"These are just the simple facts
I will relate to you,
Though they are not connected
each and every one is true....."

I have probably been to over 30 of GL's concerts and no two have ever been the same. On top of this, GL usually had something funny, odd, or different to say at each concert, or something funny or odd happened to me or to you for that matter. I will be adding in the future more tidbits but for now here is the first one. I would like to hear some of your moments....

For a few years GL used to have an opening act called "The Good Brothers." The "Good Brothers" were scheduled to be his opening act here in the Cleveland area one summer. Just before the opening act was to begin, the 3 or 4 beers that I had kicked in, and I had to go to the rest room. No big thing, I really didn't care for the "Good Brothers" anyway. While I was in line to go to the rest room, I heard applause for the opening act and then I heard a strange sound. It sounded like GL but it was a song I never heard before. A haunting song it was, "The Sea Of Tranquility" was first heard by me when I was in the restroom. To my delight, the "Good Brothers" got held up at the border and could not make the gig.
My wife still teases me about the only time I missed a GL entrance at one of his concerts.

Wes...



________
BMW R90S

"These are just the simple facts
I will relate to you,
Though they are not connected
each and every one is true....."

I have probably been to over 30 of GL's concerts and no two have ever been the same. On top of this, GL usually had something funny, odd, or different to say at each concert, or something funny or odd happened to me or to you for that matter. I will be adding in the future more tidbits but for now here is the first one. I would like to hear some of your moments....

For a few years GL used to have an opening act called "The Good Brothers." The "Good Brothers" were scheduled to be his opening act here in the Cleveland area one summer. Just before the opening act was to begin, the 3 or 4 beers that I had kicked in, and I had to go to the rest room. No big thing, I really didn't care for the "Good Brothers" anyway. While I was in line to go to the rest room, I heard applause for the opening act and then I heard a strange sound. It sounded like GL but it was a song I never heard before. A haunting song it was, "The Sea Of Tranquility" was first heard by me when I was in the restroom. To my delight, the "Good Brothers" got held up at the border and could not make the gig.
My wife still teases me about the only time I missed a GL entrance at one of his concerts.

Wes...

Wes,
I guess I missed those concerts when he was touring with the Good Brothers! The only opening act I ever saw him perform with was a couple of concerts in the mid 70s when he had a classical guitarist open for him. Her name escapes me now --Christina Boyd, maybe. I always thought it was an unusual choice as an opening for him. As beautiful as her music was I remember feeling irritated that I had to wait through her set to finally see and hear what I was really there for. I've since read in the (now infamous) Collins bio that GL was really doing her a good turn by making her part of his tour. I recall at one concert that when her set was over he actually came out and personally introduced her to the crowd before she left the stage. I remember thinking that that was a nice gesture.

chris

------------------
"It took most of my time to do what never was done" -- GL

Wes, you have the best stories.
My two stories have more to do with the audience at the GL concert than Gordon Lightfoot himself. The first was a bit of an arguement that happened in about row 7 during about the 3rd song into the concert. I don't know if someone was in the wrong seat but there were 2 security guards down there and I heard at one point a guy say "No I won't leave" and then "You're embarrasing me". Gordon played right through as if nothing was happening 30 feet away from him. My husband said the lights are so bright on the stage that he wouldn't have seen what was going on, but I've always wondered.
The second little story was a man and his date's (wife, girlfriend, who knows?) seats were in the middle of the row where we were seated. They had to get by us to get to their seats. When he was seated, I had to do a double-take because he looked very much like the picture on Gord's Gold II. I'm sure he must have seen the look of (what? confusion, shock, I'm not sure what) before I had time to get my composure and lift my jaw off the floor - because he gave me a tiny smile that was beyond being polite. I would have thought it was GL's younger brother if I hadn't known that he doesn't have a younger brother. Well, that's my little contribution.

