Hi LAMS,

This board is a free and open community.

Everyone can post, registration is not compulsory. It makes no difference to the legitimacy of the content of a message if the user is a registered "Member" or remains unregistered. By registering with this discussion board you automatically gain "Member" status. "Members" have the advantage that they can edit/delete their messages, use signatures, count their total number of postings etc.

I can understand that you strongly object to the two negative postings under this topic, but I don't think that puts you in a position to tell the posters to leave.

At a certain point I think we must realize that where there is much light there also is shadow. But take a statistical approach. There are a total of more than 800 postings on this discussion board, and only two have been negative.

And secondly, if you read the whole topic again and imagine yourself being a person that has never heard of Gordon Lightfoot before - would this discussion make you attend a concert or avoid a concert? I think the former. Numerous persons have answered in the very best way to the negative review of the concert - to share their personal, very positive experiences with us.

That said, I think we must respect that all different kinds of opinions will come up at a discussion board and it will remain open to these postings as long as they don't contain insulting or otherwise objectionable content.

These postings won't change my view of Gordon Lightfoot, they won't change my appreciation for all he has done. I am sure they won't change yours, right?

And please, even though I can understand that you are enraged, please retain from personal insults. I know you have the eloquence to make your point clear without resorting to personal attacks.

Don't get me wrong - I don't want to defend what STK and GEO have written, you can imagine my thoughts about their postings.

But I kindly ask you to keep the discussion at a fair and even level, ok?

Dear loveandmaplesyrup,

One final word,

I think you misunderstood a lot of what STK and I had to say. We were just criticizing a recent live GL concert. I don't know about STK, but I enjoy almost all of GL's albums, except the two recent ones. I am not going to bash him, I still enjoy his work-I just won't see him live in concert. I look forward to learning more about him, and I'll keep listening.

I think the two dissenting views about a recent GL live concert are appropriate and add balance to the discussion here. I don't think we'll see any negative posts about GL's work in total-certainly not from me. But new-comers to this site should be allowed to see dissenting views about recent GL concerts, that way if they have never been to one and choose to go they will be "prepared" for it. I was considering whether to go or not to the Stamford show and read a review at Amazon.com by someone who said they had seen him recently and that his voice had a rich baritone sound, and another few reviews were good-I got the impression that he got his voice back? But there were also negative posts, so when GL first opened his mouth and sang Waiting for you, I knew those people were just too infatuated with GL and were not giving a reasonable account of the concerts they had seen. So to other people who will stop by this site, and who have never seen GL live I think I and STK have provided a reasonable account.

That's all folks. Happy listening to everyone.

Geo: I am not going to jump on you, but I would like to give you my impressions but not here. I think this thread has been far too emotional (and yes, I too had emotions - and I typed and discarded two responses) and I don't want to post anything more on this subject. Suffice it to say (and it is probably unnecessary for me to say this), I am one of the people who thinks that STK made a mistake walking out, and that you made a mistake not going to another concert.

Would you be willing to give us your e-mail address so that we can exchange views that way? I promise I am not an axe murderer and you can safely let me know who you are - even if I do also live in CT. I skipped this year's New Haven concert (my son was swimming the 1000 free at a CT championship meet at Wesleyan that evening), but I did catch the concerts in Troy, NY and Purchase, NY two weeks apart. And I too attended the concert in Stamford, CT on 7/25/98 - in fact, I have a treasured photo of that occasion!

So, please, reply here with your e-mail address, or e-mail me directly.

------------------
Valerie Magee

[This message has been edited by vlmagee (edited March 28, 2000).]

OK here it is-geo1035@optonline.net

Anyone can email me I don't mind.

But I don't wish to argue this particular point anymore, enough has been said. Yes, I really do like GL, but wanted to let the orignal poster know that I too felt like he did-I guess we were both expecting something else, that's all.

Florian,

I want to thank you for your response to LAMS. I have been away for a few days and needless to say I was surprised by the intensity of LAMS response to what I felt was an honest view from an honest person.

The essence of liberty is the right to agree to disagree. No discussion is enhanced by personal attacks. I hope all of us can treat each person who posts here with dignity and respect. I have seen too many boards torn apart by "if you don't like what I say leave." To suggest anything about the character of another individual based upon his/her opinion is behavior that is unacceptable in any society. All of us have a responsibility not to let this board degrade into that kind of behavior.

