Worried they can't do it any more

[grumpyhack]

One fear I have of seeing bands from my past perform once again is the fear that they won't be able to do it any more. The precious memory may be shattered by seeing an an over the hill, bloated wreck trying to recreate past glories.

Nevertheless I usually can't resist revisting my memories. Generally I've been pleasantly surprised or relieved and occasionally I've been delighted.

Positive examples have included seeing John Mayall again at 70 and still going strong and Leonard Cohen and Brian Wilson at Glasto.

My one great sadness was seeing Peter Green (ex early Fleetwood Mac) being dragged out on a tour with the Splinter Group. Most of the time he turned down his guitar and someone had to be ready to step in do his breaks. I couldn't make up my mind if those behind the tour were genuinely trying to help rehabilitate him or were just using him to make money and promote themselves. In the end I decided he was being used and abused. And my memory of Green at his peak was overshadowed by the experience.

Any examples of people who were still able to deliver or perhaps golden memories shattered?

[Sam Crawley]

Any examples of people who were still able to deliver or perhaps golden memories shattered?

[ig1234]

At 22 I've missed everyone back in their day, so after seeing Buddy Guy, Leonard Cohen, Jimmy Cliff, Springsteen, Neil Young, John Cale, Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Edwyn Collins and others in the last year... none have dissapointed

[denwyn]

One fear I have of seeing bands from my past perform once again is the fear that they won't be able to do it any more. The precious memory may be shattered by seeing an an over the hill, bloated wreck trying to recreate past glories.

Nevertheless I usually can't resist revisting my memories. Generally I've been pleasantly surprised or relieved and occasionally I've been delighted.

Positive examples have included seeing John Mayall again at 70 and still going strong and Leonard Cohen and Brian Wilson at Glasto.

My one great sadness was seeing Peter Green (ex early Fleetwood Mac) being dragged out on a tour with the Splinter Group. Most of the time he turned down his guitar and someone had to be ready to step in do his breaks. I couldn't make up my mind if those behind the tour were genuinely trying to help rehabilitate him or were just using him to make money and promote themselves. In the end I decided he was being used and abused. And my memory of Green at his peak was overshadowed by the experience.

Any examples of people who were still able to deliver or perhaps golden memories shattered?

[stuartbert two hats]

It can depend on the style of music whether the artist will disappoint. The consensus here seems to be that Brian Wilson put on a hell of a show in 2005, even though Brian himself had most definately lost it as a performer if you compare his vocals in 2005 to 1965.

However, his music was all about the arrangements and he had a very capable band playing with him, so the show was excellent. Peter Green on the other hand was always known as a great player, so to see him stand on the stage not playing much guitar is going to hurt more than seeing Brian Wilson not singing much.

[shortleg]

James Brown came into a similar category to Brian Wilson for me. The band and the arrengements made it enjoyable (very) but the old name didn't seem to have the main performer input.

I agree it seems a high risk strategy to see these people but I am drawn like a moth to a light. And Leonard Cohen and Neil Young in the last year have kept the faith. And Ian Drury a few years ago at Guildford not long before he sadly passed away.

PS Looking forward to BB King!!

Edited March 16, 2009 by shortleg

[sifi]

I'm very worried about Bob Dylan and his voice at live performances.

[stuartbert two hats]

James Brown came into a similar category to Brian Wilson for me. The band and the arrengements made it enjoyable (very) but the old name didn't seem to have the main performer input.

I agree it seems a high risk strategy to see these people but I am drawn like a moth to a light. And Leonard Cohen and Neil Young in the last year have kept the faith. And Ian Drury a few years ago at Guildford not long before he sadly passed away.

PS Looking forward to BB King!!

[ralph250]

Gilmour, Neil Young, Bowie, McCartney - immense,

Clapton - still always enjoyable for me

Santana - again still excellent; tho much prefer the earlier material; abraxas, 1 and 3.

BB king - superb, but partly down to the band, and the warmth of the show. Telling little anecdotes etc, probably all scripted but it was a nice touch. Also the subtlety of the guitar work was much better than the support gary moore. Big contrast in style, I preferred the less showy BB; better pauses and more soul.

Buddy guy - excellent fun, a showman still

cohen - excellent.

Brian Wilson - the surroundings, the band and the tunes made it perhaps better than the personal performance itself. Still loved it tho.

Elton John - pretty good.

James Brown - similar to wilson in a way, the band were superb and made up for it.

Peter Green - agree with all said above

Peter Gabriel - ok/good, no sledgehammer or steam in the setlist tho.

Rolling Stones - Manchester M.E.N were superb, twickenham was ok (great for sympathy for the devil but not a touch on the first time).

van morrison - good, but moody bugger.

Fleetwood Mac - ok/good. Was at the back of Earl's Court and so the sound was crap; EC is my least favourite venue, so I'm hoping Glasto will be better.

Herbie Hancock - good, but would've preferred some more of the headhunters era; especially chameleon.

Edited March 16, 2009 by ralph250

[marktea]

First of all, very relieved to see that this thread is not yet more viagra spam.

Secondly, re:

Also, as a not hardcore Dylan fan, he was rubbish in 1998, as he seemed to play totally different arrangements and melodies to the records. Some will disagree, but I have no interest in seeing him again.

Edited March 16, 2009 by marktea

[austrian_zeppelin]

I'm very worried about Bob Dylan and his voice at live performances.