Russ, WOW! Only way to describe last night's Vote for Change show at the beautiful Warner Theater in Erie, Pa. I was fortunate to have front row seats (props to Monica Godsey) and what a show it was. Keb' Mo', an Erie favorite, got the crowd going right away. His 40 minute set was highlighted by his cover of Bob Dylan's "The Times They are a Changin.' Then for his finale, Bonnie and Jackson came out for a rousing Stand Up (And Be Strong).

Jackson then introduced Bonnie and she started with a cover Of JT's Rainy Day Man. A few songs later she did a STUNNING Angel From Montgomery. WHEW! What an awesome stage presence she has. Amazing guitar work! And VERY HOT!

After a short break, Jackson came out with a rockin 'Imagination.' He played a mostly political set playing songs I haven't heard him play in a while. After seeing him acoustically, the last couple of times, it was great to hear him "rock it out." Not the usual Pretender, LFTS, These Days, etc. His crackerjack band, who played behind all three, was exceptional!

All in all, it was one hell of a night of great music.

As always, Russ, thanks for all your hard work maintaining this site, keeping all of us informed of all things Jackson. Appreciate it.

Jackson Browne and his band played for over two hours and put on a phenomal show last Saturday night (Sept. 25th) at the Fairplex in Pomona, Ca. Their set list, for the most part, seemed to have been pulled directly from Disc 2 of the Very Best of Jackson Browne CD. Browne chatted intimately with the crowd throughout the night revealing the inspiration and/or meaning behind most of the songs which they flawlessly performed. He also acknowledged his early ties to the "Indland Empire" musing about time spent in the local mountains as a young boy living in nearby Fullerton. The fair-going crowd demanded two encores before Browne's motor home whisked the band off to Phoenix for a Vote For Change Tour concert.

Hi everyone,

My birthday was October 1, I said for my gift, i want to go see jackson and friends at the Vote For Change Tour in Erie. It was most special. We had 3rd row seats.i was SO excited..........could see jackson so well, even got to wave and shout to him a couple times. Keb Mo was great, so funky, great voice and talent. I had never seen Bonnie raitt before in concert, she is quite tiny, but a real spitfire. She sounded and looked great, I was extremely touched by the special freindship her and Jackson obviously share.

Jackson did mostly songs from his "Naked Ride Home" and "Lives In The Balance", which I consider to be if not the, then one of his best albums ever. I couldn't help, along with other members of the audience, when," there're never the ones to fight and to die" comes up in " Lives". to stand up and sing it along with Jackson..."Can you hear me GEORGE and DICK"!!!!!!!!!!! When Jackson started "America" it became a truly magnificent experience to share with all who were gathered there to enjoy great music and Get Our Country Back. I will never cease to be amazed at how humble and real a man of Jackson's talent is. I admire him more than anyone else on the planet....his words written years ago are just as relevant today as his new masterpieces. Jackson, you are your self a true masterpiece, your words have been a beacon for me so many times.........may we all join together and get the Republicans out of office before they squander our country, our planet, our, our childrens, and all generations futures with their arrogance, deceit, and lack of dignity.

Vote for Change Concert with Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, and Keb' Mo' at the Midland Theatre, Kansas City, Missouri--October 5, 2004

Come with me to the Vote for Change show at the Midland Theatre in Kansas City Tuesday night.

After a short fifteen minute drive from my home, I am able to park in the underground parking garage with its entrance no more than 30 feet from the front doors of the theater, which is located in the heart of downtown Kansas City. I have arrived at 6 30 for the 7:30 perfomance.

Outside the theater doors dozens of people are milling around on the sidewalk outside, enjoying the beautiful fall evening. More than a handful of volunteers are distributing two different handouts to those who will take them. One trumpets the purpose of the Vote for Change movement and the various artists who are supporting it. The other heralds Going Upriver--The Long War of John Kerry, which opened in movie houses October 1.

After accepting the handouts and walking into the lobby, I give my ticket to be torn to one of the friendly people at the door, who tells me that she hopes I enjoy the evening. I am first aware of the dozens of people standing in and moving through the lobby. Moving among them are 7 or 8 MoveOn workers who immediately stand out in their bright orange t-shirts with "SEND BUSH BACK TO TEXAS" in bold black lettering on the back. All are carrying clipboards and seeking concert goers who are willing to join MoveOn and perhaps do volunteer work for them. They are extremely non-assertive and only approach those who make eye contact with them.

The next thing I notice is that on the right side of the large lobby, just inside the doors, is a table set up to sell white t-shirts in both men's and women's styles. The shirts are selling for $25 and say Vote for Change with the Vote for Change guitar underneath the lettering. On the back are the names of the artists supporting the movement. No Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, or Keb' Mo' items are available with the exception of Keb' Mo's new cd, which is going for $15.

Taking these things in takes only a few moments and then I, like everyone else who enters the Midland Theatre, am captured by the magnificent architecture of this awesome building with its dark paneling. maroon-and-gold carpeting and 15 foot chandeliers hanging from the intricately sculpted and painted ceiling. Although I have been here many times, I am always awestruck here. Beyond the lobby is seating for 2800 on the main floor and in the three balconies above it I enter the main floor of the theater, where my seat is located, just to look around one more time and take it all in one more time. With inlaid carvings and Renaissance art adorning the walls, a tremendous chandelier hangs from a large dome in the arched ceiling, which appears to be at least 100 feet above the floor. Further back another dome can be seen above the beautifully appointed balconies. The entire ceiling, including the domes, is filled with intricately painting carvings that complement the rest of the decor.

Next my eyes are drawn to the large stage, which is basically bare except for the band's instruments, amplifiers, and microphones--and a large gray banner, probably 15 feet wide and 40 feet high with Vote for Change in white lettering and the Vote for Change guitar with its white star in the middle of blue circle surrounded by winding red and white striping, its neck stretching upward to the top of the banner.

I decide to return to the lobby and observe the people attending the concert as they enter. It's mostly a very casually dressed crowd of people in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. T-shirts, jeans, shorts, tie-dyes, knit shirts, casual slacks, and ball caps predominate with a very few people dressed more formally. Interestingly, I see almost no Jackson, Bonnie, or Keb' t-shirts, but there are more than a few Kerry/Edwards t-shirts and many people sporting Kerry/Edwards buttons and stick-ons. Mixed in with us baby boomers, there are a good number of younger people as well as several father-son, father-daughter, mother-son combinations with the youngsters ranging from 7-12 years of age. I don't see any teenagers.

Passing on the beer, soda, mixed drinks, and snacks for sale, I decide to go to my seat and take things in from there. A very courteous usher escorts me to my seat, which is exactly where I had hoped it would be--the first seat to the right of the center aisle, nine rows from the stage. The sound system is basically playing social protests songs from times gone by--"Chicago" and "Almost Cut My Hair" by CSNY and "Serve Somebody" by Dylan.

As I sit down in a plush,cushinoned, three-foot wide chair that rocks, I notice a mother and her young daughter and a mother and father and their two young sons sitting a few rows in front of me. All around me people are craning their necks and taking in the setting of this incredible theater. A woman next to me is calling a friend on her phone and lamenting the fact that there are no Bonnie or Jackson t-shirts for sale. I start a conversation with the woman behind me who asks if I am going to see Michael Moore when he appears at Rainy Day Books Thursday. I tell her that, unfortunately I have other commitments. We both mention what a geat theater the Midland is and reminisce about past performances we each have seen there.

It's now 7:25 and probably less than 20% of the seats I can see are occupied, but when the lights go down at 7:37, the main floor has really begun to fill up. Keb' Mo' strolls on the stage wearing a grey coat over a gray collarless shirt and matching gray pants and sporting a yelowish-tan hat with the brim turned up all the way around. He is followed by the members of Jackson's band and all are met with warm applause. Keb' says, "Hello, Kansas City!" and someone in the crowd wishes him happy birthday to which he quietly returns a polite thank you. (Interestly no one in the crowd--myself included--later wished Jackson an early happy birthday.) He adds that it is great to be here on such an auspicious occasion and that what we need is to re-form ourselves.

Keb' opens with a nice reworking of Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes' "Wake Up, Everybody." He follows with another politcally oriented song, by doing a somewhat unusual version of Nick Lowe's "(What's So Funny 'bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding," a song Springsteen, REM, and Fogerty are performing together as a part of the encores at their Vote for Change shows. Following this song, Keb' thanks the audience for coming out to the show and adds, "You can't stay home in the middle of a national emergency--maybe a world emergency." Alluding to the first Bush/Kerry debate someone in the audience yells, "It's hard work!" to a smattering of laughter.

"Hello, Mr. President..." Keb begins as he launches into "Talk," which like his first number, is from his new cd, Peace...Back by Popular Demand. At the conclusion of the song, a man in the audience yells, F**k Cheney," and Keb' receives grateful applause when he immediately says, "Let's take the high road. There's no need for that. We need to avoid negative energy." Remarkably, as I was to realize later, Keb' had defused this little crisis so smoothly and so well, that it was the last political outcry of the evening.

Keb' follows with an outstanding version of the blues standard "The Sky Is Crying" and the audience responded enthusiastically with the majority of the crowd rising in applause as the song ends. Keb'' has really demonstrated his chops on the guitar on this one. As Jackson's band leaves, Keb' begins a tasty acoustic version of the Stones' "Love in Vain."