Wes, you have the best stories.
My two stories have more to do with the audience at the GL concert than Gordon Lightfoot himself. The first was a bit of an arguement that happened in about row 7 during about the 3rd song into the concert. I don't know if someone was in the wrong seat but there were 2 security guards down there and I heard at one point a guy say "No I won't leave" and then "You're embarrasing me". Gordon played right through as if nothing was happening 30 feet away from him. My husband said the lights are so bright on the stage that he wouldn't have seen what was going on, but I've always wondered.
The second little story was a man and his date's (wife, girlfriend, who knows?) seats were in the middle of the row where we were seated. They had to get by us to get to their seats. When he was seated, I had to do a double-take because he looked very much like the picture on Gord's Gold II. I'm sure he must have seen the look of (what? confusion, shock, I'm not sure what) before I had time to get my composure and lift my jaw off the floor - because he gave me a tiny smile that was beyond being polite. I would have thought it was GL's younger brother if I hadn't known that he doesn't have a younger brother. Well, that's my little contribution.

The last time I saw GL, about 5 years ago, it was at an open ampitheater concert. Knowing that cameras are never allowed, I asked the little old man taking tickets if cameras were allowed. He said "they are tonight!". I ran back to the car and got the Nikon.

I spent the concert taking some really good pictures of GL and the band (I was about 20 feet from the stage), and it was my dream come true.

Also, he played CRT, for what must have been for him the 4 millionth time. I sat there astonished, because he played it as if it was the first time he had ever played it for an audience. He put 100% effort and emotion into the song. I left the concert knowing that I had seen a professional's professional.

He's the greatest.

The last time I saw GL, about 5 years ago, it was at an open ampitheater concert. Knowing that cameras are never allowed, I asked the little old man taking tickets if cameras were allowed. He said "they are tonight!". I ran back to the car and got the Nikon.

I spent the concert taking some really good pictures of GL and the band (I was about 20 feet from the stage), and it was my dream come true.

Also, he played CRT, for what must have been for him the 4 millionth time. I sat there astonished, because he played it as if it was the first time he had ever played it for an audience. He put 100% effort and emotion into the song. I left the concert knowing that I had seen a professional's professional.

He's the greatest.

Good stories....

Annette...About the arguement you saw. It reminds me of the stories of GL perfoming early in his career in coffee houses when he was competing with the NHL hockey game of the week. He mentioned that it was paid rehersal. Same thing with your crowd. Did you ever notice how GL almost looks like he is in a trance in concerts when he is singing. He must be trying to remember the words, chords, and everything else.
Chris, I never knew GL toured with Christina Boyd. She is a classical guitarist isn't she? How did the crowd take her? By the way, the Good Brothers appear on some of GL's earlier albums, one for sure is "Old Dan's Records".
Steeler, what outdoor theatre did you see GL in and what year? Maybe you can share some of those pictures with us through Florian.

For many years in a row, my wife and I saw the Massey Hall concerts in Toronto, usually in the spring and I caught him once in the fall.
The Saturdays were brisk or cold in March. My wife and I spent the day touring one of the most beautiful cities in the world. We usually ended up in a pub (doesn't pub sound so much better than bar) or two enjoying good drink, food, and conversation with the natives who were always very friendly. As we made our way to the concerts, there was always an air of excitement in the streets outside Massey Hall. I remember how nice the people were dressed, how happy they looked, and I even remember a peanut vendor (Yes a peanut vendor!)selling hot roasted peanuts while we waited in line. In the cold of a Toronto spring evening, man, did they smell great! All this led up to a tremendous show. If you can ever get to the Massey Hall concerts, they are something special.

Wes....

Wes,
Yes she was a classical guatarist. The crowd was respectful and appreciative. I wouldn't say she brought down the house or anything! For me it was the first time I had seen GL with an opening act, so like I said, I was a little annoyed that I wasn't going to see GL right away like I had anticipated. When he came out and made a personal introduction I think people felt more of a connection. This was at Wolf Trap in Northern Virginia back in the 70s. It's an open air pavilion and a great place to see and hear music of any kind.

