Road goes on forever..
Robert Earl Keen last night
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Last: 1 mo ago by LawHall88
No, I read your post. You said I'm not sophisticated enough to appreciate a show where the artist chooses not to play a few of his most recognizable songs. I should just be grateful that he played these songs in the past. Gotcha?
Just got home a bit ago. Had a great time. Thought this would be a greatest hits type show but the man is going out on his own terms and I'm completely fine with that.
Would I have loved "The Front Porch Song" immensely? Yes. And he hinted at it many times. Is it a little bizarre that he played a bunch of deep cuts? To me it is.
I can't complain at all though. The band sounded great and the setup in the new park is fantastic imo. I hope they have someone at the Association that is a good booker because that area should have a show every Friday night before a game and/or a pre or post game show on Saturdays depending on kickoff time.
It's a great space and I've been yearning for regular live music in this town for 20 years now. The stage is well crafted and the sound setup is quality. Time to execute.
Would I have loved "The Front Porch Song" immensely? Yes. And he hinted at it many times. Is it a little bizarre that he played a bunch of deep cuts? To me it is.
I can't complain at all though. The band sounded great and the setup in the new park is fantastic imo. I hope they have someone at the Association that is a good booker because that area should have a show every Friday night before a game and/or a pre or post game show on Saturdays depending on kickoff time.
It's a great space and I've been yearning for regular live music in this town for 20 years now. The stage is well crafted and the sound setup is quality. Time to execute.
I've seen REK about 10 times since the first time, which was at Rudder in about 02/03. AT this point, I'd much rather hear the deep cuts I haven't seen a million times. I just saw him at Gruene a couple weeks back and my only complaint is that he seems to really be focusing on the albums from about 2003-2010 which are my least favorite. I'd really like to hear the deep cuts off the 90's and 80' stuff. I always wanted to hear Not a Drop of Rain or No Kinda Dancer live but never got that lucky.
Was there last night as well and agree with just about everything you said. The sound quality was absolutely amazing. My only complaint related to setup is the VIP trailers really obstructed large portions of the view.
Snake Jazz said:
No, I read your post. You said I'm not sophisticated enough to appreciate a show where the artist chooses not to play a few of his most recognizable songs. I should just be grateful that he played these songs in the past. Gotcha?
Spot-on. One day, you'll look back and get it. He's always done things his way. Maybe Elton John or Crue will give you a greatest hits farewell tour that you'll be able to accept and not pound sand because they didn't play your favorite song.
C@LAg said:such a dumb argument, right?Snake Jazz said:
No, I read your post. You said I'm not sophisticated enough to appreciate a show where the artist chooses not to play a few of his most recognizable songs. I should just be grateful that he played these songs in the past. Gotcha?
This is his farewell tour. You would think he would be trying to both entertain and satisfy his fans, since this is the rubber stamp on his legacy, and he has been mostly coasting on past efforts for a few years now.
His legacy has already been rubber stamped.
Did you see a show recently?
I was on the right side and the only thing obstructing my view was this little tree that was planted for no reason and right in my sightline for half the show. Made me miss my axe and Bonfire cut.Nobody Knows My Name said:
Was there last night as well and agree with just about everything you said. The sound quality was absolutely amazing. My only complaint related to setup is the VIP trailers really obstructed large portions of the view.
The guy is an absolute legend to me. I do wish we had heard this but hey, can still hear it now:
Was at the Floore's show last night. Very cool experience. Not the best REK performance I've seen, but it was unique and heartfelt. He did a very nice written speech tribute to his personal hero, Phil Lyne, in which he explained a lot of his and his bands issues over the recent past which gave a lot of context to why this is a farewell tour. He played most of his classics and then at the end he did a touching tribute to JJW, using one of JJ's old guitars.
McMurty opened and was his usual self. Eric Church then played a 30 minute set that I think I can only describe as embarrassing. He admitted he was hungover from his show last night and it showed. He sounded like someone doing an impression of EC to make fun of him. Then he was brought on to sing on Corpus Christi Bay and was wasted and missed his queue and just yelled the chorus. Wasn't a big fan of his before and have very little respect for him now.
McMurty opened and was his usual self. Eric Church then played a 30 minute set that I think I can only describe as embarrassing. He admitted he was hungover from his show last night and it showed. He sounded like someone doing an impression of EC to make fun of him. Then he was brought on to sing on Corpus Christi Bay and was wasted and missed his queue and just yelled the chorus. Wasn't a big fan of his before and have very little respect for him now.
jc1402 said:
Was at the Floore's show last night. Very cool experience. Not the best REK performance I've seen, but it was unique and heartfelt. He did a very nice written speech tribute to his personal hero, Phil Lyne, in which he explained a lot of his and his bands issues over the recent past which gave a lot of context to why this is a farewell tour. He played most of his classics and then at the end he did a touching tribute to JJW, using one of JJ's old guitars.
