ATLANTA concert

[charlene]

new joke - "My New Year's resolution was to stop drinking and that he now drank nothing stronger than pop. “However Pop was quite a drinker.”
He also said he had stopped smoking...
also mentioned his hearing:
after singing Don Quixote he mentioned how hard it was to reach the high notes and even more so since he's stopped smoking- but the Dr. told him to. He also said something about the hearing problem he's had for 2 years now. He covered up one ear then the other and said, “Yeah, it still sounds good.”

SET LIST
Did She Mention My Name
Carefree Highway
Sea of Tranquility
14 Karat Gold
Never Too Close
A Painter Passing Through
Let It Ride
Spanish Moss
Beautiful
The Watchman's Gone
Ribbon of Darkness
Sundown
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald

INTERMISSION

Sweet Guinevere
Cotton Jenny
Restless
Home From the Forest
Make Way for the Lady
Waiting for You
Fine As Fine Can Be
If You Could Read My Mind
Don Quixote
Baby Step Back
Early Morning Rain
Blackberry Wine

Encore #1 In My Fashion

Encore #2 Rainy Day People

[txdaiseyblue]

WOW he sang my favorite song!! "Spanish Moss" I'm going to be at the January 28th Concert here in TX...is there any way I can Pre-request a song? I've sold a lot of my jewelry I make, even had a garage sale to get the money for this concert. I am on widows and disability benefits and have been going without extras and I'm going to be driving over 300 miles just to finally get to see him in concert..after liking him for 40 years!! Also does he ever sign autographs and let you get a picture..with him? I sure hope so???

[Rob1956]

It always makes me wonder why such intelligent people such as Gord can't see what smoking does to you until late in life. Quitting now does nothing. The die is cast. His ability to clot and heal was compromised buy somoking during his illness in 2002. At 73, if one day he gets a chest xray and there's a spot on his lung..well, it's too late. The English, Canadians, and Australians are way behind the US in people quitting smoking and one wonders why that is. I hope and pray that Gord can abstain from smoking for the rest of his life, but it sounds like he quit cold turkey, the hardest way to do so. But I wish him well. Too bad it wasn't 30 years ago.

[Plunk]

At 73, if one day he gets a chest xray and there's a spot on his lung..well, it's too late.

73 is too late for a lot of things.

[txdaiseyblue]

I don't know about that(US being way ahead)..I moved here from AZ and it seems EVERYONE in TX smokes...I have never smoked and am glad. I am happy that Gord has quit..maybe we'll be able to keep him around a lot longer..I know because I hope to get to see him again and I don't care how old he gets..he always has been and always will be my very favorite singer/songwriter.I was 17/18 when I first heard him sing Beautiful on the radio...I bought the 45 and wore it out! Now I have all his albums and have them on my computer..I play them everyday..never get tired of hearing him. I am so looking forward to his concert in less than 2 weeks! So yes I am glad he quit!

[bjm7777]

Well, it is never too late to stop smoking - and I applaud that. I can't help but think about all the publicity photos (and candid ones) where there was a freshly lit cigarette hanging from his lips - part of the persona, perhaps...

[Dave, Melbourne,Australia]

Here's part of an Australian Bureau of Statistics report on smoking rates in Australia, the US, Canada and other countries.

http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/4102.0Main+Features60Dec+2009

In 2007, Australia had one of the lowest smoking rates in the OECD, with around 17% of people aged 15 years and over smoking every day. Around the same period, Sweden had the lowest smoking rate in the OECD (15%), closely followed by the United States (15%). New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom and Italy all had rates below the OECD average of 24%, while Greece had the highest rate (40%).


There has been a marked fall in smoking rates across OECD countries in recent years. The decline in smoking rates in Australia (a fall of 40% for men and 44% for women between 1989 and 2007) was among the biggest in the OECD, along with Sweden where smoking rates fell by 52% for men and 36% for women. Other countries with large falls included the US, Canada, New Zealand and the UK.

