realize he was such a good guitarist, nor that he had such an obsession with guitars (there were about 14 of them on stage with him).

The concert was troubling for two reasons. First he acknowledged that he hadn't really planned the evening's two sets, which produced a horrific problem of audience members calling out requests at every opportunity. It was fun at first, but it led to a rather raucous crowd throughout the program. Most of that wasn't his problem. Why do concert venues continue to serve drinks during performances? Why can't some folks enjoy a show without getting hammered? The informality of his program exacerbated certain audience members' inability to listen to a show without thinking that they are at a wrestlemania event.

The bigger, more haunting problem, was the lack of any comments from Jackson about the state of the world today. I've always admired his volunteerism, his sensitivities and perceptions about what's happening to our world. If there ever were a time for poets to speak out, it's now. Yet his comments were by and large about his guitars, his shirts, his on-stage carpet, and a few anecdotes about the songs he performed.

I certainly didn't want him to preach, but the state of America is in dire need of voices to speak out against the oppression, the abuse, and the mismanagement of America's future. Jackson has always been one such voice, but it was strangely silent last night. Perhaps he felt in the midst of an unfriendly state, given the midwest's increasing lean toward the right wing. But I would expect that to incite commentary rather than quash it.

I was so wanting him to speak out. I was thrilled when he sang "I am a Patriot," but then was disappointed when he only said, "This is a song that we need, especially now." The suburbanites around me thought it was just another flag-waving "United We Stand" anthem.

Anyway, the music was good, and Jackson sounded great, but I was so hungry for Jackson to bolster my spirit. I know I'm asking a lot, but it's been such a large part of his music in the past.

St. Paul Pioneer Press 10/13/03 - Concert Review:

www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/entertainment/7000707.htm

Russ,

Once again, a quick thank you for this outstanding site.It was the first JB site I found years 5 years ago and remains my top resource for staying In tuned.

I found this review from Milwaukee show: www.jsonline.com/onwisconsin/music/oct03/177082.asp

Hoping to see a set list or two before Thursday 10/16 . I'm making the drive up for the show haven't seen him in this setting since 92. Thanks again,

i'm looking for tickets, too.

i hate to do this thru your site, but it is the best thing going and the only way i know how to it. i live in new jersey, but in the philadelphia area.

i am looking for tickets to either morristown, nj or trenton, nj or reading, pa or washington, dc shows. any of them works for me!!!

i cannot believe i missed getting tickets to any of the 4!!! i have seen jackson probably 50 times, and am arguably his biggest fan (i named my son jackson). i am even willing to take one ticket and go alone. if anyone has extras, please email me at cher624@comcast.net.

i have read complaints about jackson not playing with his band this time, but personally, the solo accoustic sets are my favorites -- though any jackson is fine with me.

thanks russ, for the greatest site there is.

regarding the person looking for trenton tickets to the solo show, theres still a bunch available at www.tickets.com

looks like theres tickets to some other stops there as well

Thanks again, Russ for the web site. The Jackson Browne solo accoustic concert in Minneapolis Sunday was the fifth time I've seen him in concert and may have been one of the best. I'd encourage anyone who gets a chance to get to one of these concerts on this tour to do so. I've seen Jackson Browne in small and large venues, and the small venue is best. Jackson Browne mixed some of the old with the new and interacted with the crowd wonderfully. His one mistake was telling the crowd he didn't have a set list (though I think he did after intermission), becuase he was continually bombarded with requests after making that known. He played for 2 and a half hours and even though I didn't hear some of my personal favorites, how can I complain? I had another chance to see this truly extraordinary writer, poet, musician and perfomer. Thank you Jackson Browne for another memorable evening.

I met Jackson at the most recent Philadelphia First Union Show touring with Petty. All I wanted was to shake his hand and he was more than obliged to do so. I just had to tell this man how the song "Hold On, Hold Out" touched me as a teenager and still as an adult woman. Whenever I feel like life's too much, I put it on, and play it loud and feel this connection with him and what he was going through at the time he wrote it. Jackson is like no other artist....to me that says it all. I admire and respect him and think he should be proud of the gifts and talents he has. Keep on Rockin'

Review from Evansville Courier Express, "Jackson Browne's fans treated to 'Something Fine'":

www.myinky.com/ecp/entertainment/article/0,1626,ECP_738_2351411,00.htm

After attending Jackson's concert in Columbus, Ohio on 10-16-03, I immediately found your website and read all of your reviews. I particularly enjoyed the review of the 10-12 show in Minneapolis dome by SkyBlue - thank you for the detail - and your description was very close to that of the Columbus show. I'm afraid that I was too immersed in the moment to be able to recall the details as you did.

I have been searching locally for a review of the Columbus show, with no luck. Hopefully someone will come along with details of the set list performed in Columbus. One of the highlights of the Columbus show included a more lengthy tribute to Warren Zevon - an impromptu version of Werewolves of London. Sky Blue and Black, along with In the Shape of a Heart brought tears to my eyes. I Am a Patriot was outstanding.

Jackson, if you read any of this, please consider a live CD of this tour! Your acoustic versions need to be captured forever.

Here is the setlist from the Toledo, Ohio show 10/18/03. This was my 16th Jackson show and this was the best. An unbelievable show. I briefly met Jackson before the show and requested Mohommad's Radio, which he performed second.

Russ --

once again, a thank you from a jackson fan for the tremendous website. what a great resource. this longtime jackson fan is in need of 2 tickets for 10/27 lisner auditorium show in d.c.

anybody got any extras?

Just a recap from Toledo last night with set list and JB quotes. Russ, feel free to use.

Still on a Jackson high from Toledo last night. My first full solo JB show and what a show it was. Take out the intermission and we still got 30 songs, 2 hours 50 minutes of Jackson. How many solo acts are willing to pull that off? JB was plenty chatty last night but kept his comments pretty much limited to talk about his songs and guitars. No political talk...other than mentioning during the intro to Lives in The Balance that despite being an older song it may still be relevant today.