For the last few years I've been saying how much I want to see GL in Massey Hall. After reading your post, I think I'm really going to do it. Toronto is a city my husband and I keep saying we want to see... thanks for the incentive. Do you think you will try to get to one more before there are no more?

chris

------------------
"It took most of my time to do what never was done" -- GL

That's funny what you said about Gordon competing with the hockey game on tv while he was playing in the bars. It's probably when people started to listen to him instead of the hockey game that he knew he was really going to make it. Toronto takes its hockey seriously!! Matter of fact, the joke is that our second national anthem is the "Da da da dada" theme of Hockey Night in Canada!

That's funny what you said about Gordon competing with the hockey game on tv while he was playing in the bars. It's probably when people started to listen to him instead of the hockey game that he knew he was really going to make it. Toronto takes its hockey seriously!! Matter of fact, the joke is that our second national anthem is the "Da da da dada" theme of Hockey Night in Canada!

I have a great idea. Let's all meet at the next Massey Hall concerts in Toronto, hopefully, next spring. Bring you spouse's, good stories, and we would all have a heck of a time. If you have never been to Toronto, you'd love it! How about Florian?
I know my wife would love it.

Wes...

Hey Wes count me in!!! my wife and I wanna go to Massey real bad! I've never been to Toronto but she has (Phantom of the opera at the beautifully restored Pantages theatre! LOL)I live in Northern Ohio so I know Toronto isn't far away..whatta ya say everyone lets GO!!!
Chuck...

------------------
Ever Onward...

Hey Wes count me in!!! my wife and I wanna go to Massey real bad! I've never been to Toronto but she has (Phantom of the opera at the beautifully restored Pantages theatre! LOL)I live in Northern Ohio so I know Toronto isn't far away..whatta ya say everyone lets GO!!!
Chuck...

------------------
Ever Onward...

The classical guitarist is named Liona Boyd (not Christina). She recently wrote her autobiography called In My Own Key: My Life In Love And Music. In it she talks about touring with Lightfoot, and also about her affair with Pierre Trudeau.
I only read the Lightfoot references ...

If you are interested in learning more about her, she has a web site here: www.lionaboyd.com .

------------------
Valerie Magee

Thanks Valerie. I do remember in one of the older GL songbooks a picture of Ms. Boyd backstage with GL. A very beautiful woman.

I checked out her website (see Valerie's message above for location) and there is a Kookie picture of GL with her. GL looks like an old silent film star posing with her. It's just a different picture of him. Tell me what you think....

Wes......



[This message has been edited by Wes Steele (edited February 15, 2000).]

You're right Wes! As a matter of fact I don't think I would have recognized him if it hadn't had his name beneath the picture. Check out the ring.

You're right Wes! As a matter of fact I don't think I would have recognized him if it hadn't had his name beneath the picture. Check out the ring.

Wes,

I saw GL at an open air ampitheater in Birmingham, Alabama (of all places....), I think it was in 1991, based on when I printed the pictures.

I can scan some of them in, but.....what is Florian?

Send me an e-mail and I'll send some of them to you.

Wes,

I saw GL at an open air ampitheater in Birmingham, Alabama (of all places....), I think it was in 1991, based on when I printed the pictures.

I can scan some of them in, but.....what is Florian?

Send me an e-mail and I'll send some of them to you.

quote:Originally posted by steeler:
Wes,
I can scan some of them in, but.....what is Florian?


Hi steeler,

Florian is http://www.corfid.com/ubb/eek.gif

65,00 % oxygen
0,002 % silicium
0,001 % aluminum
0,010 % iron
2,010 % calcium
0,109 % sodium
0,265 % potassium
0,036 % magnesium
10,00 % hydrogen
0,160 % chlorine
1,160 % phosphorus
18,00 % carbon
3,000 % nitrogen
0,247 % other

Aside from that, I am the webmaster of www.corfid.com

Great Answer Florian.

You Going To Meet Up With Us In Toronto?

Wes...

Hi Wes,

more than happy to. I suppose Gordon Lightfoot will give his Massey-Hall concerts again in November, and I plan to attend them.

It's more reasonable for me to see him if he does a set of concerts in a row (like the three at Massey). I cannot fly to the US or Canada just for a single evening.