While the band is returning for the next number, Keb' asks, "You all like the blues? This IS Kansas City!" What comes next is a rollicking version of "Soon As I Get Paid." As I look around I notice that nearly every one in the audience is rocking in their seats to the beat of this funky song. In the middle of the song, Keb' looks at Mark Goldenberg to his right and says, "Mark, can I get a loan?" whereby Mark immediately cuts loose with a blistering guitar solo, only to be followed another great solo from Keb's left by Val McCallum. By this time the entire crowd is standing and rocking on their collective feet to the music and ready to give thunderous applause at the close of the song.

At the audience is calming down and returning to their seats, Jackson and Bonnie appear on the stage and everyone rises to their feet again to greet them with cheers and applause. Everyone remains standing as they perform "Stand Up and Be Strong," with Bonnie dueting with Keb' on lead vocals and Jackson singing backup. This spirited song concludes Keb's portion of the show and the lights go down and everyone exits. The man sitting next to me asks who that performer was and if he is local. I tell him what I know about Keb' Mo' and he says, "That guy is really cool. I'd like to see him again."

In less than five minutes, Bonnie returns with her longtime bass player Hutch Hutchinson. She is wearing a loose fitting, nearly flourescent green blouse with a glittery dark gold pattern on it, worn outside her solid black pants. She greets the crowd, "Hello, Kansas City, Missouri...and Kansas, and immediately wins the audience over. (You have to live here to understand how it irks a KC audience when an artist doesn't know which side of the state line the venue is on.) Bonnie recalls talking with her friend, the great Ruth Brown, about Kansas City and Ruth told her, "Girl, I could tell you some stories about Kansas City." To which Bonnie replied, "And I could tell you some stories about Kansas City."

Bonnie is the centerpiece of the show and for good reason. Her spirit, vivacity, enthusiasm--not to mention her outstanding voice and genuine enjoyment of the audience and her performance for it--make her the apple of everyone's eye.

She tells us that she's been backstage trying to watch the debate between Edwards and Cheney, but that Keb's playing just drew her to the stage. She just couldn't stay back there while he was playing.

Sitting down and smiling at the audience underneath her somewhat more "muted" red hair and introducing Hutch to the audience as having played with her for more than 20 years, Bonnie tells us, "This is a song about being able to call somebody in when the first one isn't working." The song--James Taylor's "Rainy Day Man"--is one of my all-time favorites and a song I have never heard Bonnie sing live before. She gives us a truly moving performance of the song.

For her next two numbers, Bonnie gives us her only outright politically oriented songs of the evening, a great interpretation of Randy Newman's "Let's Drop the Big One" followed by Memphis Sllim's "Mother Earth." After finishing that song Bonnie mentions something about her being straight, and someone in the audience calls out, "How long?" "Seventeen years," Bonnie replies.

Next she tells us that Jackson simply has "such a body of work" and that she so enjoys seeing him perform both solo and with his band She adds that she has been playing with Jackson for 34 years now. It brings to my mind that I first saw Bonnie perform with Freebo at the University of Kansas in 1972 with Martin Mull as her opening act. I've loved Bonnie and her music ever since. She uses her mention of Jackson to segue into "Soldier of Plenty," and with Mauricio Lewak joining in on the drums, she makes the song her own with a version distinctly different from that of Jackson.

As the song ends, Bonnie glances around the theater and says, "I love to play inside beautiful theaters like this. This one is incredible." She then says that she is dedicating the next song to Penny and thanks her for "the beautiful gift" and also says she is dedicating the song to her many friends, some of whom are sick. Her interpretation of "Angel from Montgomery" moves us all and brings us to our feet to give her a tremendous round of applause.

Jackson's band then reenters the stage (without Kevin McCormick who defers to Hutch Hutchinson when Bonnie plays). As Bonnie belts out a rocking "Loveletter," I glance around and see that once again the entire audience around me is rocking in their chairs. She then delivers a heartfelt "Nick of Time," which shows me how personal the song is her for more than any time I have ever heard her sing it. During the song, I glance to my left and notice that a lady across the aisle is taking notes during Bonnie's performance just as I am. I plan to ask her why she is taking notes after the show (but I never get the opportunity).

At this point, Bonnie and the band erupt for an unforgetable "Something to Talk About." The entire audience is on its feet in an instant. I notice the two young boys who are sitting in front of me are not only on their feet but dancing to the music...as is everyone else in the place. And it isn't lost on Bonnie. As she finishes the song she says, "Nice dancing out there!" It suddenly occurs to me that, at least on this tour, the something to talk about Bonnie is really referring to is the results of the upcoming election.

Bonnie then calls for Keb' to come out and turns around to see Keb' is already standing behind her and ready to go. Together they close out Bonnie's set with a marvelous duet of Aretha Franklin's "Baby, I Love You." At the conclusion, the entire audience rises as one to show their love and enthusiasm for Bonnie.

The lights in the house come on and I spend most of the time trying to decipher the notes I have been so furiously taking in the darkness of the theater. The couple who have been sitting to my right return to their seats and express their amazement that all the beer and soda had sold out, leaving only mixed drinks available. I look around just in time to see an old friend I haven't seen in several years sitting down with his wife several rows back and to my left. And she has a digital camera in her hand!!! As I start to make my way toward them, the lights go down and Jackson comes onto the stage with his band. Naturally everyone stands to give him a welcoming ovation.

Jackson is wearing what seems to me a very bright, eyecatching shirt compared to those he usually wears. It has a black background with grey diamonds in a pattern worn with shirttail out over a pair of grey pants and black shoes.

He starts off by saying, "Kansas City, I am so happy to be here tonight. Thank you for coming." He then goes to his piano and does a wonderful rendition of "About My Imagination." It is apparent to me from the start that Jackson is in great voice tonight--as good as I've heard him sound in quite awhile-- and it certainly proves out as the night goes on. And he also seems very relaxed and at ease with himself on stage.

"Casino Nation" follows with some very nice slide guitar by Val and another tasty solo by Mark. Jackson hasn't really made any political comments yet and appears to be willing to let the music speak for him.

"This is a song about picking yourself up," Jackson tells us and then calls Keb' Mo' out to help with the song. Jackson explains to us that Keb' was responsible for changing Jackson's original idea of making the next song a big rock number to recording a much more subdued song, which almost had only he and Keb' playing on it. Of course, the song is "For Taking the Trouble," and not only is Jackson's vocal right on, but Keb' plays a really tasty guitar solo during the song. On this song I notice that Mauricio has moved down and front of his drum kit and is sitting on a square white box which he uses to play percussion. When the song finishes, Jackson tells us that Mauricio was playing a box, which everywhere in the world except the United State is called a (?). He designates it as a "South American box." Someone in the audience asks again what it was and Jackson replies, "It's a shaker...and a rattle. It seems to be some kind of infant toy."

What follows is a mesmerizing version of "Lives in the Balance,". The song features outstanding solos by both Mark and Jeff Young and a very impassioned vocal by Jackson. During the song, I find myself singing "There are!" along with many others in the audience. At the song's conclusion, we all rise as one to express our appreciation.

Fueled by Mauricio's propulsive drumming and two more driving solos from Mark and Val, Jackson almost immediately follows with "For America" and once again, all of us are on our feet as we respond to the song.

At the close of the song, Jackson takes a little time to talk to us. After letting us know how deeply he appreciates the way the crowd is responding, he adds, "I am left with such a kindred spirit looking out at you." He then seems to change direction completely by saying, "In my heart of hearts I have quite a spots for hedonists, but no matter how much you live for pleasure, you eventually go on to bigger ideas--or move to Las Vegas." He says he is referring to things like peace and justice. "The next song," he continues, "is about a turning point." This is his introduction to "For Everyman." And the murmurs of the crowd tell me that this is one of the songs they have been hoping to hear. And Jackson nails it. My feeling that this is the best I have personally heard Jackson's voice in quite some time is confirmed when he sings the line "Dont ask me if he'll show" and hits the high note for "me" perfectly--a note which often has trouble coming close to reaching. All the people in front of me stand in response to Mauricio's drumming at the conclusion of the song and everyone gives Jackson and the band a tremendous ovation for the performance.

"For Everyman" and the next song--"Black and White"--are the highlight of my evening with Jackson to this point. I have long held "Black and White" as one of my favorites and am thrilled whenever I hear it. And tonight he does a great job on it.

Jackson introduces the band (and I think I've mentioned all of them but Katherine Russell, who does an outstanding job on backing vocals, percussion, and even guitar on one song). I see Bonnie and Keb' coming out to join Jackson now and, from what I've read about the earlier concerts, I am both excited with the prospect of the songs they will perform and only a little saddened that the show will soon be over. The audience is now standing again and will remain standing until the conclusion of the show.

Jackson and all start right out on a very uptempo "World in Motion" and everyone is standing once again, clapping along and really enjoying the music. Both Bonnie and Keb' take verses. After hearing Jackson do this song a certain way so many times, it is somewhat different but cool when Keb' does a kind of funk guitar solo in the middle of the song.

Then, after Jackson calls Hutch Hutchinson out, Bonnie starts a sizzling slide guitar introduction to a scorching duet with Jackson on John Hiatt's "Thing Called Love." Everyone in the place is on their feet, singing along, and rocking to song. At the back of the stage, behind the drum kit, Keb' and Katherine bring a smile to my heart as they break into spontaneous dancing, which they continue even as they move up to Katherine's spot on the stage for the end of the song. As the song reaches its climax, Bonnie falls to her knees while playing her guitar. Then, as the song ends she pretends to set her guitar on fire a la Jimi Hendrix and then stands and raises her guitar over her head as though she is Pete Townshend getting ready to smash it against the amplifiers. This song has now become the high point of the evening for me and, I think, everyone else as well. Looking at Bonnie after her histrionics, Jackson says, "When she does that, I can't stand myself!"