The requests started soon after the second song and nearly every song following was a response to a request. The calls for songs were orderly and didn't get out of hand as I've heard on some recordings. The audience was perfectly quiet during the songs...with the exception of an occasional cell phone ringing. Note to idiots with cell phones (and yes I do have one)...turn the damn ringer off or leave it in the car.

I'm always somewhat skeptical when a performer says "you've been a great audience" but last night when Jackson said "thanks for coming out, you've been a great audience...I've really enjoyed tonight." I had no doubt about his sincerity.

I'm a little concerned about Jackson muffing lyrics to his songs. It happened quite a few times last night. As a die hard fan knowing of his extensive catalogue of songs, I can certainly understand. But I'm afraid, to a casual observer it may appear that he's *losing it.* As a friend who was at the same show said and I've thought this for some time...it would be easy to set up a teleprompter with lyrics to all his songs. He could still play requests, if his sound person to the side of the stage could recognize the song and queu the computer...it would only take seconds. I've recently seen Steve Winwood and he uses a system like that. Hell, Lucinda Williams has lyric sheets right on stage with her. Just a thought.

Set list

Selected JB quotes from last night

after someone called out for "Lookin' inta ya"... "Yeah I'll play that..though that's the first time I've heard someone say it like that. Most people say "Looking Into You" but I'm not going to correct you because it might be an Ohio thing"

on people requesting songs... "Some people don't mind requests...then at some point you hear a heart wrenching "play what you want"...just so you know, I *always* play what I want"

intro to My Stunning Mystery Companion... "Was talking to a friend who waited 17 years to marry his girlfriend...no matter how hard the first year of marriage is...it's never as hard as the 17th year of dating"

upon returning for the encore... "Are there any guitars here I haven't played?..let's see (counts five of them) That's five songs!

upon being informed by a venue official that he's past the venue curfew... "I'm being informed that there's a curfew here and we're sort of over it. I mean, we're already over it right? Its like getting a parking ticket...you don't leave the ticket on the windshield because you'll just leave the car there then."

Russ,

Any chance you could post a request for two tickets for this Friday's Morristown show? Having a tough time getting tickets.

I am a long time fan of Jackson Browne going back more than twenty years. I introduced my wife to his music when we started dating back in 1998. We married two years ago today (October 20). I first told her I was falling in love with her when loaned her my copy of Late for the Sky and told her she had to listen to The Late Show. She has been a fan ever since.

We have tickets to his concert in November in Kansas City. It will be an over two hour trip to KC but will be well worth our time. If anyone out there has pull we sure would like to hear our song. I know there is no real set list and that some audience requests are played but I have never heard this played live in the five previous shows I have seen over the years. I think it would be great to hear. Does any one else feel the same way?

Russ,

I emailed you about a year ago informing you of the new arena in Omaha and how Jackson could fill it up. I would more rather see him at the Orphuem as he has planned. How I got 4 extra tickets is this. I went on Ticketmaster last saturday when they went on sale and asked for best available. It brought up main floor left row P seats 5-8. I purchased them thinkung the center was sold out. I then looked again to see if they were just giving me the wrong info and Main floor center row u came up. These are more in the middle so without my wifes knowlege, I bought them too. I knew I could sell my first 4 tickets. So anyway I have 4 tickets, Main floor left center row P seats 5-8. They cost me $50.50 each with the fees and Id like to get $60.00 each obo for my trouble. God bless Ticketmaster:)

Jackson Browne fan since 1972 and my son is too.

Wonderful site Russ ... as you may recall, I'm a long time listener and, actually, not a first time caller. :-)

If you would please post this, I would be appreciative.

Extra Tickets for Atlantic City

My computer-illiterate friend has an extra pair of 10th row tickets (Section B) for the Atlantic City show on November 1, 2003. She's looking for face value, which is $150 for the pair. I know plenty of people are looking for tickets so, hopefully, these will find a good home with a deserving fan. Please feel free to email me if you are interested and I will help make the necessary arrangements.

Hi Russ,

Someone wanted a set list from Columbus, so here is my edited review from the Cafe:

The Columbus show last night was awesome!! JB was in fine voice, there was a huge crowd, and they were very rowdy but it was fun! I as in the 10th row but had the binoculars so had a great view of The Man. He wore a new grey shirt with grey pants and his typical black "concert" shoes. Of course, his hair was perfect.

The highlight of the show for me was when JB looked out into the audience and asked if his friend Jack was out there. Several people called out that they were Jack, but none were the "real" Jack. Finally a white-haired gentleman up front stood up and JB asked him to come up on the stage and play with him. Turns out Jack is Jack Wilce who lives in Columbus and played with JB and back in the 60s I think. Jack was an excellent guitar player and the entire thing seemed very impromptu. JB said he was suprised Jack stood up because he was such a "shy guy". Anyway, after some fumbling around with where to sit, tuning, etc. the two of them launched into "My Opening Farewell" which I think JB may have written at the ranch. After that they played a rousing version of "Running on Empty". The two of them did lots of hugging and it was really cool to see.

After the show, my sister and I went across the street for a beer and I really didn't think too much about hanging around waiting for him to appear after the show. About an hour later, we walked back to the parking garage, needing to cross by the venue on the way. There was JBs bus all packed up and he was standing in the parking lot with a few people (about 15). I couldn't believe my luck!! I just walked up to him, shook his hand, and said: "Jackson thanks for your words". Duh!!! do you think he knew what I meant? He looked right at me, smiled, and squeezed my hand thanking me for coming to the show. I decided then and there that was all I will ever need from this man! It was a great experience.

