Gordon Returns to Massey!
I made a decision the day Johnny Cash died. I decided that I would never again allow a music or theatre legend to pass through Toronto without taking in his or her performance at least once. You always think you’ll get around to seeing your idols at some point and then are shocked when they pass away - often suddenly and too soon - and the opportunity is forever lost. Since that day in 2003, I have seen James Brown, Loretta Lynn, B.B. King, and William Hutt in Waiting for Godot, to name a few. I also saw Gordon Lightfoot at Massey Hall.
It was his first performance at the venue since his illness in 2002. If You Could Read My Mind brought a tear to my eye. He is such a powerful songwriter, a strength that emanates from the subtleties in his melodies and the stories he tells. I also attended his show at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa in 2006. This time, it was Early Morning Rain that really spoke to me.
If you’re also a Lightfoot fan - good news! He is returning to Massey Hall for four shows, May 7-10, 2008. Tickets go on sale this Friday (Jan. 25th). You can find out more about the concert at www.masseyhall.com.
What legendary performers have you seen? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below. Today’s Jack Nation bonus code is LIGHTFOOT. It’s valid until midnight tomorrow (January 24th).
January 23rd, 2008 at 4:22 pm
I’ve seen surprisingly few concerts in my time. In the last couple of years I’ve taken my teenager to see Aerosmith in Hamiliton and we were about 300 feet back centre stage for SARSstock. I’ve also seen the Stones in Buffalo in ‘77, Genesis, Tom Petty, and Chicago on New Years’ Eve ‘76/7. The Stampeders and Teenage Head and Klatuu and KiKi Dee when I was in highschool at my highschool. And, BTO, Beach Boys, Bowie, ELO and (gulp) Michael Jackson at Exhibition Stadium before it was torn down. I think I saw Pink Floyd too but I was so stoned I’m not sure that even happened.
My dad saw the Beatles twice at Maple Leaf Garden’s. Ringo stepped on his boot and my dad called him an a-hole.
Carly’s Note: I’ll bet Michael Jackson would have been incredible in his prime. These days, not so much.
January 23rd, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Hi Carly!
Sorry to hear you didn’t get a chance to see Johnny! I did see him in the Buffalo area in the mid-90’s. He had June with him and it was an awesome concert! I remember he was wearing black from head to toe (of course) and wearing black knee-high boots, and he and June clearly enjoyed singing together and playing off one another in many humorous exchanges (Johnny was apparently slightly younger than June, and she made a lot of lighthearted jokes at his expense).
Johnny Cash was the only “legend” I have seen in concert, but a couple I know saw Elvis in 1974 at Memorial Auditorium in Buffalo. They said a young girl who was sitting next to them was so excited she peed in her pants!
Love your show, keep up the good work!
Tim
Carly’s Note: Thanks, Tim! And thanks for sharing your Johnny Cash anecdote. If only for a moment, I was able to live vicariously through your experience.
January 23rd, 2008 at 5:45 pm
they are not legends now,but will be are brooks & dunn and shania twain,the best concerts that i have been at b&d best
Carly’s Note: I’d love to see Garth Brooks. I know he’s not doing much touring these days, but I hear he puts on an incredible show.
January 23rd, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Hi Carly:
I also saw Gordon Lightfoot at Massey Hall, but that was many years ago when he was in his early prime in the late ’70’s. This man is the Canadian energizer bunny!
All genres of music have their greats and Gordon Lightfoot is hard to top in his.
Carly’s Note: Can’t argue with that.
January 23rd, 2008 at 9:23 pm
I think Gordon Lightfoot is is the greatest Canadian icon ever. Unless you’re from the east, then it would be Stompin’ Tom Connors.
Carly’s Note: I haven’t seen Stompin’ Tom. He’s definitely on my list!
January 24th, 2008 at 6:32 am
Bob Dylan; second row; Casino Rama……AWESOME!!
lost $4oo on the flippin’slots to close the weekend!