After that, anything that follows is going to be an anticlimax for me, but when they break out into Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth" all is nearly forgotten. This truly has to be the most appropriate of all songs from the past for our current situation. And they all really rock it. First Keb' takes the vocal, then Bonnie, then Keb', and the Jackson for the "Paranoia strikes deep..." verse. As the song ends, it a delight to see Bonnie, Jackson, and Keb' dance together in front of the drum kit for a brief moment. These three (and the band) are obviously having a blast and the love and comaraderie they feel each other are so apparent to me as it really has been throughout the night.

Appropriately, they end the evening with Little Steven's "I Am a Patriot" with Jackson and Bonnie sharing the vocals. The audience, which pretty much rose as one when Bonnie and Keb came back out have remained standing for all the songs which followed. As they all gather together to bow to the audience, I selfishly wish they would add another song or two in response to the tremendous ovation they have been given, but I know that is asking too much.

After they exit the stage, the house lights quickly come on and recorded music comes on, signaling to us all that this magic night has indeed ended. I quickly look for the old friend I had not been able to speak to during the intermission and make my way to him. After talking about old times for awhile as we walk out, I casuallly ask him if his wife was able to get any digital pictures during the show. He says most definitely, and I ask him if he could possibly email me any pictures that turn out well so I can share with my Jackson Browne friends on the internet. He says he will be happy to and we exchange email addresses.

We say goodbye at the front door and go in opposite directions. Now I'm really wishing I hadn't parked in the theater's underground lot as they close the lot a half hour after the performance ends, meaning I can't stick around and see what happens after the show. It's especially disappointing because the theater is on a corner, and as I drive the half block to the corner and turn, there are the three tour buses already with many people standing and waiting for either Jackson or Bonnie or Keb' to come out.

Oh well, you can't have everything! I was one of a not too large number of fans who was lucky enough to see one of these concerts from a great seat in a beautiful venue. Honestly, when Bonnie started her set, sitting on a stool with Hutch sitting with his bass alongside her, it truly was almost like having her perform in my living room. The audience was both appreciative and yet rocking, and Jackson, Bonnie, Keb', and the band really delivered. As a Jackson fan, I would have loved to hear him do a few songs of the heart and the like, but he obviously felt this was not the time or place. So... now if I can just get a good seat the next time...

(Note: Although I put many comments in quotes, I can't state with any certaintly that I got them word for word, but the gist of what was said is as accurate as I can make it. I'm sure I have left out more than a little I should have included and made more than my share of errors. I just hope you enjoyed going to the concert with me.)

Greetings,

Join 'Seasons & Celebrations', Free Online Radio at Live365.com, for Back to Back Ten Minute Birthday spotlights on Jackson Browne and John Lennon on Friday, October 8th at Noon and 6pm (PDT), repeated Saturday at the same times. Enjoy music, commentary, and related songs celebrating the poetic artistry of these fine performers. If you miss the specials, their music will be playing through the 21st.

Enjoy,

I just have to say Thank you for following your natural talents. Your music has soothed many not so great times in my life, especially recently! I am a single mother with three teenagers and I have struggled to lead them in a direction that will net them a better life than what was left for me. I'm not bitter about my parents lack of good decisions because I've learned to deal with them. What has helped is following the advice of people I admire and taking advice from those who have a spiritual mind, which I feel Mr. Browne has. "The Dancer" is the best song to listen to when I wonder why I was put on this earth to deal with the hard people that I have had to deal with in my life. It also helped me to deal with relationships, after being married for 15 years I was so wrapped up into making life good for my x-husband that I struggled to find a place where I could follow my dreams.

I did not know how to make me happy but with prayer and good friends I 'm finding there is so much more to my life that I never realized could be there. I have learned to do the steps that I have been shown by every one I've ever known and sort out the givers from the takers. I had always been a giver and never asked for anything for myself. When I felt like maybe I needed to ask for a little to make my life count I was made to feel that I was being selfish. Well I've come along way since that struggle. Why do we let other people make us feel so unimportant? Simple things have come to mean so much to me like cooking a meal for my mentally ill brother or going to the effort of making people feel at home in my house because they deserve it. These have become the seeds that I have sown so that some day it may make those, whose lives I have touched, flourish and to help someone who I may never meet and who may be a greater person than me to flourish. If I accomplish this in my life, and I know I already have, it gives meaning to my life. Please keep writing your inspiring music!

Aruba is incredible! The concert was at the entertainment Center, a small outdoor venue. There was a whole bunch of security (!) They even used metal detecting wands and checking purses. I had to pull Jack's ashes out and identify them ahead of time so that no one stopped me, thinking it he was drugs! But we were allowed to bring cameras in.

I got there near 6pm - doors were supposed to open at 7pm. There was a really sweet guy who appeared to be in charge of everything (I think he worked for the Center, not Jackson). Well, there weren't many of us there - and he asked if we would like to sit in the front row! As if that was even a question! We got green wristbands, and we were all as happy as could be!!

The stage was very Caribbean (photos to follow) and festive. Jackson was very happy and rested looking. He was wearing a smoky blue polo type shirt - that was different for him! And tan/gray pants. Couldn't see his shoes from the front row! He did look good tho!

The setlist was as follows:
1. The Night Inside Me
2. Fountain Of Sorrow (with no additional comment)
3. Sombody's Baby - "I didn't put this on the album at the time because it didn't seem to fit. Now it's turned out to be better than the others." He dedicated it to all the lovely ladies in the audience.
4. Everywhere I Go - Cute 'ragamuffin style'
5. Barricades of Heaven ...where he grew up, but could just be about that time in anyone's life...
6. Your Bright Baby Blues
"You know it's gonna be a good night when the whole band goes off in a little boat and goes snorkelling together. And they come back!"
7. For Taking The Trouble - Said this was about (like) going to the tropics - picking yourself up and putting your life back together. That's what it seems like people do in the Caribbean - that's what he said he'do if he came here.
8. These Days - Said he's played this a bunch of different ways, but this is pretty much how he wrote it
9. The Naked Ride Home - "about an indecent proposal"
10. Rock Me On The Water
11. Stunning Mystery Companion - the usual 'girlfriend' talk. "I'll just say we aren't married because she's as ambivalent as I am." He also said this was a family vacation for most of the band, and that his girlfriend would do just about anything to get to swim in warm water...
Second set:
12. About My Imagination ("Is it my imagination or is it getting a little cooler?") It was HOT, but actually was cooling off!
13. Lives In the Balance - no intro (!)
14. For America
15. I Am Patriot
16. For Everyman
17. Black and White - began this by saying this was about a turning point in his life... that he had a soft spot in his heart for 'hedonists'. "Oh, don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about - it's people who live for pleasure. Hedonist tho I may be, there comes a time when larger things overtake you, and this song is about one of them". (A man after my own heart!)
18. Culver Moon (he said this was for Aruba, because he knew there was someplace on the island just like Culver City, and he told alot of CC stories... it was cute!
19. For a Dancer - He turned to the band and said "I'm gonna play one by myself". Then, "I met a woman (that would be me) on the plane who asked me to sing this song... Let's see if I can make it sound good here (or 'for her'?)". True to his word, he did. Lots of sniffling in the front row from everyone who had heard the story of my sweetheart, Jackson Gray's recent death.b (All together now - Awwwww)
The band came back. Then he said he met some people here today that told him that Sky Blue & Black was their wedding song. "That just about knocked me off my chair - who plays SB&B at a wedding?" But then he said it's one of those songs that means different things to different people. And added that he wasn't going to play it here ("Awww's" from the audience). "But I got a similar one (chuckle)" and he played...
20. Late For the Sky. Beautiful!!
Introduced the band.
21. The Pretender - introduced it by saying "This is for everyone who has to go back to work... sooner or later... whether it's on a Monday... or another Monday"
He thanked the People of Aruba for inviting them to play at the festival, and said we were going to love John Mayer.
22. Running On Empty ...everyone was on their feet and allowed to move up - of course I was at the front of the stage - right at Jackson's feet! (Still too low to see his shoes tho!) (g)
1st Encore:
23. Doctor My Eyes
24. Take It Easy - he's still looking for that Chinese version...
2nd Encore:
25. Load Out/Stay ..."to do the show in Papiamento" (which is a language, not a place - he laughed) - They had Pirates of the Caribbean on the video

Throughout, folks kept yelling Happy Birthday. He was cute - first it was "No, it's not my birthday for another 3 or 4 hours." Then later, "Yeah, it's getting closer, isn't it".

Also, at some point he said that Papiamento (One of Aruba's 4 languages) was kinda like Portuguese, and if you could speak Portuguese they could sorta understand you. "I'm not sure how long you'd have to talk tho (chuckle)". He said Mauricio was from Brazil and spoke Portuguese ("Isn't Brazil pretty close to here?")

He talked about the small press conference he had in the afternoon. They asked him how many guitars he brought. He said "Just enough". There may have been one spare. He said you have to be careful bringing guitars to the tropics - they fill up with moisture. "If you stay long enough, they start dripping - I know - shocking thought!"

A good show!! The sound wasn't the greatest I've ever heard, but hey, it was Aruba!! And there you are - almost like being there with me, eh?? (g)

Let the laughter fill your glass,

I thought about making an indepth review of this entire show, but I'm not finding myself that ambitious this morning, and most of you were able to see it on Sundance or webcast, so I'll just post a few observations.

