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DarylK · 09-25-2017, 09:23 PM

I'll add my thoughts on Friday's show in Reading, as I was there and live only about 20 minutes away. I too was surprised and disappointed at the sparse crowd. My thought, possibly incorrect, was that may have been due to the late announcement of this concert. I believe this date was only announced toward the end of July, not 9 months or so in advance as seems to be the norm these days. There were a decent amount of ads for the show in the local paper, but again, for only two months. I'm also hoping that the horribly unfair review of his last performance in Reading in 2015 (by a reviewer who left after only 20 minutes of the show; don't get me started) didn't negatively impact attendance.

I did think Gord sounded better on Friday than at any time I've seen him since his severe medical issues. His voice was stronger, he was chatty, he seemed to be enjoying himself, the band sounded great; all in all an outstanding performance. The new background displays were also a nice touch.

After the show, I walked around to the back of the arena, hoping to get my "Evening with Gordon Lightfoot" booklet signed. Gord's road manager (Warren?), approached me and the two other fans waiting outside and asked if we had been to the concert. After showing our tickets, he said, "We want to wrap this up a little quicker tonight, so why don't you take these passes and come inside and talk to Gordon." He handed the three of us Guest passes and took us back inside. We got to talk to Barry and Carter on the way in, then after sitting in the arena for maybe five minutes Gordon came out and greeted the three of us plus one other fan. Gordon talked to all of us, shook hands, posed for photos, signed the items we each had brought, then left with his wife for their next performance. I was beyond stunned and incredibly grateful for the invite from Warren. This was the 35th (plus or minus) time I've seen Gordon, and have gotten to talk briefly with him on several occasions, but this was way beyond any of the other meetings. A great evening, with an ending I never expected.

09-25-2017, 09:23 PM	#4
DarylK Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Fleetwood, PA Posts: 21	Re: Reading PA Friday September 22, 2017 I'll add my thoughts on Friday's show in Reading, as I was there and live only about 20 minutes away. I too was surprised and disappointed at the sparse crowd. My thought, possibly incorrect, was that may have been due to the late announcement of this concert. I believe this date was only announced toward the end of July, not 9 months or so in advance as seems to be the norm these days. There were a decent amount of ads for the show in the local paper, but again, for only two months. I'm also hoping that the horribly unfair review of his last performance in Reading in 2015 (by a reviewer who left after only 20 minutes of the show; don't get me started) didn't negatively impact attendance. I did think Gord sounded better on Friday than at any time I've seen him since his severe medical issues. His voice was stronger, he was chatty, he seemed to be enjoying himself, the band sounded great; all in all an outstanding performance. The new background displays were also a nice touch. After the show, I walked around to the back of the arena, hoping to get my "Evening with Gordon Lightfoot" booklet signed. Gord's road manager (Warren?), approached me and the two other fans waiting outside and asked if we had been to the concert. After showing our tickets, he said, "We want to wrap this up a little quicker tonight, so why don't you take these passes and come inside and talk to Gordon." He handed the three of us Guest passes and took us back inside. We got to talk to Barry and Carter on the way in, then after sitting in the arena for maybe five minutes Gordon came out and greeted the three of us plus one other fan. Gordon talked to all of us, shook hands, posed for photos, signed the items we each had brought, then left with his wife for their next performance. I was beyond stunned and incredibly grateful for the invite from Warren. This was the 35th (plus or minus) time I've seen Gordon, and have gotten to talk briefly with him on several occasions, but this was way beyond any of the other meetings. A great evening, with an ending I never expected.