Here is the setlist, but probably not in order:

What a great night! Hope all of you out there can catch some of this tour.

my wife & I just got back from seeing part of the JB concert in Cincinnati, we had to leave because the crowd was no obnoxious... six of the concert goers (just two rows behind us) were escorted out, what a bummer....I have waited many years to see him live, & wow, solo. We both sensed a bit of discomfort from Jackson as well, what a difficult time it must have been for him. sorry, Jackson, if you're reading this, come on back & give the city another shake. good luck on the rest of the tour, your the best.

I went to the Jackson Browne show last night at the Taft Theater in Cincinnati and I had a great time. How I ever got to sleep last night is a mystery that may never be solved. It was my first time seeing JB in concert and it was worth every penny. I think I was the youngest person there that wasn't with their parents but that's okay. JB put on a great show last night but the crowd was rude I thought. They continuously yelled out songs they wanted to hear. I thought that it was very rude and I wouldn't be surprised if JB never comes back to the great city of Cincinnati. I understand people want to hear certain songs but come on it was very annoying to me and you could tell JB was getting a little pissed off. Another thing about the crowd was people took a lot of pictures. I always thought that photography at concerts was a big no-no. That was also rude. In a dark theater, the flash is very distracting. Sorry it may seem like I'm complaining a lot but I think their is some concert etiquette that some people need to learn! Especially for a concert like this one in a small intimate venue.

Now to the actual concert. It was GREAT. It was the best concert I think I've ever seen. I got to hear my favorite song, "these days" and I didn't even have to holler up to the stage to get to hear it. I'm hoping somebody could post the setlist on here if you have it please. To Mr. Browne, if you actually read fan reviews, I think that a CD of this tour would be a very good idea. I would be first in line to buy it. This Cincinnati show was fantastic. And secondly to Jackson-I apologize on behalf of my city. We're not all rude morons like the few people who wouldn't stop yelling. Please don't let this stop you from coming back to the queen city.

Hi Russ,

Thanks as always for keeping up the site. I think it's an institution now!

I was at the show in Toledo on October 18, and I think the best thing about it (aside from the music) was the crowd. I am living in a college town now, studying for a PhD, and most of the people I see, teach, and socialize with are much younger than me. When I told them that I was going to see Jackson Browne most of them didn't know who he was. I couldn't get anyone to go with me so I drove my rust-mobile to Toledo alone. It was a long, lonely trek to Ohio, especially because the radio in my car is busted. I briefly got lost along the way, which made me more sad and lonely and caused me to engage in emotion-related eating which was bad because the only food I had was some stale candy that I found in my glove compartment. I was lost just long enough to eat it all. This made me nauseous, which further exacerbated my sorrow. But I did make it and I'm so glad I took the trip! It was wonderful to be with people my own age and great to see that people are still bringing their kids out, although it looks like they're getting to be grown-ups now too! Thanks to all who were there that night for the pleasure of your company and the fine memories it invoked. It was a dreamy, dreamy time.

Older, but still driving a bad car,

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!!!!

Given the venue, I'm guessing he'll sing I am a Patriot as he did this summer at the Mann in Philadelphia. And to briefly revisit the negativity read about the Steve Earle/Keb Mo/Jackson tour--hello--it was a triple billed show and if you expected otherwise, well you shouldn't have. I had the privilege of meeting him for the 5th time after the Mann show--twice with my now 13-year-old-son, who is now fully beginning to appreciate the depth of the lyrics. I suppose adolescence will do that. I was 12 or 13 myself when first introduced to Jackson via an older brother's great choice in music and then fell headfirst in love with his songs and style via the WMMR broadcast from the Main Point, where he played Werewolves of London--and said remember the name ZEVON--I still love and remember not just the name but his musical legacy.

I have two single seats at the Patriot Theater--I think in Row R and will be attending with my best friend--would love to be able to exchange them for 2 seats together. Anyone interested in swapping please contact me. I am not looking for a profit--okay maybe a prophet she said with a smile; but an opportunity to sit with my best friend who has attended probably ten of the 30 or so Jackson shows I've seen and would like to be able to do so with the same or similar seats. And, I'd also like to hear him play Tenderness on the Block--my favorite Zevon song--but that would be the icing on the cake. I actually love all of Jackson's tunes and in this world filled with pain--well "anything can happen"--am grateful that I have the chance to see him again. Russ, thanks for all the good that you do and remember it matters to those of us who do let the music keep our spirits high.

Hi Russ,

I've seen three solo shows with the Stamford, CT one yet to come. Unfortunately I can't see the Atlantic City show and here's the message I'd like you to post, if you can:

Ticket Available - Atlantic City

First of all... thank you, Russ, for your great website!

Due to a friend's surprise 40th I am unable to use my Saturday November 1st Trump Marina Atlantic City ticket. It's a great 5th Row seat in Center Section B and the Ticketmaster charges make it a $75 offer. Thankfully I've already seen three Jackson solo shows with Stamford's yet-to-come. (He was in perfect voice last week in Columbus, OH.) If interested, please e-mail me at Psalm116v1@netscape.net - Parsippany, NJ.

To All West Coast JB Fans:

Many of us on the West Coast have been disheartened and disappointed to discover that the current solo acoustic tour won't include our area of the country. I've created a petition located at the link below for committed JB fans to sign. I'm hoping to get enough signatures to at least spark some attention from the powers that be. If you're so inclined, please click on the link, sign your name and when you've received a "thank you," forward on to other friends and family who would be interested in seeing our guy bring this amazing tour our way. We can do this!!! Thank you! And thanks, Russ, for this great site.

www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/294584988

Jackson played in Toledo on Saturday, October 18 and it was AWESOME! It is the fifth concert of his I've been to, and also the best one yet. He played 30 songs, and the show lasted a little over 3 hours. He was really friendly with the crowd and took a lot of requests. The show was very relaxed and informal, which made it special. He did a lot of his older stuff, like "Looking Into You", "These Days", "For a Dancer" and "Before the Deluge", but he also did 3 or 4 songs from "The Naked Ride Home" so it was a great mix of music spanning his career. The crowd seemed to like "Lives in the Balance" the best. He got a standing ovation for that one. The best part of the night for me was after the show. I hung out near his bus until he came out and I got to shake his hand and thank him and then I got a picture with him! The picture has become my prized possession!

