Disappointed In Northampton

Having played the drumset in highschool in front of a fair sized crowd I can honestly say I am concentrating on my drumming rather than worrying about if I have a smile on my face. Sitting under those lights has to be hotter than hell at times and it must feel like they are chickens being roasted LOL. When I met the band last Nov here in Brantford, Barry was the first out the backstage door and into his van!

Back in highschool I learned that acrobatic performers can't honestly be doing their job right, it takes major concentration not to screw up. So that is my take on things!

LAMS, you may be right but I don't like hearing all of your negative comments. I think it's great that you are such a devoted
fan but I don't think that Gordon would appreciate your rudeness to other
members/non-members.

Thanks Florian and I also agree with Buddy P. These explosions seems to be a pattern with LAMS, I feel really sorry for you dear.

quote:Originally posted by STK:
[
STK[/B]


You are entitled to your opinion. I too was in Northampton, traveled there from central NYS to see him. I thought the Northampton show was wonderful> He was really ON that night, his voice was warm and wrapped itself around you, and the band was pretty tight that night too.

If you haven't seen him in a long time, then you did see a different Lightfoot than the one who appeared 20 years ago. This one is older, wiser, sober, and maybe he doesn't have the best voice he ever had. He's 61. But I enjoyed the show I saw in Northampton about a thousand times more than the one I saw in Saratoga, where a crying and confused Lightfoot had to be led off the stage.

But, as I say, you are entitled to your own opinion. If you don't attend, that will be one more seat for someone who doesn't feel the same way you do.

lilymarlena
--so if you should ask me what secrets I hide....

[rainydayperson]

One of the worst concerts I've been to was Pink Floyd in the mid-70s. The music was note perfect, the lighting was great and the overall effect was as flat and hollow as can be. Later on they hid behind a wall. I thought listening to the LP would have been more rewarding.
Recently I've seen Tony Bennett a couple of times. His voice has changed - it's much gruffer than it used to be; the notes are sometimes approximations, but his phrasing is still impressive and his presence is magnetic. Well worth seeing and hearing.
Which brings me to GL. I was lucky enough to have seen him in 1981 on a rare tour of Britain. If I saw him now - and I would give my eye teeth to have the chance - I would expect it to be different. What you must use is all your senses and appreciate the heart of the man who is putting across the songs in the best way he can. Just being there would be such an honour. Walking out is deeply disrespectful and I echo the sentiments of the majority of respondents.

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Bless you all and keep you on the road to better things

Hi STK,

Wanted to let you know I feel the same. The golden voice is really gone- but the golden man is still with us, which is cool. I think one should be aware that gord is in a possition where he once was a mega star, and now mainly remembered by loyal fans.
This means that legends like him have either all-fans (hardcore fans) or no-fans, who may simply not know him. I've read all the postings here, and man- what people will say to convince themselves the voice is still arround. Here are only some excuses for the unsetisfying voice and performences : new tour, new night, new croud, voice wasn't warmed up, microphone problems, sound mix, off night, off key, was getting over a lingering head cold...

Anyway, all-fans here will say that if you don't like the voice (which frankly is nasal and long gone) you don't have a clue, if if you really love everything the man does, then you hit the nail.

Someone claimed here that it is "painfull" to listen to gord these days (these days being about two decades) while another fan said we should just lower our expectations. To tell you the truth STK, I think most hardcore fans here would be just content with seeing gord on stage going through he motions (he doesn't really have to sing)- as one fan here put it: the standard of performance ...isn't that important...the fact you were there in the same hall as the man himself is.

So- if you want to hear the golden voice- get Lightfoot 60s & 70s cd's. Want to hear a great live show? get "Sunday concert", want to hear a great contemporary live show? go somewhere else. And yes- there are great performers from the golden days that did take good care of their voice (someone here mentioned Peter, Paul and Marry- yes they are bald and put on a few pounds, yet the voices are mainly there and they still put up a worthy act).

It isn't a question whether Lightfoot lost his voice- it's a fact (smoking, drinking- what ever). It is really a straining experience to listen to him now (live or on cd).
The hardcore fans here won't acknowledge this- I guess being such a hardcore fan is like being in love, one is in love with the performer, and as in love, it is blind.

I guess this makes STK and myself Lightfoot fans (as opposed to hardcore fans), but if listening to "Now And Then", the two of us can't be wrong...

Salute

[CanadaGirl]

To All,
I have read every entry made on this posting..I looked at all sides...but not knowing where everyone here is from, Even tho, I saw alot of Americans...LOl
I would like to Thank All of You, for standing up for my fellow Ontarian, whether he sings bad or good, I will always stand behind this man! I personally don't care about his bad days, what I care about most, is this man, is what makes me proud to say I am Canadian, he shows from his songs alone what it is to love the land, the history, the people. There is so much honesty and truth in his songs, that at times it takes the breath away. So to the people who did not enjoy the concert, that is ok, we understand.. to the ones who loved it, we understand also..
If you are a true Lightfoot follower, reguardless of what anyone says, if you have learned anything from his songs, it is to love no matter what!
Have a nice day all..
CanadaGirl..

[CanadaGirl38]

oops sorry I meant those to be smiley faces..didn't realize you had that trick..lol lol just think of them as Canadian Smiley Faces..