[Lisa J]

I don't care how old he gets..he always has been and always will be my very favorite singer/songwriter.I was 17/18 when I first heard him sing Beautiful on the radio...I bought the 45 and wore it out! Now I have all his albums and have them on my computer..I play them everyday..never get tired of hearing him. I am so looking forward to his concert in less than 2 weeks! So yes I am glad he quit!

Beautiful is the best song ever, at least in my world! I also play his songs every day. There is no getting tired of Gordon Lightfoot. Just today I nearly pushed a man in a swimming pool for saying he only sang elevator music! As for getting a picture with him, sometimes he will stop outside after concerts and greet fans who are waiting. I have a couple if pictures. He has always been more than kind .

[charlene]

WOW he sang my favorite song!! "Spanish Moss" I'm going to be at the January 28th Concert here in TX...is there any way I can Pre-request a song? I've sold a lot of my jewelry I make, even had a garage sale to get the money for this concert. I am on widows and disability benefits and have been going without extras and I'm going to be driving over 300 miles just to finally get to see him in concert..after liking him for 40 years!! Also does he ever sign autographs and let you get a picture..with him? I sure hope so???

Go early and see if you can find the STAGE DOOR area or the tour bus or tour manager to find out where he will come out after the show..Usually about 70-90 minutes after the show.
He should be able to sign something and have a quick pic taken...

[txdaiseyblue]

ok thank you for all those tips..I will do just that..I'm 57 and have never been a groupy to anyone or for anything...but for Gordy I will..this may be my one and only chance to finally meet him....with my disability it just may be MY last chance!!

[jj]

Thanks:) i like the new joke (but it's not hard to top his existing catalogue!)

a doc shook his hand and told him to quit drinking back in 82...maybe he should have shook the other hand and talked about smoking

as they say: quitting is actually pretty easy...i do it several times a year...

no new setlist material, eh - well, if it aint broke.... :)

[redhead]

I heard a variation on this joke from GL years ago (during the 1980's) when he first stopped drinking. He emerged newly slim to the surprise of a large chunk of the audience, and commented that he had quit drinking. He said he didn't drink anything stronger than pop....and Pop will drink anything!

(and yet I can't remember what I did last week, lol!)

Excellent news about the smoking. Thanks for the review.

[JohninCt.]

About 14 years ago we were sitting around a lobby talking, and I mentioned to Gordon that I was surprised he smoked, his reply was "I gave up drinking so I have to have at least one vice". Two years after the stomach problem we were talking and he lit up a cigarette, and I said I was surprised he was smoking after the health problem, he didn't really have any reply that time, he just nodded. Well if he finally quit, I am glad for him, I don't care how late it is. I have seen too many people die due to the effects of smoking. Talked with Rick recently, and he is doing good on his health, and his ankle is healing nicely, just his legs need some workout due to keeping off the broken ankle, he should be 100% fine by summer.

[txdaiseyblue]

I agree with you it is never too late to quit...he will probably feel better in the long run. What happened to his ankle? I'm just glad I have a chance to see him and I appreciate his dedication to his fans!

[charlene]

Rick broke his ankle in late spring/early summer if I remember correctly..was in a cast for 6 or 7 weeks. He was fine in September when I saw him in Salamanca. At that time he said he didn't need any physio..

[charlene]

pic from Jerre H. He says Gord is still smoking..
He can fill in his report of the show.

[txdaiseyblue]

wow thank you for sharing that picture...he may be 73 yrs old but he still looks great! they say..some people get better with age..he certainly has! 10 more days before I leave to go see him for the 1st time..I so want to have a picture taken with him..to prove I finally did it..my life's dream to see him in concert...40 yrs in the making. My late husband will be smiling down on me. He knew how much I loved his music. Anytime one of his songs came on the radio or he'd put one of the albums on the record player, he'd turn the volume way up and wink at me.
Thanks...everyone!