So see you in Toronto,...

"Oh the skyline of Toronto
Is somethin' you'll get onto..
..But it's snowin' in the city
And the streets and brown and gritty"
(Alberta Bound, Don Quixote)

Florian, Wes, et al,
Count me in for Toronto Massey Hall concerts. But, I think, and anyone correct me on this, but I think he does the Massesy Hall concerts now every 18 months instead of every year like he used to. So, since the last ones were Nov. 1999, that would make the next ones Spring sometime 2001. Which just gives us all more time to save the money to make the trip to Toronto that much more fun. Right?

chris

------------------
"It took most of my time to do what never was done" -- GL

Hey, Wes,
Can I come?

LAMS

------------------
"Love and maple syrup
go together like the
sticky winds of winter
when they meet....
If you go into the forest
Gaze up through the trees
The sky is white.
You can understand
What makes the forest
Greet the man
Like a mother's only
child ..."

Hey, Wes,
Can I come?

LAMS

------------------
"Love and maple syrup
go together like the
sticky winds of winter
when they meet....
If you go into the forest
Gaze up through the trees
The sky is white.
You can understand
What makes the forest
Greet the man
Like a mother's only
child ..."

Addendum:
Hey, Wes,
Can I come? (I might prove to be a "useful" addition --- if you know what I mean) http://www.corfid.com/ubb/smile.gif

LAMS

------------------
"Love and maple syrup
go together like the
sticky winds of winter
when they meet....
If you go into the forest
Gaze up through the trees
The sky is white.
You can understand
What makes the forest
Greet the man
Like a mother's only
child ..."

Addendum:
Hey, Wes,
Can I come? (I might prove to be a "useful" addition --- if you know what I mean) http://www.corfid.com/ubb/smile.gif

LAMS

------------------
"Love and maple syrup
go together like the
sticky winds of winter
when they meet....
If you go into the forest
Gaze up through the trees
The sky is white.
You can understand
What makes the forest
Greet the man
Like a mother's only
child ..."

Chris, great minds think alike. I was thinking the same thing about the next Massey Hall concert being in the spring, 2001. Those were my favorite concerts. Nothing is more beautiful than Toronto in the early spring, a shot of rye at "The Salon" across from Massey, and a GL concert.
The hot peanuts they sell outside Massey are pretty good too.

LAMS, where have you been? I thought you died and went to GL HEAVEN! I haven't been around either. The only reason I am here now is because I have pneumonia. Yes, thats right. I also have a sinus infection and I'm sicker than a dog. All of the "witty and affable" comments from this site are keeping me in the right frame of mind. LAMS, it wouldn't be a real GL concert if you weren't there. You are expected.

Hey Annette, your expected also. Save your pennies for that TRAIN TICKET from your west coast to Toronto. Don't forget your spouse.
My wife and I always wanted to take that 3 day train trip in Canada going the other way, from Toronto to Vancouver.

"The city where we live,
might be quite large,
but the circle is small,
Why not tell us all,
and then all of us will know...."

Wes........

Chris: could it have been "Liona Boyd"?

Chris: could it have been "Liona Boyd"?

Sue,
Yes, Valerie Magee made the correction in her post. Maybe because my name is Christine I assigned her that name. I followed the link in Val's post to Liona Boyd's website. The picture of her with Gordon Lightfoot is priceless! If you haven't seen it check it out.

chris

------------------
"It took most of my time to do what never was done" -- GL

No, I'm afraid I couldn't get lucky enough to go to GL heaven!
(UNFORTUNATELY!!!)

Wow, Wes, I didn't know you were sick --- but I thought SOMETHING was wrong
(Are you still taking care of PAT? If not, I'll be right over to give him
his microwaved apples) Now they're all going to wonder what THAT's all
about. http://www.corfid.com/ubb/smile.gif
Anyway, thanks for the invite and I promise if we all show up to
Massey -- GORD will be there to join us! It'll take some planning, but I
can pull it off.