I am a HUGE fan...it is hard for me to find the right words to express how much Jackson means to me; he is really a special person and truly has a gift for words and music. I absolutely love him, everything about him. I think it was so nice of him to take a few minutes and say hello to his fans after the show. I'm only 25, most of his fans are older, and it is disappointing to me that more people my age and younger don't appreciate how great he is. I feel like everyone who aren't fans are really missing out on something great. I can't wait to see him again! As a side note, you do an excellent job with this web page. I visit this site often to keep up to date with everything. Thanks a lot for a great job. I wish I could send you a copy of the picture I took with him, but my camera isn't digital! Sincerely,

Here's a news review of Jackson's concert at the Murat Theatre:

www.indystar.com/print/articles/7/085681-4997-009.html

What a contrast between the two shows I've seen on consecutive nights. Both shows were great but quite a bit different. Saturday night in Toledo was more free form...nearly every song was an answer to a request and Jackson seemed to have more of a "devil may care" approach as he played 30 songs in just under 3 hours and broke the venue's curfew.

I got the impression that Jackson had a definite plan at the Sunday night South Bend show. While he did respond to quite a few requests, the entire show seemed more structured than the night before. There were definite songs he wanted to play and did so, and even the answered requests seemed to be songs Jackson was sure he could get through without stumbling on the lyrics. He was much more fluid with the lyrics last night. Last night's show was shorter, clocking in at 2 hrs, 20 min. (not counting intermission) and 23 songs. A good deal of JB's chat was done while he was picking the guitar strings on the intro for the next song. I kinda like when he does that...adds to the intimate feel I think.

Helping to give the show a different feel was the fact that 12 of the 23 songs performed in South Bend were not done the night before. For someone seeing several shows on this tour, it was nice to hear a different set...not that I minded the set night before but you know what I mean.

Jackson made mention, several times, of his "new policies" for this tour. First was the rug on stage. Said he likes to tap his feet and "they don't always land on the beat." So he has the rug as a "public service"...so we don't have to hear his off beat feet.

Another policy...he's trying to wear a different shirt every night! Though last night was the first time he wore a shirt for the second time "because frankly, I don't have 19 shirts." He made mention of touring with Tom Petty..."those guys wear suits and vests and have all the fancy guitars" So he's trying to change his image some...no more jeans and t-shirts.

Funny he mentioned learning a lesson from touring with Tom Petty. Before this tour started I was looking at the schedule and noticed, unlike past solo tours, there were no shows scheduled 3 nights in a row. Immediately thought he was taking a page from the Petty *how to tour* book. Petty will not play 3 consecutive nights. I think it will save Jackson's voice some.

Another policy...when someone requests Rosie he plays it right away or soon after. "Because it's best to get some things done with and out of the way."

Yet another policy...mentioned that some requests are for some really obscure stuff, so when someone requests Running On Empty, he plays it right away. "Because if that's the only song of mine you've ever heard, then you don't have to sit through two hours of obscure stuff to hear it."

I had to laugh at that one. Then got a chuckle again when the lady seated behind me said during the intermission "I only know one song he's played"...and that was ROE. But give her some credit, she did like the rest of what she heard.

South Bend set list

Hello Russ,

Well I really blew it. After waiting this long for Jackson to come to my area again, I was looking the other way when it happened. The October 30th performance scheduled for Stamford, CT sold out before I was even aware there was going to be one. Could you please post an URGENT REQUEST FOR 3 TICKETS for me? I would love to give him a sandwich since I feel I owe him one from Santa Barbara in '75. It would wonderful to take that full circle and to go to my first live performance with him in all these years! You'd think since I have revered Jackson Browne as the Bard of our generation and consider myself a loyal fan I'd be a bit more attentive. Everyone's life moves in the direction of present needs. I hope our individual journeys will eventually lead us to a spiritual place that will revolutionize our outer world. I wish you well and always appreciate your help. Thank you.

My husband and I saw Jackson Browne last night at the Community Theatre in Morristown, NJ. He was phenomenal! If possible, he sounded even better in person than on his records. He was very cordial and pleasant. We were very excited about the show and also commented on how great he looks. With this acoustical tour, hopefully more artists will do the same - playing smaller arenas, instead of huge arenas all the time. It really is a great experience, almost like having them perform in your own living room.

Hi Russ and JB Fans,

I saw my first acoustic performance of Jackson last night. The man was Incredible. He seemed so relax and enjoyed the small atmosphere. Played almost every song people shouted to him. I being a very quiet person could never shout out, so I came up with an idea. I purchased a stuffed black cat and had the words "I'm The Cat" embroidered on it. As he was asking for request from us, I walked up and placed the cat on stage, later when he noticed the cat, he said "oh my god, I thought that's what it was," and picked him up...and to make a long story short, he sang I'm the Cat. He made my night and a night I'll will always remember.

He also sang a song in honor of his older sister who I believe is very ill. Having too an older sister who is extremely ill, it was an emotional moment for me.

If you have the time, don't miss out on this tour. Jackson is so worth it.

ciao,

There is a new Italian Jackson Browne fans mailing list at http://it.groups.yahoo.com/group/colors_of_the_sun/

Ciao

I have been following Jackson from the East coast since I first read a review in Rolling Stone on his debut album. I bought the record and have been a fan ever since. I think "off hand" that was 1972. I don't know if I could have gotten thru life and be where I am without his words and music.