Buddy

At 37, I can say I've been a Gordon Lightfoot fan for over 30 years. I can remember listening to a little transister radio during recess in the 6th grade. That was my first exposure to Mr. Lightfoot's music. I've been hooked ever since. I've seen him in concert 3 times to this point. The last time being just last week (3/30/2000) at the Soaring Eagle Casino in Mt. Pleasent Michigan. I have also noticed that Gordon's voice isn't what it used to be. Although I still feel he is a very talented singer as well as a songwriter.

After reading some of the postings here, I feel it necessary to put my "2 cents worth" in as well. Watching the concert, and remembering the others I've seen, the biggest complaint I have is that the band members can't seem to get off the stage fast enough after the last song. Mr. Keene was actually standing while he was finishing the last song, actually walking away as the song ended. Jokingly, my wife made it her own personal goal, during the show, to try to get the band members to, at least, smile. We were in the front row, and she eventually got them all to smile except for Mr. Haynes.

I don't know about anyone else.....but if I were that tallented, I'd be smiling ear to ear !!! It's sad to think that with all the talent they posess, a person that had spent over $50 for her ticket was having more fun trying to get the band members to look like they were enjoying themselves on stage, rather than hearing the music.

I'll will always be a Gordon Lightfoot fan, and I'll still go to his shows when I can. I just find it hard to understand why the Lightfoot Band continues to tour, if it makes them that unhappy. If they only knew what their music does for people like me, maybe they'd smile alittle.

I saw Gordon at SUNY/Prurchase on March 25th, and I just have to say for the record, he was awesome! From the very beginning his voice was clear and strong, and I was impressed at how he's managed to preserve his voice after all these years. I did notice his voice was thinner, not as full and rich as before, but I expected that, and chalked that up to his age. He still had the essential Gordon quality in his voice though, still had that distinctive style all his own, and the thing that really did it for me was hearing the songs I've loved for so long coming straight from the source. I felt like I was truly witnessing a legend. So many of his songs are real masterpieces, so it was quite a joy to have The Master himself perform them for me. And he really didn't seem bored to me, like you would imagine someone would be if they've sung the same song a million times. Maybe I was just too much in awe to know better, but I got the sense that the songs still meant something to him, and it seemed to me he was putting himself into the music.

And then I noticed that as the concert wore on, and his voice warmed up, he sounded fuller and richer, much like the Gordon on my old recordings. Not exactly like it, but close. The band didn't always have a lot to do, but that's the nature of Gordon's music, and I like it that way. I can't blame them for being less than passionate about playing "If you could read my mind" for the umpteenth time. I credit them with sticking with Gordon for so long, because they do contribute the instrumentation that is part of Gordon's unique sound, and it would probably be easy enough for them to find other things to do.

One of the highlights of the concert for me was when Gordon did "Canadian Railroad Trilogy." What an incredible song!! A legendary song from a legendary performer. That right there alone was worth the entire price of the ticket. So I left the concert very satisfied, and glowing from the experience.

Not to make light Bob, but maybe Keene had a good reason for hurrying off the stage. Maybe he had to run off to the john or something! http://www.corfid.com/ubb/smile.gif



[This message has been edited by Simone (edited April 07, 2000).]

Simone, don't get me wrong. I loved the show. It wasn't Gordon whom appeared to be bored with the surroundings, it was the rest of the band. And true enough, playing those songs over and over may wear on a person, I just don't understand the bands reason to have to get off the stage so quick after only playing for a hour and a half.

You mentioned that the band doesn't have alot to do....very true, and that is a somewhat unique quality to the Lightfoot Band. I'm not in their shoes, but I'm betting they make alot more money at their occupation than I do.....I know if I were anyone of them....I'd be smiling....and if you're not happy with your occupation anymore, it's time to get out ! I hope the Lightfoot Band never changes, it would just be alittle more pleasurable to think the band might enjoy the songs as much as I do.

I've seen a number of concerts in my day, and If I had the chance to see any one performer again, it would be without a doubt, Gordon Lightfoot.

Simone....you may be right...but all three concerts that I've seen? Maybe they werent happy to see me in the front row so often !!!

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....

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

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.. http://www.corfid.com/ubb/redface.gif to the ones who loved it, we understand also.. http://www.corfid.com/ubb/redface.gif
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.. http://www.corfid.com/ubb/redface.gif
CanadaGirl.. http://www.corfid.com/ubb/redface.gif

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..:)