I hate to mention this, but I'll see him before you guys, cuz he's
coming to Santa Rosa in April! And I'll be there, but I'll take photos and
let everyone know the details.

But, seriously, let's DO the Massey thing (even though, alas, I, too, will
have to travel by ugh train.) lol

Hope you feel better Wes. Talk to you soon.

------------------
"Love and maple syrup
go together like the
sticky winds of winter
when they meet....
If you go into the forest
Gaze up through the trees
The sky is white.
You can understand
What makes the forest
Greet the man
Like a mother's only
child ..."

No, I'm afraid I couldn't get lucky enough to go to GL heaven!
(UNFORTUNATELY!!!)

Wow, Wes, I didn't know you were sick --- but I thought SOMETHING was wrong
(Are you still taking care of PAT? If not, I'll be right over to give him
his microwaved apples) Now they're all going to wonder what THAT's all
about. http://www.corfid.com/ubb/smile.gif
Anyway, thanks for the invite and I promise if we all show up to
Massey -- GORD will be there to join us! It'll take some planning, but I
can pull it off.

I hate to mention this, but I'll see him before you guys, cuz he's
coming to Santa Rosa in April! And I'll be there, but I'll take photos and
let everyone know the details.

But, seriously, let's DO the Massey thing (even though, alas, I, too, will
have to travel by ugh train.) lol

Hope you feel better Wes. Talk to you soon.

------------------
"Love and maple syrup
go together like the
sticky winds of winter
when they meet....
If you go into the forest
Gaze up through the trees
The sky is white.
You can understand
What makes the forest
Greet the man
Like a mother's only
child ..."

All this talk about the Massey concerts.. I can't wait till next spring!! this will be so much fun! I will see Gordon in Tiffin Ohio later this Spring... and LAMS you have access to the "GREAT" one? please fill me in! and Wes, I hope you get well soon..
...........

"You know that living a life of ease
don't make your meals taste better,
if you please...GL

All this talk about the Massey concerts.. I can't wait till next spring!! this will be so much fun! I will see Gordon in Tiffin Ohio later this Spring... and LAMS you have access to the "GREAT" one? please fill me in! and Wes, I hope you get well soon..
...........

"You know that living a life of ease
don't make your meals taste better,
if you please...GL

Ok, now I'll make you all jealous! In my hot little hands I have two tickets to a GL concert on March 1st in York Penn. and two tickets to a concert on March 12 here in Baltimore. I bought the ones on the 1st way back in June. My husband and I are going to that one. Then about two months ago, a benefit concert was scheduled here in Baltimore for a children's mental health facility and I couldn't resist. My sister and I are treating ourselves to the reception afterwards where you can meet GL. Needless to say I am looking forward to March!

chris

------------------
"It took most of my time to do what never was done" -- GL

Chris, there are probably some things that you just don't understand. The GL concerts are not that good anymore. He got old, he sings the same songs, the band is not up to snuff.
There usually is a lot of traffic. You have to park you car. The weather probably will be bad. What happens if your sick.

Anyway, I will make this offer to you because I REALLY LIKE your posts. Send me the tickets and my wife and I will stand in for you and your sister. That will save you a tremendous amount of aggravation. You don't even have to say thanks. I know you wouldn't want any money for the tickets, and I appreciate that, so just E-mail me and I will give you the address to send the tickets.

Thanks Chris, you are a special person,

Wes......

Wes,
Because you are such a special person I simply cannot take advantage of your generous offer, but that just shows how special you are! But please know that I will certainly tell you all about it. You'll almost think you were there!

chris

------------------
"It took most of my time to do what never was done" -- GL

You guys are hilarious!!! Thanks for including me in Wes. It's a little ways down the road to do any serious planning but wouldn't it be fun? Both my husband and I have always thought that it would be nice to take the train with the dome cars so you can see through the windows and the roof. They put you up in hotels at night so you don't miss any scenery. Sort of like a cruise.
So if we all meet are we going to go down Yonge Street singing "On Yonge Street"? Maybe we can put our heads together and write our own Gordon Lightfoot book!