While I can appreciate the West Coast being disappointed in not having dates on his current acoustic tour, Please!...

Over the years Jackson has performed far more often out west. It's where he has lived. (except for Spain) Give the fans in the eastern part of our country a break. It has only been in the last few years that we have had the opportunity to see Jackson numerous times within a few years.

A petition is being generated? Do you want a California recall on the East coast concert dates? I think soliciting a petition is really silly.

Maybe Jackson wants to travel the whole country. I have lived in the Bay area, Chicago, and the East Coast. What a great country we live in. Maybe he wants to experience the whole thing on tour again and again.

Anyway, my thoughts. Lets enjoy what we have, not what we wish for.

Cheers!

Thanks for all the reviews above and you folks with enough memory for a set list. I'm not one of you.

I got to go to this show at the last minute, and missed the first twenty minutes or so, But the show was great. The audience was yelling out requests, and Jackson tried to explain that he gets to hear very little of what is being said, and that he plays what he wants for the most part. And he did get on people about taking pictures. Despite all this, at the end Jackson said that he was having a good time.

The first song I got to hear was "Late for the Sky" and the second was "Looking Into You" which I haven't even heard at home in a few years. Some of the other songs were, "For Taking the Trouble", "Don't You Want To Be There", "Never Stop", "About My Imagination", "The Pretender", "Your Bright Baby Blues", "I'm Alive", "For Everyman", "Running On Empty", "Doctor My Eyes", and "Take It Easy" (which he said has been done in many languages, including a Chinese version).

If you get a chance to see this show, don't miss it.

Great show last night in Morristown .... Barricades was a little tentative, but Jackson immediately found his groove with the second tune, a Zevon cover ... he kept it up all night ... I did not write the set list down during the show, but I think the following list is pretty close ... I think I have all of the songs and in pretty much the correct order ... so just in case no one else writes in with a set list, this one should do fine ... I have to say that I am consistently amazed at how different every show is ... doesn't seem Jackson is married to too many songs ... with the exception of maybe Barricades Of Heaven, Lives In the Balance and The Pretender, I find almost no other songs carry a guarantee of nightly performance ... oh, and note to bootleggers everywhere ... each show features a different Zevon song ... should make for a nice compilation at the end of the tour ... now, in advance, I am asking the would be compiler to be sure to keep me in mind... :-)

Hi Russ, thanks for the great site! My sister and I are reading all of the reviews and we are going to see him on November 1 in Atlantic City....again. All of his songs are great, but we vote for the set list from the Toledo, OH show! It seems like he played some rare songs that must have been great to hear live. We are also excited because it seems like he plays over 2 1/2 hours with favorites from all different albums. We saw him this summer with Keb Mo and Steve Earl in Philadelphia and enjoyed that but are anxious to see him solo again.

russ,

I have seen Jackson Browne each tour (just about) since I'm Alive. Prior to that, I saw him a number of times in the 70's and once in the mid 80's. The show I just saw in Morristown with my wife typifies why and how one artist can keep me interested for 30 years. I felt as if I was a guest in Jackson's living room and being treated to song after song of requests by other invited guests.

He has that kind of presence and voice that can make everyone feel at home (as he was expressing how at home he felt) on the one hand, and then, he can turn around and belt out a song(late for the sky,for a dancer) that leaves you mystified and appreciate you're in the presence of a "special" talent.

My wife's favorite moment was when he looked at the audience and inquired if anyone knew how many shopping days there were to xmas, a clever intro to the "rebel jesus". She was taken by the lyrics and Jackson's delivery of her now favorite xmas song. Here's to many more solo acoustic tours. See you in Trenton.

Upon hearing that JB was coming to a small theatre in my hometown, I could hardly believe it! After years of seeing him in large arenas, I have felt so lucky and appreciative to have the opportunity to finally experience him in smaller, more intimate venues. However, I must say that I was embarrassed by and disappointed with the audience at the Community Theatre on Friday and want to apologize to Jackson for what I believe was rude and obnoxious behavior throughout much of the show. Jackson's attempt to involve the audience and accommodate their requests to hear songs that he may not normally play with his band, back-fired big time on him. His graciousness was met with very ungracious and disrespectful behavior by enough members of the audience to leave many of his fans ( who were happy to hear whatever he chose to play) wanting to disassociate themselves from the rest of the group. Jackson commented at one point that he hadn't realized what a nice town Morristown was and I hope that his opinion about our community hasn't changed. I got to speak with several fans (fellow subscribers to the Guacamole Fund) after the show, who clearly appreciate Jackson not only for his music but for his long-standing commitment to political and social causes.

To the obnoxious loud-mouth seated a few rows behind us (stage right) who obviously was there to hear himself and not Jackson, (you know who you are), why don't you stick to events better suited to your demeanor and bad behavior and get yourself a front row seat to the WWF? In response to your request for "Disco Apocalypse", what have you written lately?

And finally to Jackson, do yourself a favor! Don't tell your audience that you don't have a set list, as it is apparent that too many of them interpret this as an excuse to be rude and disrespectful to an artist who deserves better from his fans.

Will be seeing you in Atlantic City on Saturday and hope that the atmosphere is more civil than what I experienced on Friday.

Peace....

I had the great pleasure of seeing Jackson last night in Reading, PA. It was a theater setting with Jackson and his guitars and keyboard. He was relaxed, funny and played for a total of about 2 1/2 hours. He, as usual was excellent. Most of his music came from requests from the audience. Lots of early music, with some new thrown in. Needless to say he was awsome.