McMurty opened and was his usual self. Eric Church then played a 30 minute set that I think I can only describe as embarrassing. He admitted he was hungover from his show last night and it showed. He sounded like someone doing an impression of EC to make fun of him. Then he was brought on to sing on Corpus Christi Bay and was wasted and missed his queue and just yelled the chorus. Wasn't a big fan of his before and have very little respect for him now.
I'm not an Eric Church fan and, quite frankly, don't know too much about him. But he's apparently a headliner who flew in to open for REK because he's a fan. I do think that is pretty cool. And being "too drunk to play" is a Texas country tradition that even REK memorialized in song. I'd be out of country artists if I wrote them off for that. I'll chalk it up as a tribute.
SanAntoneAg said:Snake Jazz said:
No, I read your post. You said I'm not sophisticated enough to appreciate a show where the artist chooses not to play a few of his most recognizable songs. I should just be grateful that he played these songs in the past. Gotcha?
Spot-on. One day, you'll look back and get it. He's always done things his way. Maybe Elton John or Crue will give you a greatest hits farewell tour that you'll be able to accept and not pound sand because they didn't play your favorite song.
Lol…whatever, man.
I saw Elton John's farewell tour Houston show and he knocked out all the hits. Good show.Quote:
Maybe Elton John or Crue will give you a greatest hits farewell tour that you'll be able to accept and not pound sand because they didn't play your favorite song.
Also saw The Who earlier this year, and they had no problem playing hit after hit. I'd highly recommend going to see either one if you get the chance. Bad reviews of the Crue tour kept me away, however.
Crue probably played their hits, Vince just couldn't sing them.
Snake Jazz said:SanAntoneAg said:
Oh the humanity, such a terrible set list.
No Road. No Front Porch. And, what you're missing is that his storytelling (normally one of his strengths) was bad. Lots of pointless, dull rambling between songs. My wife pointed out that he sounded Biden-ish. He repeated a verse in one of the songs. Didn't seem sharp.
I love Robert Earl Keen's music, but I don't think I've ever been more disappointed in a show. Wasn't just me…I was in GA and everyone seemed turned off by the performance.
For those of you going to the next two shows, I hope he tears it up. My original post was pretty harsh (had quite a few Lone Stars last night when I posted), and I was angry when I posted. A day later I'm just disappointed that that is my final memory of a great performer and songwriter.
I hope he goes out with a bang. Regrettably, last night was a whimper.
Saw him in Virginia in June and he was way off from past shows. The right side of his face drooped down and he had trouble pronouncing words. He just slurred through several words in Road Goes on Forever and other songs. No storytelling and they just rocketed through songs way faster than usual. Was so disappointed in the show and worried about his health!
Show was great. He showed his age as expected. Times his voice was shaky but majority of time it was just fine. I don't like Eric Church at all, and stayed inside during his set. Embarrassed for him when he came out to sing Corpus Christi Bay and didn't know the lyrics.
Trying to get back out there tomorrow for the fan appreciation show.
Trying to get back out there tomorrow for the fan appreciation show.
CowboyGirl said:Snake Jazz said:SanAntoneAg said:
Oh the humanity, such a terrible set list.
No Road. No Front Porch. And, what you're missing is that his storytelling (normally one of his strengths) was bad. Lots of pointless, dull rambling between songs. My wife pointed out that he sounded Biden-ish. He repeated a verse in one of the songs. Didn't seem sharp.
I love Robert Earl Keen's music, but I don't think I've ever been more disappointed in a show. Wasn't just me…I was in GA and everyone seemed turned off by the performance.
For those of you going to the next two shows, I hope he tears it up. My original post was pretty harsh (had quite a few Lone Stars last night when I posted), and I was angry when I posted. A day later I'm just disappointed that that is my final memory of a great performer and songwriter.
I hope he goes out with a bang. Regrettably, last night was a whimper.
Saw him in Virginia in June and he was way off from past shows. The right side of his face drooped down and he had trouble pronouncing words. No storytelling in between songs and they just rocketed through much faster than usual. Was really worried about his health!
At the Sunday night Flores show he just said he had Bell's Palsy - that's what was going on when we saw him in VA. Streaming the Flores show and he's seems to be doing much better based on the show tonight than in DC.
SanAntoneAg said:Snake Jazz said:
No, I read your post. You said I'm not sophisticated enough to appreciate a show where the artist chooses not to play a few of his most recognizable songs. I should just be grateful that he played these songs in the past. Gotcha?
Spot-on. One day, you'll look back and get it. He's always done things his way. Maybe Elton John or Crue will give you a greatest hits farewell tour that you'll be able to accept and not pound sand because they didn't play your favorite song.
Comparing REK's career to Elton John's is laughable.