Carly’s Note: Glad you had a positive experience with Dylan. He can be hit or miss. He was off the night I saw him. Still, I’m glad I did get to see him because he’s a bona fide legend.
January 24th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Kenny Loggins at Roy Thomson Hall (sorry don’t remember the exact date, but it was some time ago). He’s such a down to earth person. I remember him sitting with his guitar (singing of course) at the edge of the stage with his feet dangling over. It was one concert, where I actually had the opportunity to sit down and enjoyed the person and their music. No one screamed or stood in front of me for two hours, except for a standing ovation at the end.
Take care Carly and keep up the great work.
Louise
PS: Love your laugh (it’s infectious)
Carly’s Note: Thanks, Louise! People either love it or hate it. I’m glad to hear you fall in the former category.
January 24th, 2008 at 11:19 am
I saw Neil Young in November, treated my friend Shelley for her birthday which was in September. Usually we take turns buying tickets to see a Stratford Festival production (the original BFF’s, we grew up together in Bramalea, but she’s since moved to Woodstock). The tradition has become a tad skewed (much like us) with the introduction of an annual wine tour on her dime. So it was my turn last year, I wanted to see Othello, but kept putting it off, I guess my hindsight is still 20-20 because along comes the announcement Neil Young is coming to Massey Hall, and by some fluke I managed to score some tix. It was a great night, despite the fact I had a severe throat infection & bronchitis…didn’t care, I had an awesome time. It’s something that as long as I have all my marbles, I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Lee Ann
Carly’s Note: I wasn’t able to get tickets to the Massey Hall shows. Although I’ve seen Neil before, there would have been something special about seeing him at that venue. I’m so jealous!
January 24th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
I have never seen Gordon Lightfoot, but have always admired him.
“The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” was one song that always struck a haunting chord with me. It is amazing to think that a person could write a song about a real tragedy, in Canadian waters, and that feeling could come through in the song. The fact that 29 men were lost makes it particularly personal to me. I guess because both of my sons were born on the 29th of a month, parent’s anniversary 29th and both great grandmothers, mine and my husband’s birthdays on the 29th too. OOOH!
I should do what you are doing and make a point of seeing some Living Legends, before it’s too late. What a great idea.
Carly’s Note: So, what’s your favourite number then?
That’s kind of neat how “29″ is so prominent in your family.
January 25th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
I saw Gordon at Massey Hall back in the nineties, but my experience wasn’t so positive. He had a drinking problem back then I think, anyway my memory of the concert was that he kept disappearing backstage after every song. As the concert progressed, he became more and more inarticulate, until finally most of the song lyrics were incomprehensible. A shame, since he is such an amazing songwriter.
On a more positive note, the best concerts I’ve seen have been Peter Gabriel, Blue Rodeo (also the worst, so it depends when and where you catch an act), the Bodeans, and of course, TransSiberian Orchestra’s annual Christmas concert. I’ve taken my kids twice to see them. I’m happy they have had the chance to see a classic, all-out rock show (amazing pyrotechnics, lazer show, hot chicks singing back-up (and occasionally, lead), awesome drum and guitar solos, blues singers with amazing ranges etc.
And we always get great seats at really reasonable prices.
Carly’s Note: Sorry to hear you were disappointed by Lightfoot. My friend’s parents had a similar experience when they saw Elvis. It’s certainly not the way you want to remember a legend. Glad to hear about the TransSiberian Orchestra, though. I haven’t seen them live, but love their albums.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:55 am
I saw Toto last year at Casino Rama, excellent show and an excellent venue. I was not a huge fan up to that point, but their playing blew me away. I also bumped into Dave Murray from Iron Maiden at Rock n Roll Heaven back in the 80’s, that was pretty cool. I saw Springsteen during his “Born in the USA” tour, he’s definitely a legend.
Carly’s Note: Sounds like you’ve seen some pretty good shows! Thanks for sharing.