I'm writing on my fathers computer,hoping he doesnt come home and catch me......as a life long musician he has played and taught you music to piano players to partiers and friends for years..My dad is as cool as they come and has help start bands and promoted live music since he was a child....Our house was always full of guitars pianos horns and every type of instrument imaginable..Dads not your typical musician..30 years he build bridges for the railroad ,,houses and businesses..,,But always found time to laugh and share his music...grew up poor and worked hard he found comfort in the true and rteality of your words...abandoned at 13 he went on to finish high school and startedcollege living in the streets...At 21 he was burned in an accident by an industrial compound called pitch..He never gave up and went on to help and inspire others..He claims the one and most important thing to learn from life he learned listening to the fuse.In a state of depression after his accident he was listening to the fuse when he realized something profound and gained the courage to start anew...The picture you form in your mine is where you will end up..Your thoughts control your destiny and time will run out on all of us....SO ., live while your here and do the best you can..He went on to be loved by all and a great leader ..he never misses your concerts and embarrassed mom at a concert when you were lost for words and were trying to find a nice word to to discribe the rest of the worlds view of people from Iowa,, when you got lost and paused dad yelled out rednecks ..everyone laughed you smiled and looked at him in the 5th row. and smiled..And said the fans here and great and warm.... he stood after the 3rd or 4th song to start a standing ovation and the crowd followed....that was a very spoecial day in his life.

Dad still plays piano every day and finds another way to play one of your songs..he has always played love needs a heart and has a fantastic version of it..Thank you and rest assured he'll be in Ames on the 15 or 16...He goes by Fish and his friends know know who they can call when things gop wrong...He fixes all things that break and has no enemies... Godd Luck On the Tour....

Hi Russ - here's some quick notes on Monday night's show in DC...

it's 7 a.m. by my body clock (midnight really) since I'm just back from 2 weeks in Italy ... so a short one on Jackson tonight at Lisner, more later...

Most important - is go see this show. He's in Trenton Wednesday night in an awesome looking theater - go see him. There were still some good seats at the door tonight (about an hour before show time - which is 8).

Totally "unscripted" show ... no set list ... just where his mood and audience requests took him. "I don't want you to be worried that there's no plan tonight," he said after he butchered the second song - Warren Zevon's "Volunteer" - after someone yelled out "Lawyers, Guns and Money" and he said "Yeah that's a good one." "But there's no plan tonight."

Just Jackson - his 12 guitars and piano.

o it's very loose and fun. Makes for an interesting night.

23 songs - 2:40 (plus 20 min intermission, 3 hours total). 9 songs on piano. Second set after intermission got a lot more topical than first set with a few more "political" songs. But no speechifying tonight.

Nice to be able to see him play acoustic. Voice was in fine form mostly. Couldn't hit a couple of notes on a few songs. But on others he soared.

He does the Little Steven song that Bruce should have covered at some point on the tour, but didn't ... "I Am A Patriot."

Dug out some great tunes from the catalog.

Good amount of early stuff. Plenty from the new LP as well. He also mentioned that he's doing a Zevon tune every night and how much he enjoyed learning his songs.

At one point one person yelled out for "Sleeps Dark and Silent Gate" and someone else yelled out for "Rosie," which prompted Jackson to note that those requests "captured the duality of the audience."

Set list

Barricades of Heaven g

Volunteer (Zevon) p "I'm murdering this song," he admitted

Lawyers, Guns and Money (Zevon) (request) g

Black and White g

For A Dancer (request) p - this is where he really kicked into gear

Rock Me On The Water p

Something Fine - wrote this in England (at 16) when he met a woman he had "run into" in CA at a rock stars place he was staying at. "it was a friend of a friend who knew somebody" who Jackson knows now. At the time he was with a lot of folks from CA who were recording there and there was an earthquake back home and everyone was trying to reach loved ones ... just like they are today with the wildfires.

Bright Baby Blues g - fine blues bottle neck slide version

Stunning Mystery Companion g

Looking Into You p - just beautiful. These lines jumped out for me: "But words and music can never touch the beauty that I've seen Looking into you -- and that's true."

For Everyman g

Intermission

Night Ride Home g

The Pretender p (request) - "A policy of mine is to do it as soon as anybody asks for it."

Too Many Angels g

Naked Ride Home g

Running On Empty g (request) "Another policy I just decided to start ... it occurred to me that might be the only song they know. I don't want them to wait for 2 hours of obscure songs to hear it." The only songs he does this for, he said, "are The Pretender and this one."

Fountain Of Sorrow p (request)

Don't You Want To Be There p - one of my top 3 favorites of this evening. Nice playing. Good mood.

These Days g

Looking East g - "this is a song that no one requests ... and it's a good song." And it was a good song for a show in Washington, DC. (On the edge of my country, I pray for the ones with the least/Hunger in the midnight, hunger at the stroke of noon/Hunger in the mansion, hunger in the rented room/Hunger on the TV, hunger on the printed page/And there's a God-sized hunger underneath the questions of the age/And an absence of light/In the deepening night/Where I wait for the sun/Looking east)

For Taking The Trouble g

Take It Easy g - Jackson noted it's his most famous song with versions in Chinese, Yugoslavian, Dutch and Finish. The Chinese version goes like this "Walking the streets of the city at dawn/I'll still drink like a crazy horse." He said he's looking for a copy of it in Chinese because David Lindale has promised to learn it and play and sing it in Chinese if it can be found.

Late For The Sky p - 1st Encore

I Am A Patriot (and the river opens for the righteous) (van Zandt) g - 2nd encore - Jackson emphasized the "I ain't no Republican either" in the "I ain't part of the lyrics And I ain't no communist /and I ain't no capitalist And I ain't no socialist / and I sure ain't no imperialist / And I ain't no democrat / And I ain't no republican either / And I only know one party / and its name is freedom / I am a patriot. Lyric that hit home the most for me in this song was "I want to be with my family/With people who understand me/I got nowhere else to go I am a patriot"

I have 2 tickets to Saturday nights show at Atlantic City that I am going to have to sell, these are good seats---Section C Row 8 Seats 3&4. Selling for face value $135 for pair/ Exit 7A NJ Turnpike, central NJ, Email for details

I have a extra ticket to Jackson in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Thursday night Nov. 6th. It is at the State Theatre and it seats only 1600 people. The ticket is in the 3rd row slightly right of center. This ticket is free to a fellow Jackson fanatic. After being dumped by my girlfriend I am feeling in a giving mood. respond at....