It was beautifully organized, with a rotating stage divided in half - the front part with a performance going on, the back part being readied for the next act. Then they'd just spin it and bring out the next act. There were only a couple of lulls when more time was needed. I was wondering what the people at home watching saw during those few minutes?

I thought Jackson didn't get enough stage time, but I always think that :-) Our seats were in the section next to the stage on the side where Jackson was standing during his performance and the encores, so I had a good view of him. I wish he had sung alone, at least one song. His hair was perfect.

A huge highlight of the show for me was REM. I had never seen them live before, but I will make a point of it now. And of course, Bruce was inspiring, as always. John Fogarty looked great!

A few months ago a list of bad concert behavior was posted, and I'm sad to say I witnessed every item on the list, and then some. One woman, after climbing over me for about the 8th time, said, "What can I say???? Small bladder, big beers!!!!!" One man was in and out so often, no one stood to let him pass after a while. He was purposely stomping on feet of people trying to watch the show, if they didn't move for him. He never, Excuse me, or Sorry. Just stomped. I thought of Nancy with her deadly heels - where were you????? He needed to meet you.

Outside the venue was like a circus. There was a guy playing Fire and Rain near the entrance when we went in, and he was singing Fire and Rain when we came out 6 hours later...Their were Billionaires for Bush, there were Environmentalists for Kerry, there were people with signs declaring the concert a Saddam-Aid fundraiser????

I'm very glad I was able to go.

Concert Review: Meadowlands Arena - Vote For Change Finale - October 13, 2004

The Night Inside Me
Fountain Of Sorrow
The Barricades Of Heaven
About My Imagination
Lives In The Balance
For America
The Pretender
I Am A Patriot (with Little Steven)
Running On Empty (with Bruce Springsteen)

After concluding his set, Jackson returned to the stage to duet with Springsteen on Racing In The Street, and joined all of the performers for encores of (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding and Patti Smith's People Have the Power.

A very unique show. It's not often you get to see Bruce and Jackson on the same stage and their duets on Running On Empty and Racing In The Street were two of the highlights of the show. As always, while I admire the fact that Jackson doesn't play it safe with the set list, I think a little tweaking was in order, given the nature of the crowd. You have limited time, and a crowd eagerly anticipating the arrival of one of rock's most legendary and energetic performers. Doctor My Eyes in for The Night Inside Me would have improved the flow and, I believe, the polite crowd response for the first half of the set. As much as I love The Barricades Of Heaven, it was too slow after Fountain Of Sorrow. I would have dropped that, and played something else, like For Everyman or Your Bright Baby Blues, and I think he would have been better received. It was only 3 songs beginning with The Pretender that seemed to awaken this crowd and remind them why Jackson is a Hall Of Famer. Look, I love anything he plays and he could sing the phone book and I'd be happy. But I'm thinking about the crowd, and it kills me when Jackson doesn't get the kind of overwhelming response I think he should. But, the duets were stunning and I think that's what people will remember.

Setlist:
*All songs on guitar except where piano (p) is stated!

1. The Barricades of Heaven
2. In The Shape of a Heart
3. Rock Me on the Water (p)
4. These Days
5. Something Fine
6. Cocaine
7. Black and White (p)
8. Lives in the Balance
9. For America
10. I Am a Patriot
11. For Everyman
--interval--
12. For a Dancer (p)
13. Jamaica Say You Will (p)
14. Take This Rain (p)
15. Sky Blue and Black (p)
16. Somebody's Baby (p)
17. Take it Easy
18. Our Lady of the Well
19. Nino
20. Linda Paloma
21. The Pretender (p)
--encores--
22. Late for the Sky (p)
23. Running on Empty

Notes:

*Jackson casually strolled on stage at approximately 8.10pm, clean shaven, and wearing a light green shirt with bubbles on and a light pair of slacks. Still looking much younger than his age would suggest.

*He noted at the start of the show that when he plays solo, he used to try to arrange the songs in a "correct" order, but now realises that it no longer matters in which order he plays them - so long as he doesn't end with the theme of "despair". He told a story of how he once took his son to the movie theatre, aged five, and brought him out early due to its nature. When his son asked why they'd left, Jackson said that he thought it'd get "ugly" real soon. His son responded, "Ugly? I like ugly", and they went right back in.

*He also stated that he wished his band could be there with him - not so that they could play, but just because he's missing not being around them all the time. He also noted that he'd been playing in New Jersey with Little Steven on the Vote for Change tour, which prompted him to sing "I Am a Patriot".

*Deliberately ditching the earlier notion of not going for "despair", he decided to go right into it and play "For a Dancer" right after the interval. Afterwards he was inundated with requests, which was rather surprising after their quiet nature in the first half. "What happened to you guys", he pondered. Of those requested, he opted for "Jamaica Say You Will".

*However, "Nino" also grabbed his attention, and after having the Spanish section of the lyrics brought on stage for him (and some unnecessary persistance from the guy who was requesting it), he finally managed to perform song in question, and thanked us for encouraging to play songs he doesn't often do, just so he could see if he could "get through" them.

*As far as I know, "Take This Rain" wasn't actually requested, and Jackson just decided to play it. He said that he didn't think he had played it since around the time he recorded it, and even with some paper-based assistance, he did misplace lyrics in the chorus at times. However, he did make other changes which worked well, such as singing "Baby it's alright / So much pain, so much sadness", deviating from the printed word. Following this, he was moving back toward his guitars, but instead played "Somebody's Baby" after a request.

*It appeared as though "Late for the Sky" was going to be the final song of the night, but Jackson seemed to be having such an enjoyable time, that he decided to play just one more. It was initally going to be guitar based, but after much encouragement, decided to go with "The Load-Out/Stay". However, as he walked over to the piano, he said that he could hear the groans of all the guitar players in the audience, and sat back down to play "Running on Empty" instead.

*Overall it was a great way to kick off the tour, with a great blend of both popular and slightly less well-known songs from his extensive archive. I was slightly surprised that nothing from "The Naked Ride Home" was featured ("Sergio Leone" the only one requested too), but overall, a very satisfying show which finished at around 10.50pm. If you have yet to purchase tickets, I urge to do so; and if you have, I urge you to purchase more.

First of all, for those of us (myself included) who felt that Jackson brought a cardboard version of himself to his first couple of shows in England last year, do NOT worry! Jackson's brought ALL of himself this time, and some!!!

He arrived on stage around 8.15 (show was scheduled for 8pm) wearing black lace up shoes, slightly baggy grey cord jeans, and a shirt that was either dark blue or black and it had patterns on it that were like small sprigs of circular flowers. Sorry, best description I can muster!

He had 14 guitars lined up on the stage, and his chair for his guitar songs was so directly in front of me (I was in the 2nd row) I felt like somebody had aligned the two seats especially. My view was completely clear for everything on the stage apart from the two guitars on stands a long way to my right.

Set list:

The Barricades Of Heaven - guitar

In The Shape Of A Heart - guitar - awesome, and I'm not sure I've ever heard this song so early in a set. I forget whether he mentioned not having a set list, and being able to play what he wanted because he didn't have the band with him, after this song or the previous one. Either way, nobody responded to the comment and I felt that Jackson was hoping/expecting some calls for songs.

Rock Me On The Water - keyboard - he rocked! Then, still sitting at the keyboard he told a long story about taking Ryan to a movie when he was about 5, and said he felt uncomfortable, like the movie wasn't appropriate for Ryan to see, so they left. But then he had to explain to Ryan why they had left, and he told him he thought the movie might get "ugly". Ryan told him "ugly was okay", so they went back in. Jackson then moved to his guitar seat, had a little laugh to himself, and then told the story of his "friend" (his word!) who turned up "in Colorado on vacation" and was surprised by how "rowdy" the fans at that concert were. That was Red Rocks in '94, and it was me he was talking about!!!! :-)))

These Days - guitar

Something Fine - guitar - he said he wrote it the first time he was in England. Then two guys, one to the left, one to the right, made the first calls of the night, one for Cocaine, one for Black And White. Jackson responded immediately by repeating both song titles and saying "OK".

Cocaine - guitar - before he played it he said that the people who were thinking "oh no, he's not going to play that" shouldn't worry because he was going to play the rehab version. Personally the Ron and Nancy verse makes me feel very uncomfortable these days, and I wish he wouldn't sing it.

Black And White - keyboard - bless that man who called for this song. One of my all time favourites and it was very beautiful.

Lives In The Balance - guitar - he told us he'd been playing this song during his recent Vote For Change concerts. There was loud applause when he mentioned those concerts, and this song got massive applause.

For America - guitar - he said he hoped we wouldn't mind if he played a "loud" song about America. He was SO into this song. Both of his feet were just bouncing off the floor he was tapping (inadequate word!!) them so hard! Inside I was screaming to myself "stand up Jackson", but he was having a ball right there on the chair, though I'm still not entirely sure how he didn't wreck the chair with all the energy he put into this one. I loved it!!

I Am A Patriot - guitar - he talked a lot about Little Steven before this one, and about the recent concerts, and how much he had enjoyed them. He was kind of in his own world for these three songs, but I think that was okay with everybody. For sure I enjoyed them.

For Everyman - guitar - he told us he'd leave us with this song and then take an intermission.

The first set was, give or take a minute or so, an hour. Jackson was back with us around 9.35pm. He strolled out and picked up a guitar. There was a deluge of requests, prompting him to ask what had happened to everybody during the intermission. He put the guitar down and went to his keyboard, saying he'd get all the "songs of despair" done.