[redhead]

quitting is actually pretty easy...i do it several times a year...

Jerre H. He says Gord is still smoking..


Sounds Like G.L. uses the same smoking cessation method as JJ!
(lol);)

“red”

[jj]

Sounds Like G.L. uses the same smoking cessation method as JJ!
(lol);)


lol ... yeah, it's the One-A-Day patch (which is one-a-day too many)

Jerre looks trim & cool w/o the specs...nice to see the men sporting their leather

[charlene]

jerre and gord in their matching jackets and trousers made me laff..too cute..

[JohninCt.]

Rick broke his ankle in late spring/early summer if I remember correctly..was in a cast for 6 or 7 weeks. He was fine in September when I saw him in Salamanca. At that time he said he didn't need any physio..


He mentioned last week "that when he started riding his bicycle, he noticed how stiff and flabby his legs were due to fracture, and figured it would be summer before they got back to 100%". Yes, his ankle has healed fine after breaking it from tripping on some 2x4s.

[charlene]

I remember asking him if his leg was weak but he seemed to be ok with it...but that was before he thought about getting on his bike..lol
He said he had been up and on his foot the whole time so maybe the muscle loss wasn't too bad. I know when I broke my ankle it was a year before it felt 'right' and lord knows I wasn't planning on riding any bikes!
lol
Yeah - 2x4's can be a hazard in a myriad of ways. lol
note to self - avoid 2x4's and bikes..
;)

[TennTroubadour]

pic from Jerre H. He says Gord is still smoking..
He can fill in his report of the show.

Char, Jerre Haskew here. Gord put on a great 28 song show for a sold out raucous and appreciative crowd at beautiful Symphony Hall in Atlanta. Voice seems better than last time I saw him a couple of years ago. Had a great visit with Gordy backstage (thanks Char & Anne) and we relived some of our mutual folk era of the '60's memories. I first met Gordy at the Riverboat in Toronto in 1966 and was totally blown away. First song was Rosanna- will never forget that night- maybe 10 people there but he did two full sets. The best singer/ songwriter/ performer combo of the past 50 years bar none!! Keep going, Gordy!!

Jerre

Jerre Haskew
The Cumberland Trio
www.cumberlandtrio.com
www.youtube.com/hitman9900 (37 live concert videos of The Cumberland Trio)

[charlene]

Hey Jerre - glad you got some time with him! thanks for saying HI for me and getting the nice response from him! ..lolol
He's lucky he's in Florida now-TO is COLD and we finally got a few inches of snow. Winter was late this year!
I'm off to the Hugh's Room Lightfoot tribute shows tomorrow and Sunday...too bad the man himself can't make it this year. Always an unbelievable time when he shows up. Should be terrific - Last night was night one of 4...all 4 are SRO only.

[BILLW]

...nice to see the men sporting their leather

Would ye mind elaborating on that comment laddie, just so's I can rest a wee bit easier while I'm watching "American Football" today?

Just kidding jj but my reptile brain said WTF is he thinking?

Peace,

Bill :)

[txdaiseyblue]

I got my ticket last night(Thursday) and will be leaving Friday ..in a couple of hours actually.. because of my illness (lupus) I have to stay over at a motel to rest... driving 300 miles will take alot out of me. I did manage to get right upfront section 102 right center row J seat 7..I'm so excited..feel like a teenager..LOL..he's the only singer I have ever truly liked..and just finally getting a life long dream realized is a miracle for me. A few years before my husband died he asked me if I had a chance to have anything I wanted what would it be..I said to get to see Gordon Lightfoot in concert and maybe meet him. He set out to make sure I had all his records (18 yrs ago CD's were just coming out) and even made me up a special cassette tape of my favorite songs and some he dedicated to me with narration. After he died..I played that tape so much it wore out... My favorite of course Spanish Moss...Beautiful he dedicated to me..and the last album to come out right before he died, he added one he also dedicated to me..I'll prove my love. I know my husband somehow had a hand in my being able to go to this. I was just told by my Dr today I am going to have to have surgery on the 9th of February..it's going to be risky..I could end up with a stroke or worse.. I better try and get some sleep..will report to you how I enjoyed it..and if I can get a picture of me with him I will post it...thanks so much for giving me the chance to get to know him better through you!
Thanks, melanie
PS..are you sure it will be ok to look for his tour bus? 432-466-1673