On October 26, I attended Jackson Browne 's concert at the Sovereign Performing Arts Center in Reading Pennsylvania. This being my third evening with Browne I wasn 't oblivious of what to expect but nothing could have prepared me for the music-maker of all music-maker 's performance that night: thirteen acoustic guitars, a keyboard, and Jackson on stage for a full-hearted performance of twenty-seven of his works of art... heaven.

Browne glided onto the stage and graced his audience with "Barricades of Heaven" then moved into a Bob Dylan (Man of Constant Sorrow) and later a tribute to the late but never forgotten Warren Zevon (French Inhaler and Hasten Down the Wind). Playing twelve songs before a fifteen-minute intermission Browne proved that age has yet to whither him. Though there were a few slip-ups one of which came in "The Shape of a Heart" the crowd could feel that we had Jackson 's full attention. What he played was the crowd 's call and the crowd called and called and called.

Surrounded by a majority of middle-aged fans I heard comments like "I don 't look as old as everyone else here, do I" and "Gosh we 're looking old" but as Jackson started working his magic the crowds were morphed back into the seventies, in the prime of their day, forgetting thirty years of wear and tear his songs made the "forty-somethings", teenagers again, which pretty much placed me into nonexistence. I sat next to my parents, and watched intently as this artist took them back into the days of the dawning of their love, and being a sixteen-year-old was forced to be a little grossed out. I watched as they glanced at each other at key points and at the beginnings of songs that must have a symbolic meaning to them. But it was miracle worker on stage that held my undivided attention until he wrapped up his performance with "Running On Empty," "Doctor My Eyes," and "About My Imagination" I was in a trance. The man has lived so much. My heart goes out to him as he sings his songs apparently from his painful days, "These Days" and I rejoice as he admits, through song, that he is a happier individual currently, "My Stunning Mystery Companion" proves that.

In my short life it has already been established that there is a Browne song for every mood, disaster, rejoice, and emotion of the human heart. I would admit that in many ways Jackson Browne has played a role in raising me. From the way he could do the trick in explaining why Grandpa had to leave, when Mommy and Daddy couldn 't (For and Dancer) to the teenage tragedies of losing a good-for-nothing boyfriend (Late for the Sky) and losing the very perfect one (Sky Blue and Black). To see that this individual has shaped a generation of thought is a touching experience and I only regret that so few of my peers can encounter him too. Even if his brand of music doesn 't match today 's Top Forty Charts it is his poetry that is ultimately timelessŠevergreen. And I try my best to allow his "broken views" to influence my everyday life. So I beg of Jackson to keep his shows coming and continue to be the greatest entertainer, not for the "forty-somethings" he 's left with, but for the teenagers he has the power turn them back into, and for those still blossoming in life, like me who need him to continue to match life with song. More light, more love, more truth, more innovation, more Jackson Browne!

Hi Russ,

Another review of 10/26/03 show in Reading, PA, at the Sovereign Performing Arts Center. I have seen Jackson several times, with his band, with other artists, and also in another accoustic venue, and he was wonderful on Sunday night. Just him, a number of guitars (12 or 13?), and a piano. I am going to see him in Atlantic City on 11/1, and had decided to try for tickets in Reading as an after thought, since it is much closer to where I live. By the luck of the Internet, I got tickets in the second row of the center orchestra section, which is the closest I've ever been to him. He couldn't have been more than 10 feet away from me! Enough to give me heart palpatations! The audience was polite, still yelling out requests, but in a nice way. No cell phones going off either! There really isn't anything I can say to describe how much I enjoyed the show. He did a great mix of old and new songs, a few from Warren Zevon, and of course, "Rosie". That is probably my least favorite J. Browne song, but he pulled out "Enough of the Night", from the "World in Motion" record, as a tribute to his older sister who he spoke very fondly of. I've never heard him play that song in concert before and it was excellent.

There was no "Late for the Sky" or "Before the Deluge", but he did "Looking Into You", "For a Dancer", and "Something Fine", "Sleep's Dark and Silent Gate", "I'm Alive", all of which are some of my favorites. One endearing moment--in trying to sing "The Rebel Jesus", Jackson kept messing up the beginning as he was playing it on the piano. I think he screwed up 3 times in a row. Finally, he put his left hand over his forehead and eyes, as if to be in deep concentration, started playing just the right hand melody, and finally got through the first couple lines singing so that he could add the left hand to the piano accompaniement. It is amazing he can play so many songs that have so many styles and do such a good job remembering most of them.

I loved every minute of the show, which of course, seemed too short. He seemed to end a little abruptly, and only played "Doctor My Eyes--About My Imagination" for one encore--I was assuming it was the venue curfew thing. To all Jackson fans--you need to see this show. He is in top form. He's the best, as far as I'm concerned! Can't wait for Saturday and Atlantic City! (even though I won't be 2nd row, it's worth just being there)

PS as always, thanks you Russ, for your website. You do a hell of a job!

Russ, thank you for the work you do on this site. After seeing Jackson in Columbus, Ohio, I've been checking your site frequently. I am amazed at the variety in the set lists that have been posted. Jackson, PLEASE release a box set of these acoustical versions. PLEEEEEESE........

Dear Russ:

Hi! First of all I want to say that I hope you and your family are safe and well in Los Angeles! We've been watching the news about the fires there and it's horrible! We are praying for all of you there and hoping it's all under control very soon.