For A Dancer - keyboard of course and just as special as ever. Again there were many songs called out.

Jamaica Say You Will - keyboard - he seemed to really enjoy the call for this one. Then he tinkered a little on his keyboard and told us this was a song that he really didn't know. So he got up from his keyboard and picked up a couple of sheets of printed paper from the top of his guitar amp. Then he told us about his aversion to teleprompters, and gave us reasons. Told us that he can't sing and read at the same time, placed the sheets of paper on the floor by his right foot, and told us he'd almost not sung this song since he recorded it, but he loved it, it was a love song, a love gone wrong song. I hardly dared believe what was coming next but it was..........

TAKE THIS RAIN - Do you believe that? Our good friend Sherman told me a few weeks ago that this just might be the tour to call for anything you want to hear. I did catch Jackson going into the theatre in the afternoon, and taking Sherman's advice (what else would I do?), I asked Jackson, "is this the tour to ask for Take This Rain?". NO WAY did I have any thoughts that he'd actually play this song. AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME and some, and deeply cool to hear SO many people saying after the show "I have NEVER heard him play that song, I just CANNOT believe he played it". He did, and I'm not at all sure how I got through this song, never mind the rest of the show.

Sky Blue And Black - keyboard - another request. I love the song, but I'm not sure I heard much of it. My recovery from TTR took a while!!

Somebody's Baby - keyboard - also a request, and bless the person who called for it. Unlike many others, I really love this song, and it was *exactly* what I needed to hear to bring me back to some semblance of reality after TTR. Jackson was rocking on the keyboard again. I'm not sure he made any serious attempt to hit the high notes, but it's a fun song, and was particularly well timed for me. Somewhere along the way somebody had called for Nino. I think it might have been just after Take This Rain. Anyway, after Somebody's Baby Jackson did a sort of practice line or two of Nino, and I think it might have been then that he spoke to somebody offstage asking if they could find the lyrics on the internet.

Take It Easy/Our Lady Of The Well - guitar - a very long story about ALL sorts of version of TIE before he began, and a beautiful surprise when he went right on into Our Lady Of The Well. Just after that some papers were brought out to Jackson, and we gathered that the Nino lyrics had arrived. He spent a while trying to find a guitar that might be tuned for Nino. He seemed to feel that some folks were impatient, said he would work it out. I can't imagine that anybody was impatient at all. Eventually he found the guitar he wanted. All the while he was trying to select a guitar he was singing the "Nino" part though he was off mike, just wandering up and down along the line of all those guitars.

Nino - guitar - whilst mostly reading the lyrics from the papers on the floor. Awesome and really beyond belief to actually hear this song live, never mind solo acoustic. When he was done he thanked the person who called for it and said that he was hoping that his friend from Cuba who cannot get into the US might join him for one of his London shows and that this would be a great song for them to do together. He said, with a big smile, that his friend could sing the Spanish parts.

Linda Paloma - guitar - he went right into this. I felt he'd really enjoyed playing Nino and was dreaming of a later show. I LOVE his guitar playing on this one.

The Pretender - keyboard - ack, you just know the show is going to be over soon (most times!) when he gets to this one. After it he thanked "Bristol", then put his hand over his mouth in the most delightful way before he mouthed 'oops' and then said "Brighton".

The encores:

He was bombarded with calls for songs, but he went to his keyboard and it was.....

Late For The Sky - beautiful, of course. Then there was great indecision. He pulled out a guitar he'd not played all night, was about to get into a song, got distracted by calls, went to his keyboard. When he got there he said he'd heard the groans, "and they were from guitar players". He went back to the guitar, strummed it once and got a huge "oh yes" sort of sound from the audience, guitar players or not, it was an awesome sound on that one strum on that guitar.

Running On Empty - on the previously unplayed guitar - just right, and then he was gone and the house lights came up. Brighton was very, very special.

Looking forward to seeing Jackson at Newcastle Arena tomorrow night - tickets in the centre of the front row !!!!! This'll be my eighth or ninth JB concert ( first time - 1982, Hammersmith Odeon ) and they've all been wonderful, both solo acoustic and with a band. I'm just hoping that this time - with being up front - I get to shout out a request for "Of Missing Persons" and that JB would play it.

Here's hoping.....

Sorry, no time for many details tonight. The York set list:

Prompt 7.30 start:

The Barricades Of Heaven
Shaky Town
These Days
For A Dancer
Looking Into You - very long story about the old house with more details than I've heard before
Looking East - wonderful
Walking Slow - my request so I'm very biased. I loved it. He told us a little about writing it
Never Stop - lovely. He forgot some of the words and said he knows he's in big trouble when he can't remember the new songs
My Stunning Mystery Companion - lovely
The Next Voice You Hear - he played around with this a bit, it was an unusual version, a good one

Intermission from 8.30 - 8.55

For Everyman
Lives In The Balance
For America
I Am A Patriot
Your Bright Baby Blues
I'm The Cat - "one of only 3 happy songs", what a treat this was, and he miraculously knew all the words!
In The Shape Of A Heart - request that he seemed pleased to hear, and he responded immediately
Hasten Down The Wind - another request with an immediate response
The Night Inside Me - he said it was his turn to play a song that he knew nobody would call for. He had trouble remembering how to play it without the band.
Sky Blue And Black
Jamaica Say You Will
Something Fine
The Pretender

He got a standing ovation, which genuinely seemed to overwhelm him

Encores:
Late For The Sky
Running On Empty

Another standing ovation, even louder than the first one, so he came back and said he'd been told he had time for one more song:

Take It Easy - after a while he said "have I got to sing this alone?" and everybody joined in
Our Lady Of The Well

Show ended at 10.30.

I saw Jackson at the Newcastle Arena last night I was sat three rows from the front, I won't bore you with the setlist I know someone else will post it soon enough.

I just wanted to say what a great night it was, his voice sounded as clear, as pure and as strong as I've ever heard it. I hope he returns to Newcastle again soon.

He's still the greatest.

P.S For anyone else that was there, how come I was the only one that shouted for "The Birds of St' Marks"?

Yours

If there's a worse venue to see Jackson playing solo acoustic I cannot bring one to mind. If I tell you that one of its uses is as an ice hockey stadium, and that they put a large black curtain behind the stage to hide around three quarters of the stadium that was not required last night, that should paint the picture. The seats were hard with next to no leg room, and there was around a 5 yard gap between the floor seats and the banks of seats around the stadium. Our tickets, which I'd checked several times with Ticketmaster on the phone in February said row C, and I had been assured they were 3rd row. They were, but 3rd row in the banked seating, miles away from the stage!! We complained and got 9th (and last!) row to the side on the floor, which would probably equate to around 20th row in an actual theatre.

So.........the venue was terrible, our seats weren't at all what we'd expected and then.........this surely has to have been the most disrespectful audience I've ever had the misfortune to be a part of in the UK. People were constantly in and out to fill up or empty their drinks, and they didn't even try to be quiet about it, or to wait until between songs. They were even toing and froing during the last song and the encores.

Absolutely no criticism of Jackson at all. He put all that he could into the show. Wrong venue, wrong audience, some things can't be changed, but he truly tried his best. He was wearing the same shirt as he did for the Brighton show, and the same dark blue jeans that he wore in York.

The set list:

8pm prompt start:
The Barricades Of Heaven
Man Of Constant Sorrow - a very happy surprise
The Naked Ride Home
I'm Alive - sung and played with great passion
Your Bright Baby Blues
Black And White - it took him a while to get to his keyboard but it was worth the wait!
For A Dancer
Farther On - beautiful
Never Stop
My Stunning Mystery Companion

25 minute intermission from 9pm - 9.25
The Night Inside Me
For Everyman
Lives In The Balance
For America
I Am A Patriot
Sky Blue And Black
Fountain Of Sorrow - some very imaginative and beautiful piano (keyboard!) play, a great rendition
Shadow Dream Song (part) - he tried so very hard to remember all of it but he just couldn't. Before it he told a story about the inspiration for the song. The story was new to me.
These Days - early on he lapsed, seemingly unaware, into the original lyrics, very charming!!
Two Many Angels
Rosie
Running On Empty
The Pretender

Encores:
Take It Easy
Our Lady Of The Well
Late For The Sky

And on the Jools Holland TV show: These Days and Running On Empty, no interview to speak of.

To cap it all, it wasn't possible to get an internet connection in my Newcastle hotel last night!!!

I was a little surprised at the choice of venue for this show-the Metro Radio Arena is certainly not the ideal setting for a solo acoustic show-the "intimate theatre format" mentioned in some of the advertising didn't really help matters that much as the seats in the arena were still laid out in 'block' formation which meant that there was no chance of creating an intimate atmosphere. Looked to me more like an air-craft hanger with blocks of seats separated by vast spaces.

Last year Jackson played at the Newcastle Opera House which is an ideal venue, unfortunately though that theatre went through some recent financial problems and probably wouldn't have been available when the tour was put together. The City Hall would have been the other obvious choice but, again, I assume that this venue wasn't available.

Having said all that, this was still a fantastic performance-Jackson was in superb voice and also demonstrated what a wonderful musician he is. Barricades Of Heaven was the opener, then JB performed a folk tune which sounded sensational, I must admit though to not knowing what it was! He seemed to be in the mood to experiment with the setlist but the lack of enthusiasm when he indicated that he was prepared to take requests was ominous..

