[buzzard]

<<However we're a bit concerned in that we both thought that his voice was as weak as we've ever heard him. He just didn't seem to have the volume that he always has had. I even noticed that there was very little back up singing this time because they would've overpowered his voice. Wondering if this is lasting affects from his illness in '02? Or maybe just a cold? Anyone notice that, or know anything about whether his health is an issue?>>

I agree. The Lansing show was the weakest I've ever heard his voice, with the possible exception of his very first full concert in Hamilton, following his illness. Over the last few years I've found his voice was often weak or strained for the first few songs, but that it would eventually strengthen, at least for the middle part of the show. On Friday, he seemed to struggle during every song. He did bend over several times during the concert between songs - I think to try to clear his sinuses. I may be imaging things, but it even seemed to me that the tempo of some songs was a bit slower, to allow him to catch breaths. I'm hoping the difficulty at Lansing was a temporary condition due to sinus/cold problems.

All that said, I still look at each concert as a bonus. And when his voice is straining, I can still picture a time when that strong baritone and those incredible lyrics were so awesome.

Brian