The question I have is about the new DVD release of Running on Empty. I can't find it out there. Will you have it listed to buy on your site? I've been waiting to get it since you listed it in the news section.

I also wanted to say that the article "Even More True Now: An Interview With Jackson Browne"is the best article I've ever read about him! Maybe it's because it's the set up of question and answer but it's very open and honest and he comes across as a regular and nice PERSON. Thanks for putting that up for us! :) Thanks also for the site as always.

Great show tonight ... once again, I did not write the set list down during the show, but I think the following list is very close ... I think I have all of the songs and in pretty much the correct order ... so just in case no one else wrote it down as it happened, here is what I have from memory ....

What a great show. Jackson's voice sounded great and both his Guitar and piano work seem to have gotten better or at least were really highlighted by the solo nature of the show.

Jackson is traveling with 12 acoustic guitars (Martins/Gibsons/McAllister etc) A lot of people were commenting and wondering what he needed that many for. I noticed on this tour something I had been wondering about for a few years now about his guitar work. He seems to be using a lot of Open Tunings, which have a big, wide open, rich sound and really lend themselves well to a solo acoustic set where he plays without the support of the band. Furthermore, because he takes requests, and any song is a possiblility, a wide variety of guitars, pre tuned in different keys is necessary.

Note to Guitarists: If any of you have any thoughts about what tunings/chords he has been using. please share them.. Thanks

Note to Jackson: Thank you for everything your words and music have meant to me over the years. And please..."Never Stop".

Jackson was unbelievable tonight!!!!!!!!!I I have seen him over 30 times in the past 30 years or so and tonight surpassed all performances. Highlight of the show was the best version of Birds of St Mark I have ever heard. Yes there was the typical screaming out of requests but tonight's crowd was behaved enough to stop screaming once he started a song. Yes I was the guy who screamed for the Birds of St Mark. After his first 8 songs which were request only, jackson remarked that he had played an index of his obscure songs --so he played the PRETENDER so 90% of the audience would know a song . I had heard about this tour after his performance Monday in DC and made the 3 hr trip from Baltimore to hear this concert. This man does not need a band!!!His songs on the keyboards were miraculous. 28 songs, 20 standing ovations---What a night!!!!

In his usual style, Jackson Browne was awesome last night, belting out both new and old stuff with a vigor that clearly is his soul being laid bare for all to see.

The Patriot Theatre is one of the better venues that I've seen Jackson perform in, and his voice and musical skills were readily classic.

As great as Jackson was however, the audience was polar opposite.

I was rebuked multiple times for cheering loudly and screaming my support by an audience that was sedate, stiff, borderline dead, and better suited for a morgue than a concert.

I wonder how great a concert it would have been if the forty and fifty types had as much enthusiasm as Jackson did.

i have to ask -- was Harry E. at the same concert as me?!?

the trenton audience actually gave jackson a standing ovation at least 5 times (or more) during the evening and clapped and cheered enthusiastically after every single song (and the first few were probably pretty obscure for some people). the audience was far from "sedate, stiff, borderline dead, and better suited for a morgue". it was a great night with a very upbeat crowd and alot of audience interaction.

jackson was friendly, chatty & in great voice. the audience was obviously enjoying the show. with no predetermined setlist, the audience shouts out requests between songs, which seems to be how jackson enjoys it.

the audience participation makes for some fun interaction with jackson -- which helps make each show very unique. in fact, after "freebird" was shouted out several times, jackson playfully sang a line or two.

however, there were a few audience members who prefer to hear themselves over jackson. they shout while he's singing or while he's talking, or say something inappropriate, and it obviously annoys the rest of the audience. i'm sure that is the reason Harry E. was "rebuked" -- most of us don't feel a need to "scream our support" in an intimate accoustic atmosphere.

i would say the trenton audience enjoyed a wonderful night of great songs and stories among people with the same passion for jackson -- leaving with a good feeling & choosing to ignore the few who seem to want all the attention.

JB fans,

I saw the show last night in Trenton, and Jackson really delivered. I saw him for a few minutes just before his soundcheck, and he looked like he had a cold. That was what a member from his crew told me also. So I was expecting a somewhat brief performance.

Because I've seen him a number of times, I do think he sounded like he had a bit of a cold, but he sang right through it, and in a way, the rasp in his voice last night kind of enhanced a few songs. I prefer to see him solo because being the only musician, he is literally forced to be totally engaged in his material, and that is when he is at his best. He was a pro last night, delivering his craft to the best of his ability, despite likely not feeling that well. I think he feels somewhat obligated to play tunes like "The Pretender" and "Shape of A Heart", and I still enjoy hearing those classics. Last night he played some things like "Lawless Avenue" and "Enough of the Night" that were rare gems. He said "Enough of the Night" was about his sister, and "Here Comes Those Tears" was about his ex-mother-in-law. He also says he reads reviews of his shows on the web, so if you're reading this JB, nice job last night. Also, you just have to come out with a solo live CD, with at least 3 discs. Your catalog is so great, and it would be so inspiring to singer/songwriters. Plus, I think you'd sell a few. Keep up the great music, and come back east to play as much as you can. We need you here.

Saw Jackson in Stamford CT tonight at the new Palace theater and he was GREAT. He sounds exactly the same (he even looks the same), he was in a good mood...funny...changing his mind all night about which guitar to use and what song to play next, talking to the audience, playing requests. And we got second row seats near the center! You could see every slide of his fingers over the frets.

The two sets were like stepping back in time, and most of the new stuff was good too:

Great concert. Funny moment when he said he didn't know what he was to be for Halloween. He smiled when a woman called out from the balcony "Be at my house!"

Leaving the commentary to others, here is the set list as I remember it. In other words, I'm sticking by my usual disclaimer -- I did not write the set list down during the show, but I think I have all of the songs and in pretty much the correct order ... so just in case no one else wrote it down as it happened, here is what I have from memory ....