The Naked Ride Home was another heartfelt performance, but there were definite signs that Jackson was having trouble engaging with the audience-I'm sure the venue is to blame for most of these problems but it was irritating to see so many people wandering in and out of the arena during the performance. Bad enough when that happens during a rock show but when you've got a guy on his own, playing his heart out, then the performer is bound to feel uncomfortable and distracted.

Jackson mentioned early on that it was interesting playing to different audiences, he said something about the 'vibe' being different from place to place-I've a feeling he wasn't too impressed with this particular audience yet his performance (for me) didn't suffer-he was completely into his music and I've never heard him sing better live.

It was my first opportunity to see Jackson solo and I was amazed by his guitar playing-confident, assured, individual and so damn impressive. Highlight for me was a beautiful version of Sky Blue & Black but there wasn't a bad performance all night.

As the evening wore on though it was clear that the audience was either unable or unwilling to fully participate in the show-we all now that Jackson can be absolutely hilarious yet his between song banter didn't work with this crowd-again though the venue lay out is likely to be the main reason for this. As a result, JB must have played pretty much exactly what he wanted to which is fine by me!

I took a friend with me to the show who knew precisely one JB song (Take It Easy) After a couple of songs Jackson had won a new fan, I can't help feeling though that some of the older fans let the side down a little.

Strangely enough, the last time I was at the Metro Radio Arena, the crowd was lacklustre too-and that was for an on-form Bob Dylan. So either there's something wrong with the Newcastle audience or the venue itself kills the atmosphere, I suspect it's the latter.

This was still a great show, Jackson just gets better and better with each passing year. Next time, let's hope a more appropriate venue is available for the great man.

Russ,

Many thanks for all your splendid work with the website.

Just back home from the first of Jackson's two solo shows in Manchester. An excellent evening with JB responding to many diverse requests from the audience.

Setlist:

Key:
(g) = guitar;
(p) = piano
Hardly rocket science, I'll grant you!


1. The Barricades Of Heaven (g)
2. Never Stop (g)
3. Call It A Loan (g)
4. Sleep's Dark And Silent Gate (p)
5. The Night Inside Me (g)
6. For Taking The Trouble (g)
7. Don't You Want To Be There (g)
8. Farther On (p)
9. Black And White (p)
10. The Naked Ride Home (g)
11. These Days (g)
12. For Everyman (g)

Intermission.

13. Lives In The Balance (g)
14. For America (g)
15. I Am A Patriot (g)
16. Something Fine (g)
17. My Opening Farewell (g)
18. For A Dancer (p)
19. Before The Deluge (p)
20. In The Shape Of A Heart (g)
21. My Stunning Mystery Companion (g)
22. Fountain Of Sorrow (p)
23. Rosie (g)
24. Running On Empty (g)

Encores:

25. Late For The Sky (p)
26. Take It Easy (g)
27. Our Lady Of The Well (g).

Hats off to that lady who requested Sleep's Dark And Silent Gate - great call! A truly inspired second half of the performance, particularly those haunting songs from Late For The Sky. Somebody tell Jackson that you can never have too many songs of despair/death in a row!

Right, I'm off to sleep and then rush out and buy Leonard Cohen's new album later this morning. Back for the second concert later today. Must get my wife to rehearse shouting a request for Sky Blue And Black from Row B at tonight's show......

Regards.

I enjoyed this concert. It was spontaneous, good natured and fun. I don't know if there were many people there who were not avidJacksonfans, if there were, they might have found it difficult to understand how he could make mistakes, in several songs, mostly on the lyrics, but occasionally in the accompaniment.

Perhaps sensing this, he explained how special it was to come toManchesterand hear so many people call out for his songs. He referred to the length of his career and more than once explained that there were some songs he just hadn't practised. However, ready or not he was willing to have a go, sometimes more successfully than others. He told a story, later in the evening, about a concert review he'd had in the past which was mostly alright, but the writer had seemed amazed that he encouraged the audience to ask for requests and then obeyed them.Jacksonfelt the writer thought he was 'weak willed.....and maybe I am.' Lots of people laughed with him.

He explained that the way he thought when he wrote the songs might have been quite different than the way he feels now and that at the time he wrote them, he may have discarded some words in favour of others, only to find them more relevant later in his life. When the 'wrong' words make sense to him, his brain just slots them in instead of the 'right' words Unfortunately, he added, this does not work so well because 'you know all the words.'

The sound was good, far better than the last time he played the Bridgewater Hall. He asked, at one point, if the audience understood what he was saying, explaining that his sound engineer had told him earlier in the day that he could not make him sound 'intelligible' There were some strange, but quite atmospheric vocal effects. Somehow, the sound made in his throat at the end of some notes was emphasised and elongated.... almost like a growl at the end of some notes. This was particularly true on the slower and sadder songs.

Jackson seemed in a happy and playful mood. Sometimes laughing out loud at himself, and playfully asking the audience to talk in real northern accents, so he could see if he understood them. He explained that David Lindley had been able to do some interesting impressions of northern accents, and he'd clearly found this amusing. When several people obliged, he tried but failed to understand anything, (too much echo in here) and suggested that he might go and walk out on the streets the next day and ask some people to talk to him.

Some of his conversation was on subjects I'd heard from other reviews. A long explanation of how the word 'girlfriend' does not actually fit his girlfriend at all, as he'd been with her ten years. He also said she was as 'ambivalent on the subject of holy matrimony as he was.' He then went on to explain that he's found the phrase 'stunning mystery companion' in a magazine inSpain, and had written the song using these words to describe her without realising that they were not all that unique. However, unique of not they described her perfectly.

He seemed relaxed throughout the evening. He said he'd been in the hall most of the afternoon, playing and that he really liked it and it was superb place to play. He also described waking up in the morning and wondering how he's managed to get himself on a tour when the American election was only about ten days away. He so hoped that the people could 'takeAmericaback.' Apparently when he booked the tour he thought it was going to be last year....when he realised that it wasn't it was too late to change the dates inManchesterandGlasgow, so he went ahead. Having introduced his strong feelings on the subject of the election and the state of his country, He played Lives in the Balance, For America and I am a Patriot, each filled with passion, perfectly delivered and receiving great applause.

There was a funny moment when someone shouted for Rosie and another shouted 'no', he made quite a bit of this, laughing as he imitated the 'no'.... and then saying he usually got that strangled tone of voice when men ( usually men ) in the audience called out for Rosie. He went on to play another song, but returned to Rosie sometime later. 'We have to get this one out of the way, if for no other reason than hygiene.'

So, I am sure there are all sorts of little bits of conversation that I've missed and I know others will be better organised and give an accurate set list. But for me best moments, were:

My Opening Farewell, Lives in the Balance, For a Dancer and These Days.

The audience seemed happy as they left the hall, all the comments I heard were positive. He did three encores....playing slightly over time and getting a standing ovation. As I left the hall I passed a few people queuing up outside the tour bus in the hope of meeting him. I've never metJackson, and probably never will, but tonight I felt I'd seen the man himself and I'm happy with that.

For the first time I wish I had the money and time to go and see another date on the tour.....I'm sure each one will be unique.

Jackson Browne, York Opera House, 21 October 2004

The Opera House itself is so tiny we reckon it must seat no more than 1000 people. Jackson came on wearing baggy blue trousers and a blue-ish top - it looked like it had big round purple flowers with leaves that looked like mistletoe, on a blue background. That boy needs some serious Trinny and Susannah-ing!

Anyway, he came on a couple of minutes past 7:30, without any banter, and started with Barricades of Heaven. Then changing guitar, he mentioned that this was a song he wrote with his good friend Danny Kortchmar - Shaky Town. The crowd really liked this. It was after this song that he said there was no setlist tonight but that he was going to play whatever he wanted, obviously hinting to the audience to shout out what they wanted. They didn't really call out anything in the first half of the show though, so he had to choose what he wanted to play himself. I think it was at this point that he mentioned his guitars, saying that this was only a portion of what he normally brings out, that he wasn't meaning to sound like he was bragging, but by the time you get to his 'advanced years' (his words!) you get to show off what you've collected all this time. He said the guitars he had on stage (14 of them in all) allowed him to just about play what he wanted to play, and sometimes he used them as a prompt as to what song he wanted to play next.

He went straight into These Days - I had to remind myself that he wrote this when he was only 16!

I don't think there was much calling out by this time still, so he switched for the first time during the evening from guitar to piano and played For A Dancer. Jackson was in great spirits all night, and was willing to listen to any request. He sang every note perfectly, as far as I could tell. He would get up from the seat or the piano and look at the guitars to 'prompt' him into what he wanted to play next. He sat at the guitar microphone again and did quite a long speech about the Abbey - without even mentioning what the house was called. He talked about the theatre we were in - that he asked someone how old it was and got them to find out details. He said it was converted around 1910 into a theatre and before that it was a corn exchange. He linked that with saying the house he grew up in was built by his grandfather about the same time, and that he built it in California at a time when there were a lot of missions in the area and would go around in his Model T Ford truck picking up pieces to put in the house. Jackson talked about growing up there and then when he was about 12 or 13 the area getting a bit seedy so his family moved to a suburb of California because they wanted him to grow up 'more wholesome'. He said he moved into an area in the shadow of DisneyLand 'the happiest place on earth' which made him smirk. He said that the house remained in his family, but that they rented it out to some people who were beatniks - hippies but before they had a name for it. He missed the house so much that he would get on the bus and make his way to the house and knock on the door and they would let him in. Jackson said he didn't know what he thought he was going to accomplish by getting in there, other than to, perhaps, remind them who's house it was! He said they were artisan people who were very good to let him go in there, and 'they drank wine'!

