Added 16 July 2007
Although this was at the time posted under my name it was actually written by my wife Susan who has since registered as gordlover

Wow! We had the good fortune of being able to witness Gord’s triumphant comeback on the stage of Hamilton Place on Sunday and Monday nights. We wanted to share our perspective with our “net people” friends who were unable to join us.

We (John, Susan and Joan) drove up on Saturday with a stop off over the border to view Niagara Falls before continuing into Hamilton where we met up with Lightpals old and new. After a nice evening of socializing, and a “restless” night of anticipation, we headed over to the venue neighborhood on Sunday and met up with 25+ badge-bearing “net people” at Walt’s Beanery and Taps to “drink our glasses empty” and share our love of Lightfoot over dinner. See sample badge below or at:
http://www.johnfowles.org.uk/lightfoot/johnbadge.jpg
Soon it was time to head over to Hamilton Place. The theater is beautiful with wonderful acoustics, seating about 2,000 without losing that warm, intimate feeling that we all long for when Gord’s on stage. The Good Brothers opened for Gord promptly at 7:30 both nights and provided an entertaining 40-minute set. (Word to the wise: “Don’t pet the dog!) They concluded with thanks to Gord for graciously allowing them to close with “Alberta Bound”, a tradition for them.

After a 20-minute intermission to reset the stage, the Lightfoot Band trooped onto the stage to a swelling applause, followed by Gord who arrived at center stage to a standing and extended ovation. Gord opened with a medley of Spanish Moss and Let It Ride. Others have posted the set lists, so no need to repeat them.

Gord was regally clad in a deep purple shirt and a very gorgeous vest, purple with a muted paisley print on the front of it, boots and verrrry nicely fitting black jeans (repeat ladies, verrrry nicely fit). He looked magnificent! (N.B. This paragraph is the opinion of Susan and provided for the benefit of Gord’s many admirers who might be wondering!)

Just a few observations for what they are worth:

Sunday night’s concert was “ecstasy made easy”—Gord’s performance of four songs from the Harmony album really proved to us that he has indeed recovered. We all know that Gord cut the tracks for Harmony in the months before his illness; his rendition of each of them on Sunday night matched the sound of the album tracks in Gord’s usual faithful manner and was soooooo reassuring.

One wonderful surprise was Gord’s inclusion of Sit Down Young Stranger (Susan’s all-time favorite), and he nailed it! Brought Susan to tears and still does if she tries to talk about it.

Wasn’t even going to bring it up since it was essentially a non-issue, but for the record, since it was mentioned in another review, Gord did have a momentary problem with his right hand, put it behind his back to give it a few shakes while continuing to play the chords with his left hand, then continuing on; the band, in their usual tight, professional manner, didn’t miss a beat. Nothing to be alarmed about and very much to Gord’s credit that he kept his cool and carried on. He’s fine.

The concert was wonderful. It was soooooo good to see Gord again. He seemed to be pleased with himself, as observed in that special exiting saunter of his that suggests, “here comes Mr. Cool”. If you weren’t there, just close your eyes and picture that!

Monday night brought the treat of hearing Bitter Green, a song Gord had promised to sing for one of the many nurses that helped care for him. On the topic of nurses, there were numerous hospital staff in attendance, including his surgeon who wore a big grin. Gord expressed his gratitude to those who helped him on both nights and joked around somewhat about his experiences there.

We were very moved by the emotion of the occasion, such a miraculous event with credit due to all of those who helped Gord in his recovery. Especially pleasing was Gord’s reference to Rick Haynes as “my advocate”! Gord has a very loyal band, staff and crew, and we are very grateful to each and every one of them for sticking by him!

Susan and John

[ July 17, 2007, 11:15: Message edited by: johnfowles ]

Thank you, John, for your wonderful review! (ESPECIALLY about the "nicely fitting jeans!!" Thanks to Susan for that!!!) What other 66-year-old man still has women hot after him? Not too many, I guess!! It's so wonderful to hear he's doing well -- no, doing GREAT, and that he's happy. That means everything. In a few more months, it'll be my turn and I'll return the favor!