[charlene]

safe travels, good luck and look for that bus/stage door - ask to talk to Warren!

[niffer]

Have a wonderful trip...and I am looking forward to seeing that picture of you and Gordon :)

[LadyA]

Have a safe trip & enjoy yourself! Good luck with your surgery as well!

[charlene]

Gordon Lightfoot -- Fine as Fine Can Be - YouTube Fine As Fine Can Be

[charlene]

IYCRMM
Gordon Lightfoot -- If You Could Read My Mind - YouTube

[txdaiseyblue]

I had a wonderful time...but how do I post the pictures of me with him and the band? I was so blessed to be able to actually meet him..and one of the ushers put me in the front row!!! When I got back stage I was shaking like a leaf..and my nervousness was really showing..Rick and Warren told me to calm down that he wouldn't bite me..I thought I don't care if he did..at least I'd be able to get close enough to him..LOL! Then he actually put his arm around me for the picture and when he was leaving. I walked up to him to shake his hand again..and say thank you and he put his arms around me and hugged me...Pam, told me WOW he hardly ever does that he doesn't like to be touched! of course I was in shock and secretly was glad he made an exception for me..He told both of us that he has a new album coming out soon "Massey Hall Live" I am going to make sure I get that as soon as it comes out!
I am going to post the pictures on my website and have already done it on my Facebook page "Meli Cardullo"
Thanks Charlene for giving me the tip and to all the others for wishing me luck..I am proud to be a part of this forum.
Oh one other thing he told us..he had to go rescue his Daughter during a occupy Canada movement..the way he told it was funny!

[charlene]

I don't know where the whole 'he doesn't like to be touched' thing came from. I've watched him for years (11 years at least) hug people, shake hands, put his arm around folks, be up close and personal with his fans. I've been surprised a few times myself when he has approached me to hug me, peck my cheek, take my hands, run his fingers in my hair...so I'd say he hasn't got a problem at all.
lol
He appreciates all of his fans and is not afraid to show it. YAY!

I'm so happy you got to spend a moment with Rick too!

[txdaiseyblue]

I dunno why she said that...but I am glad he did..if only someone would have gotten a pic of him doing it! I have all his music on an old MP3 player and on the drive there and back I listened to it... one thing was the jokes and conversation in between made it all the more special...When my son called from overseas..I told him all about it and he wants pictures so I am editing them for print..I have a degree in digital imaging..and web site design...so I am making sure they look great!
Thanks!

[txdaiseyblue]

ok I figured out how to post some pix..guess I was still way up there..or it could be I was tired and with Lupus when you're tired you tend to go into what is commonly called "Lupus Fog" I'm gonna get ready for bed..relax..Thx again!

[Dan]

On the way home from work tonight I was listening to a Bootleg GL concert from 2005 in Saratoga CA and heard the Pop joke this thread started with. I am sure many of you GL enthusiasts already have this cataloged somewhere but I thought the less informed might appreciate this clip from that concert. Gord was quite jovial.

You can get the entire concert at: http://www.archive.org/serve/GordonLightfoot2005-09-13SaratogaCA/GordonLightfoot2005-09-13SaratogaCA.wma

He talks about the Pop Joke starting at 37:42 just before playing Early Morning Rain.

Danno

[charlene]

Sweet Guinevere - 1-15-2012 Gordon Lightfoot Sweet Guinevere Alabama Theater - YouTube