It explained some of the words to the next song in a way I hadn't thought of before; Looking Into You. I loved watching Jackson's expressions as he sang and played. He loved playing too, it was obvious.

As he sat at the guitar he talked about what a lovely city York is (it is - it's gorgeous) and said, "you're all from York, right?" to which half the audience shouted out "yes!" and the other half "no!" He said he liked York and had spent the day walking around, looking at the town. He said he liked coming to England because he could read The Guardian (a national newspaper here) and mentioned The Independent too. Jackson talked about the way his country had gone, and maybe other countries too (meaning Britain) or maybe, he said, it was just the way the world was now... While playing around with chords on the guitar, he went into an excellent rendition of Looking East. There was real passion in this song, made it even more special.

The next thing that happened was a little strange. A man had obviously arrived late (and probably drunk) and shouted out an apology for being late. Jackson didn't hear what was said so a woman called out, "He's late and he's sorry" or something to that effect. Jackson didn't hear that properly either and was trying to work out what they were getting at, repeating to himself what he thought he heard, "He's late and I'm sorry...? I don't have a clue what you're talking about!" Eventually someone explained it and he realised what was going on. Jackson was very humble and said 'It's all right' when he understood that the guy coming in was apologising for being late. It was quite funny and Jackson was in good spirits the way he was playing it.

The next song he played was Walking Slow. He opened the song on guitar, saying "you remember what I told you about the house I grew up in?" He reminded me of a father talking to his small child as he went on to say, "well when I was about 24 or 25 I moved back into that house as a new father, and this song was written there too." It was a very heart-felt rendition. Maybe Jackson walking around the town of York had seen a lot of the architecture that he grew up with and was feeling nostalgic about it as he thought of what he wanted to play?

The next song was not a request, he seemed to be picking and choosing exactly what he wanted to hear of the requests, keeping some in mind and coming back to them later. He played 'Never Stop' calling it a newer song than some of the ones that were being called out. He forgot the words though! It was funny as he was struggling with it, but explained that it was for his present girlfriend, and although she wasn't there, he knew he would be in trouble for not remembering the words! Someone shouted out, "we won't tell!" which he acknowledged by whispering back, "no don't tell!" He went on to play it really well after that. I think this is where he was trying to remember one little word that was 'this big' - but he got there in the end!

He played the other new love song, I think after a request, and he seemed to like the idea of playing it. Stunning Mystery Companion was introduced with the explanation of how he came by the phrase in a British gossip magazine while he was in Spain and didn't realise how well worn the phrase was! He explained that he didn't know what to call his girlfriend that you've been with 8-10 years, but he told the story of the person he met at a wedding last year who said that however hard the first year of marriage was, it wasn't as difficult as the 17th year of dating! It was a cheerful rendition, looked like he was drawing on some memories as he was playing.

Still sitting with a guitar, he played Sky Blue and Black, explaining that he had recently played in the Caribbean and met a couple who had this as their wedding song. The audience started laughing, and he said that they looked happy but 'worn out'. Some of his words were lost in the laughter! It sounded good though. His last song of this set was a request from earlier in the evening - The Next Voice You Hear. It had a slightly different arrangement in the lyrics and the way it ended, but this was another song that I suddenly heard differently as it was being played live. For some reason, watching his facial expressions seems to draw different meanings from the words, and different emotions from me. He said it was only a 15 minute break and he would be back.The first set had been almost exactly an hour, which I thought was strange because there was no clock in there, and he wasn't wearing a watch as wasn't looking at any crew for the prompt of the time.

***************************

He opened with For Everyman, which of course, the crowd loved. Lives In The Balance, I think, was another request. As he was playing around on the guitar, someone called out, "How's Kerry doing?" Jackson's reply was, "better than you think, according to the polls." The crowd agreed, applauding to this comment. Jackson went on to talk about some angry people writing letters in The Guardian, and seemed to do a little political bit. He said, "you all know who I'm talking about?" The crowd agreed, but I didn't! Can anyone explain to me what he was talking about?

The next song, another political one, was For America. This was great as well. As the crowd calmed down, Jackson was still at the guitar and started talking about a really good friend of his in the E Street band whom he'd recently got the chance to sing this political song with. I thought he was veering towards Bruce Springsteen, but as he went onto describe someone who played at the MUSE concerts, and gave them the beadiest look at the time, only to go on and be one of the most astute political observers, he finally introduced the next song as a Little Steven song - I Am A Patriot. The audience appreciated this as well.

Jackson let up on the political songs then and explained, while sitting with a guitar, that he used to think it mattered what order the songs were played in, but he realised it didn't matter now. There were a few requests coming from the audience, but still not many. He explained that you can find yourself getting into a spiral with some of these songs and looking up from the depth of despair. Someone shouted out, "Here Come Those Tears Again" which Jackson thought was funny, but mentioned that it's more country nowadays. He did go on to do one of my favourites, Bright Baby Blues. I love that one. I think the next one was another request. He explained that this was a happy song - one of only 3! This was another great version of I'm The Cat.

Jackson took a breather and looked up to the balcony, waving: "hello balcony!" The audience loved it! He was tinkering with the guitar again when he explained that he was playing in London many years ago, when the sound in theatres wasn't that good, and said because the sound wasn't so good, you could basically play around with the songs and play or sing a little, and get away with a lot. This one time in London, he was doing just that when he suddenly heard a voice at the end of a song say, "well that was a load of crap!" He thought this was funny: so did we! He went on to play In The Shape Of A Heart.

As he was listening out for requests for the next song, a woman in the audience asked him to play his favourite. Jackson explained that he wasn't allowed favourites (cue sympathetic 'ahhh's from the audience) but he said "that was my favourite, for a long time". As he was pottering around with the guitars, he heard a request for Hasten Down The Wind. "You want to hear that one?" some of the audience said yes, some said no, but he did his speech about the audience being schizophrenic and some wanting to hear Rosie, some wanting to hear The Pretender. He said that Hasten Down The Wind was one of those songs that he never bothered to learn, but said that he did know that one, and was thinking out loud as he tried to remember the words. The audience clapped when he mentioned that the Warren Zevon tribute CD was out now. He played the song beautifully, which was a bonus to me because I don't know Zevon's music very well.

The between song banter before the next number had Jackson explaining that there comes a time in every night, a song that no one would ask me to play - I have to play it. He was back on the guitar again, strumming around. It took me a while to realise what he was playing, Jackson explained that he'd recently been playing this song with his band in a different arrangement and was trying to remember the guitar part. It was Night Inside Me.

The banter increased as a woman with a loud voice called out, "Jackson, can you do me a favour?" It was as if she were having a private conversation with him as he responded from his bottle of water, "What's that?" The lady went on to explain that it was her father's 60th birthday, and he wasn't a great fan of Jackson's but had been through a tough time, and had been through every divorce with Jackson... Jackson replied something along the lines of, " I don't do divorces!" and the crowd were bantering back. The woman said it would mean a lot to her if he could play Late For The Sky. One man from the audience yelled out in a sharp, Yorkshire tone, "I thought she was going to ask for Happy Birthday!" which Jackson found really funny, and so did the audience! Jackson took another request thought and played Sky Blue and Black, which is another favourite of mine. This was at the piano.

Jackson stayed at the piano for Jamaica Say You Will, which was another request from earlier in the evening. Standing up from the piano, Jackson explained that he had just done loads of shows zig-zagging across America for Vote For Change with Bonnie, Dixie Chicks etc. He said they had really good weather at each show until they got the New Jersey - the last show. He pulled back the curtains and it was raining and he said, 'lets go to England!' the audience found that funny, not least because it was bitterly cold in York, but it hasn't really stopped raining in England for at least a week now. The rain was so bad in fact, that the river just down from the York Opera House burst its banks not long after the show ended, and next morning was at least a foot above what it should be, flooding all the streets along by the river. Anyway, Jackson was back at the guitar now, explaining that the next song was the first song he wrote in England - then corrected himself and said it was the only song he'd written in England! It was of course, Something Fine.

I think Jackson said something about most people knowing what this song meant, as he played the last song of the evening before the encore: The Pretender. I think this is where Jackson had his first standing ovation, coming out a few minutes later for the encore. He played Late For The Sky followed by a brilliant Running On Empty on guitar.

The second encore and another ovation, Jackson came out and was truly genuine when he thanked the audience for a "fantastic evening" and played Take It Easy. "I'm not playing this one alone am I?" to which the whole audience joined in with the words as Jackson was on guitar. He went straight into Our Lady Of The Well which the crowd appreciated. He left the stage around 10:30 - a great evening.

Caught Christy Moore in liverpool Fri / Sat

Huge Suprise Sat Night JB Walked On Stage To Huge Applause He Sang" Before The Deluge" With Christy And Then Sung The Barracades Of Heaven Before Finally Playing Guitar On Christy's Quiet Desperation Song

And That Was That

Hi there

The solo accoustic tour continues, and on this evidence JB's musicianship, voice quality, and lyrical passion remains undiminished.

The Liverpool review covers many of the key themes by a previous reviewer. A few thoughts. The audience got the hang of calling out titles very quickly. Some humerous banter emerged from JB about how gloomy many of his songs were. Apparently the night before a fan on the way out had suggested he might play a more cheery set - to which he told us, he thought he already was !