Sheryl

John, I hadn't yet seen the final version of the name badge - very nicely done!!!

John,

Thanks so much for that wonderful commentary on the concerts. I'm so disappointed I couldn't attend, but everyone who has reported back has made me feel like I was there. I love the badge, nice job!

There is something about Mr. Lightfoot's voice and presence that is indescribable, and very sexy for 66(or any other age). No question about it.

Thanks again!

------------------
Betty

THank you John and SUsan, for a glimpse of that very special occasion. btw did anyone get a shot of Gord in those jeans? http://www.corfid.com/ubb/wink.gif
My disappointment at missing this event was not dulled by Merlot or Capt.Morgan and now I am counting off the days until Massey.
AND if I am very lucky, he will sing CI in Toronto too. *sigh*

PS Debs ... how you doing, buddy?

quote:Originally posted by Betty:
Thanks so much for that wonderful commentary on the concerts. I'm so disappointed I couldn't attend, but everyone who has reported back has made me feel like I was there.

Ditto http://www.corfid.com/ubb/smile.gif

quote:Originally posted by SilverHeels:
btw did anyone get a shot of Gord in those jeans?
Why Bru you must have beern distracted whilst looking at the third pic that gord so wonderfully was able to display in his
Topic: Nov 28 Pictures because there in the middle of the pic is a pair of black jeans cladding a familiar figure!!

http://johnfowles.org.uk/LIGHTFOOT/blackjeans.jpg
(With apologies to gord for taking liberties with his original picture)

------------------
My Gordon Lightfoot webring
starts at
http://www.johnfowles.org.uk/lightfoot

[This message has been edited by johnfowles (edited December 01, 2004).]

quote:Originally posted by johnfowles:

Quote:

Originally posted by SilverHeels: btw did anyone get a shot of Gord in those jeans? Why Bru you must have beern distracted whilst looking at the third pic that gord so wonderfully was able to display in his Topic: Nov 28 Pictures because there in the middle of the pic is a pair of black jeans cladding a familiar figure!! http://johnfowles.org.uk/LIGHTFOOT/blackjeans.jpg (With apologies to gord for taking liberties with his original picture)

Oh darn - I was expecting a REAR view, John!
http://www.corfid.com/ubb/wink.gif

Thanks for posting a review of the concert! Sounds like it was a great time.

Vickie

quote:Originally posted by SilverHeels:
THank you John and SUsan, for a glimpse of that very special occasion. btw did anyone get a shot of Gord in those jeans? http://www.corfid.com/ubb/wink.gif
My disappointment at missing this event was not dulled by Merlot or Capt.Morgan and now I am counting off the days until Massey.
AND if I am very lucky, he will sing CI in Toronto too. *sigh*

PS Debs ... how you doing, buddy?

I am slowly recovering, either I am really depressed or really hung over. Maybe both. BTW I really like those jeans!

I am bringing this back to report that I have this very morning telephoned Betty who sounds terribly excited at the prospect of seeing Gord for the first time In Burlington come Saturday.
I remembered her and contacted her as soon as I saw that Burlington was on the shed-yule.
with luck the drying out process at the Flynn Theatre will be complete by Saturday and I hope we will be able to dine with Betty before the concert.
I also contacted a Burlington solicitor Michael Burak who I knew might be interested in going and he has rounded up a pair of old schoolfriends with whom he had a folk group, So hopefully we will make quite a large pre concert dinner party.
And I can tell Barry that I was rsponsible for getting 5 more tickets sold, so where is my commission??
John Fowles
I have also now left a private message for Betty

[ July 31, 2006, 13:20: Message edited by: johnfowles ]

QUOTE]
with luck the drying out process at the Flynn Theatre will be complete by Saturday And I can tell Barry that I was rsponsible for getting 5 more tickets sold, so where is my commission??
John Fowles
QUOTE]

Jenney posted earlier this morning at 10:48 a.m. that she spoke with Barry Harvey and was told that the show at the Flynn Theatre is still on.

Tell Barry I've sold a dozen or more Massey seats...I'll be looking for commission too!
;)