But what do you know - primary evidence in this very thread that even Elton John plays his shows to please his fans - even in stadiums.
Reading everyone's reactions to REK since this thread has been pretty eye opening. Seems like, generally, he's a disgruntled "old man" (y'all know he's only like 60 right?) doing this "farewell tour" to give him the press he oh so obviously craves.
"Going out on his own terms" lol. So an international superstar like Elton John will play his hits but REK won't because of some sort of songwriter honor? Based on posts above, he played deep cuts at the Aggie Park kick off concert. Seriously?
REK is great, always has been. But he's so far up his own ass it's hard to feel for the guy. He's just a bitter washed up musician at this point.
ETA: I'm not even what you would call a "fan" of Elton John. But I'm not an idiot and acknowledge his contribution to music
CNN is an enemy of the state and should be treated as such.
Wow 10 pages on REK. Gonna have to go back and read through but I caught him for the last time in San Luis Obispo as the headliner for a music fest. He sat down which at his age I figure he has earned. I remember Jerry Jeff doing the same thing there at the end when I'd see him at the Grand I'm Galveston for his Christmas shows. I thought it was a pretty solid show but didn't play a lot of the more Texas songs which I suppose is understandable. Still had a great time and thought back to all the different places I've seen him over the years. From college station to the Pozo Salon (kind of like the Luckenbach of CA) to CO to HoB for the Christmas shows.
Just got done watching the stream, I feel like all the guys I grew up listening to are either dying or retiring. Hell the next generation of guys like Cory Morrow Roger Creager, etc aren't exactly young anymore either.
ETA: Oh and at the SLO show there was a little girl (8-10 I figure) there with her dad holding a sign that read Jesse with the long hair and he actually played it. Pretty sure it wasn't on the set list.
Just got done watching the stream, I feel like all the guys I grew up listening to are either dying or retiring. Hell the next generation of guys like Cory Morrow Roger Creager, etc aren't exactly young anymore either.
ETA: Oh and at the SLO show there was a little girl (8-10 I figure) there with her dad holding a sign that read Jesse with the long hair and he actually played it. Pretty sure it wasn't on the set list.
Oh and I still kick myself in the ass for never making one of his & Lyle's acoustic shows, figure those would have been really cool.
REK is 66 years old. That's a respectable age to retire, but in the entertainment world of aging stars, he's still a baby and way too young to be sitting through his performances.
CowboyGirl said:
At the Sunday night Flores show he just said he had Bell's Palsy - that's what was going on when we saw him in VA. Streaming the Flores show and he's way better tonight than in DC.
Interesting. And sad. Wonder how long that has been an issue? Longer than, say, 18-24 months?
Was at the show last night. It was fantastic once he actually got on stage to play. Took nearly an hour and a half between Cody
Canada set ending and REK's beginning. The crowd was starting to get pretty restless.
But once he started it was a damn good show.
The ONLY complaint I have is that I still can't believe he didn't play The Front Porch Song. I figured he was saving it for the last show and harbored fantasies of Lyle showing up to sing it with him. At least we got The Road Goes On Forever.
All in all, he did himself and his fans proud last night.
Canada set ending and REK's beginning. The crowd was starting to get pretty restless.
But once he started it was a damn good show.
The ONLY complaint I have is that I still can't believe he didn't play The Front Porch Song. I figured he was saving it for the last show and harbored fantasies of Lyle showing up to sing it with him. At least we got The Road Goes On Forever.
All in all, he did himself and his fans proud last night.
When my husband had Bell's Palsy it came on very suddenly - he just woke up one morning with half his face basically paralyzed. It took several weeks to resolve afterwards, but every case is different in how long it lasts.milner79 said:CowboyGirl said:
At the Sunday night Flores show he just said he had Bell's Palsy - that's what was going on when we saw him in VA. Streaming the Flores show and he's way better tonight than in DC.
Interesting. And sad. Wonder how long that has been an issue? Longer than, say, 18-24 months?
$240 Worth of Pudding said:
Was at the show last night. It was fantastic once he actually got on stage to play. Took nearly an hour and a half between Cody
Canada set ending and REK's beginning. The crowd was starting to get pretty restless.
But once he started it was a damn good show.
The ONLY complaint I have is that I still can't believe he didn't play The Front Porch Song. I figured he was saving it for the last show and harbored fantasies of Lyle showing up to sing it with him. At least we got The Road Goes On Forever.
All in all, he did himself and his fans proud last night.
Was there also and I agree. He put on a great show, especially considering the emotions he must have been feeling and the health issues he seems to be facing.
He doesn't have the energy he used to, but the old man still got up there and played until 12:30.
Also surprised to hear James McMurty was opening. Love his music, latest record is outstanding, but I just assumed he was still hiding out in his basement with the other branch covidians.