Anyway the music went really well, especially when he remembered the lyrics and chords of the older tunes ! Nice moment when he began a vocal with " In the evening when I close my eyes", and then laughed and said - "not the right words - let's try in the morning - it ends in the evening !" The whole audience really warmed to his completely relaxed style and the atmosphere for the evening was genuinely friendly and fun.

The political songs played very well indeed. A number of us over here are really worried about the outcome of the U.S. Presidential election, and all the political songs got huge ovations. Jackson virtually apologised to the UK's Guardian ( a liberal national newspaper) readers who had written published letters to the voters of OHIO - effectively pointing out it was indeed time for a change. I haven't seen the responses from OHIO, but Jackson said he was stunned by their vitriol !!

Wonderful evening, tremendous atmosphere, and it makes you desperate to seek out more of the back catalogue - especially to explore his dark humour.

Well done Jackson, and good luck with the rest of the solo accoustic tour. I don't believe I have ever seen so many guitars lined up behind one performer !

If you've not attended any of these concerts yet - well make an effort for goodness sake - you are missing out

I would just like to say that I have just witnessed what had to be a musical genious. I have just watched Jackson Browne live in the Bridgewater Hal in Manchester and I was come with emotion because Jackson was so great. I was overwhelmed when I saw him walking over to the stage and I new I was going to have a great Night.

Jackson took several requests including hits such as Late Fot The Sky, The Pretender and I'me a Cat. His voice was brilliant, he kept us entertained all throught the concert whether he was singing or talking. The best song of the night was a cover of a Warron Zevron record (not sure on the name). It was funny when he someone asked him to play Song For Adam because he said "I'le play that later because ive sang to many songs about death" and when he played it was brilliant.

I would of liked to thank Jackcon Browne for a brilliant night, I hope he will play over here again because me and my dad would love to go and watch him again.

Frightening electrical storms with torrential rain around Manchester in the early evening. Truly a sky blue and black/take this rain time, though we didn't hear either of those songs tonight. No matter, this was an awesome show, especially the 2nd half. Trust me, if this Take This Rain obsessive is saying that it didn't matter that Jackson didn't play Take This Rain, it must have been some show, at least IMO, which is all I can give you. ;-)

Jackson strolled on from our left around 8.05pm (8pm scheduled start) wearing a striped shirt not unlike the one we saw many times in Europe last year, but this one had different colours. There's been some debate here about whether his jeans were regular blue jeans or the grey cords from Brighton. I'm not sure, but I'd say the grey cords if I had to.

The first set:

The Barricades Of Heaven

Never Stop

After these two there were a number of calls for songs, prompting Jackson to say it was a lucky thing that he didn't have a set list. As far as I heard he was not responding to a call when he played......

Call It A Loan - a heart-pounder for me, I love this song so much. He stopped along the way because he wasn't happy with one particular guitar chord, and then he picked it up again with the wrong words, but he corrected himself in the most delightful way.

Sleep's Dark And Silent Gate - just beautiful, and in response to one of the requests after Never Stop

The Night Inside Me

For Taking The Trouble - a request that Jackson responded to immediately. I love this song and he played it beautifully and perfectly. The list member who called for this one might tell more about it when she gets back to her computer. Bless her for calling for it.

Don't You Want To Be There - what can I say? I went in there tonight set in my mind that, if I was going to call for anything, it would be Some Bridges. But I just thought it was SO cool that Jackson had played two songs in a row from his most recent album, I just couldn't stop myself from calling for another, and the one I love the most. So I called, and he said, "you guys are asking for my favourite songs". He went to his keyboard and played this so beautifully I just can't describe it to you. You understand my bias, of course! ;-) Bias or not, this was very, very beautiful.

Farther On - he just stayed at his keyboard and went right into this. Very lovely.

Black And White - still he stayed at his keyboard and went right into this one too. This song floors me every time.

After that there were some calls for songs, Take This Rain was one of them from the front row not far from me. Bless that woman, I hope it keeps the song in his mind. Jackson did say it's one he's been practicing, but then he said he thought it best to play a song he'd thought of.

The Naked Ride Home - very funny that a woman left from front row centre the moment Jackson started on this song, and then he stalled on the "desperate" word. It was just seconds before he picked it up again, but he did say that he couldn't help thinking she'd left because it wasn't her favourite song.

These Days

For Everyman - just before this he said he'd take a 15 minute intermission. We know it's always more than 15 minutes. This time he left us around 9.10pm and returned just before 9.40.

The 2nd set:

Lives In The Balance - this song always gets the hugest ovation here in England lately. Making my own way every day like sunshine...I really could live without hearing this one. Flame away!

For America - a song I've always loved, and the passion Jackson's putting into it over here stirs the soul (IMO)

I Am A Patriot - wonderful

Something Fine

My Opening Farewell - a call from a long way left of me.....this song took me to a magical place, where I stayed for the rest of the set.

For A Dancer - this was in response to a call from somewhere near the front. There was also a call from the back for In The Shape Of A Heart, and Jackson said he couldn't do those two songs in a row because there was a rule about not playing two songs about death.

Before The Deluge - this was all consuming. There was nothing in the world except Jackson, his keyboard, and this song. Before it he had been about to respond to a call for Rosie when he suddenly realised that that would break his self-imposed "death" rule because Rosie was about "the little death".

In The Shape Of A Heart

My Stunning Mystery Companion - before this there was a very funny demonstration of how the term "girlfriend" is often used in the US these days. As he cocked his head and came out with "OK girlfriend!" it was completed by right hand on hip and the most extraordinary expression on his face. A classic Jackson moment.

Fountain Of Sorrow - he is playing this so wonderfully lately! His keyboard playing is very inventive and loving.

Rosie - he could no longer resist the persistent calls for this one.

Running On Empty - I find it so hard to stay seated during this one, but everybody else did, so I had to too. There was a standing ovation at the end of it as Jackson left us briefly before returning for the encores.

Encores:

Late For The Sky - beautiful again, with more creative keyboard playing.

Take It Easy - he got a little help from the audience, but not a great deal. He didn't ask for more except for mouthing that he'd like some 'ooohs', which he got. He also stood up along the way and gave us some 'Pipeline' just as he did at the Cambridge Festival in '97.

Our Lady Of The Well - always a happy surprise when he chooses to go straight into this one.

And that was it, a truly magical evening came to an end at 11.05. I think it was probably the longest show yet, and now we must get up and do it all again tonight. Gosh, life is tough sometimes! ;-)

Here is the set list and a few details from Monday's show. Jackson was wearing the dark blue jeans and his shirt was plain. I found it hard to tell if it was grey or pale browne.

I'm Alive
Something Fine
Looking East - wonderful!
Some Bridges - my request and he played it right away, which surprised me because when I've asked in the past he's had trouble remembering it. He said he'd been working recently with the gospel choir, so maybe that's why he thought he'd remember it. He didn't really, and in the middle of it he said he wasn't doing it very well. He left out my favourite "every day like sunshine" lines, but it was great to hear this song anyway.
Mutineer - lovely
Sky Blue And Black
I'm The Cat - he hadn't been at all sure what to play next, and was very happy to respond to this request. His right arm goes high in the air as he sings the "I'm the cat" part.
Shaky Town - another request. Before it he had been all over the place trying to decide what to play. He started Too Many Angels and then said he wasn't in the mood to play that song. Somebody called for Song For Adam, and he said he wasn't in the mood to play that either, though he would later. When he decided to play Shaky Town he said he seemed to have got into the mode of thinking he had to play whatever we called out. He said, "I hope you know how to drive this thing"!
For Taking The Trouble
Never Stop
Here Come Those Tears Again - country style in response to a loud call from the back. He left out quite a bit of the song.

2nd set:
Song For Adam
Your Bright Baby Blues
Too Many Angels
Late For The Sky - request
Two Of Me, Two Of You - another request, and he really didn't know this song very well.
These Days - request
In The Shape Of A Heart - requested earlier
For Everyman
Lives In The Balance
For America
The Pretender
Running On Empty

Encores:
He clearly had no idea what he was going to play. All sorts of songs were being called for but he didn't seem to like any of the suggestions until these two appealed to him.
Call It A Loan - he said it wasn't really a closing song, but he'd play it anyway
Linda Paloma - wonderful guitar playing

Five songs less than the previous night, and the show ended 15 minutes earlier. He wasn't in the best of moods, and I'm afraid it was catching, which was a real shame because the previous night had been a wonderfully uplifting show.

I'm passing the baton over now for Glasgow and Nottingham. I hope somebody will keep us informed.

Russ,

Many thanks for all your splendid work with the website.

Just returned South from Glorious Glasgow. I witnessed the first night of two in this fabulous hall. This was an excellent concert. Jackson was on good form, trying hard to understand the natives and singing and playing with aplomb.

My only complaint was with the merchandising desk. Why did they not accept credit/debit cards?

Set list:

(p) = piano

Barricades of Heaven
Take This Rain (p)
Lives In The Balance
For America
My Opening Farewell
The Pretender (p) ­ for John Peel
For A Dancer (p)
Call It A Loan
For Everyman
Jamaica Say You Will (p)
Poor Poor Pitiful Me

The Night Inside Me
Too Many Angels
Something Fine
Rock Me On The Water (p)
Late For The Sky (p)
These Days
Shape Of A Heart
Running On Empty
Sky Blue And Black (p)
Rosie (p)
My Stunning Mystery Companion
Take It Easy
Our Lady Of The Well

Before The Deluge
I'm Alive

Can't wait for the first London show.