Reading through the thread and all the *****ing about set lists reminds me of Snider's Age like wine
" My new stuff is nothing like my old stuff was
And neither one is much when compared to the show
Which will not be as good as some other one you saw
So help me, I know, I know, I know"
" My new stuff is nothing like my old stuff was
And neither one is much when compared to the show
Which will not be as good as some other one you saw
So help me, I know, I know, I know"
Obviously reading comprehension is an issue here.BenFiasco14 said:SanAntoneAg said:Snake Jazz said:
No, I read your post. You said I'm not sophisticated enough to appreciate a show where the artist chooses not to play a few of his most recognizable songs. I should just be grateful that he played these songs in the past. Gotcha?
Spot-on. One day, you'll look back and get it. He's always done things his way. Maybe Elton John or Crue will give you a greatest hits farewell tour that you'll be able to accept and not pound sand because they didn't play your favorite song.
Comparing REK's career to Elton John's is laughable.
But what do you know - primary evidence in this very thread that even Elton John plays his shows to please his fans - even in stadiums.
Reading everyone's reactions to REK since this thread has been pretty eye opening. Seems like, generally, he's a disgruntled "old man" (y'all know he's only like 60 right?) doing this "farewell tour" to give him the press he oh so obviously craves.
"Going out on his own terms" lol. So an international superstar like Elton John will play his hits but REK won't because of some sort of songwriter honor? Based on posts above, he played deep cuts at the Aggie Park kick off concert. Seriously?
REK is great, always has been. But he's so far up his own ass it's hard to feel for the guy. He's just a bitter washed up musician at this point.
ETA: I'm not even what you would call a "fan" of Elton John. But I'm not an idiot and acknowledge his contribution to music
I didn't compare REK's career to Elton John.
Never said "going out on his own terms," that's your quote.
Glad to hear that you're not an idiot.
I'm going to see The Who for the first time in November at the Hollywood Bowl with Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs opening (good friend of mine just joined the band officially a few weeks ago). Can't wait.Harry Lime said:I saw Elton John's farewell tour Houston show and he knocked out all the hits. Good show.Quote:
Maybe Elton John or Crue will give you a greatest hits farewell tour that you'll be able to accept and not pound sand because they didn't play your favorite song.
Also saw The Who earlier this year, and they had no problem playing hit after hit. I'd highly recommend going to see either one if you get the chance. Bad reviews of the Crue tour kept me away, however.
I wouldn't think so based on the show here in CS last year the night before the Bama game. He stood the whole time and cranked out hit after hit and had tons of energy and his voice sounded much stronger than the two shows I saw in the past couple of months. I tried finding the setlist to no avail but that show had a dream setlist.milner79 said:CowboyGirl said:
At the Sunday night Flores show he just said he had Bell's Palsy - that's what was going on when we saw him in VA. Streaming the Flores show and he's way better tonight than in DC.
Interesting. And sad. Wonder how long that has been an issue? Longer than, say, 18-24 months?
johnnyblaze36 said:I wouldn't think so based on the show here in CS last year the night before the Bama game. He stood the whole time and cranked out hit after hit and had tons of energy and his voice sounded much stronger than the two shows I saw in the past couple of months. I tried finding the setlist to no avail but that show had a dream setlist.milner79 said:CowboyGirl said:
At the Sunday night Flores show he just said he had Bell's Palsy - that's what was going on when we saw him in VA. Streaming the Flores show and he's way better tonight than in DC.
Interesting. And sad. Wonder how long that has been an issue? Longer than, say, 18-24 months?
I saw REK last July in FW and it was one of his first shows after the pandemic. He looked great, like he had been working out and was healthy. Put on a great show and sounded great. I saw him Saturday at Floore's and looked like a broken down 80 year old. Loved the show Saturday, it wasn't my favorite songs but it doesn't have to be. I've been going to see REK for 30 years and I hate that I likely won't get to see him again. I hope his medical issues clear up and he changes his mind.
Coming in late to give my .02
I saw him in Dallas two weeks ago in Deep Ellum, only got to stay for an hour of his set but thought it was great, especially after hearing some disappointing comments about his shows so far this tour. He played the hits early and often and i left pretty happy.
Went down to the Thursday Floore's show. Big crowd (don't think GA was completely sold out), i was with 7 other buddies, some big fans, some not. Thought the crowd was a little slow to get into it to begin but for about 1.5 hours the show was great, and the crowd was happy But the last 30-45 minutes of the show were pretty brutal. The story of ireland and that song afterwards just put everyone to sleep. then felt like he took 3 or 4 more encores.
Then i headed over to college station for the aggie park show. the weather delay was not a big deal, think everyone was still having a good time, wish Max Stallings could've played longer but i understand. When REK came out and opened with Goodbye Cleveland, i couldn't help but laugh out loud, my dad looked at me and said "wth is he doing?" then he decided to sing a song he wrote for his girlfriend's boyfriend who wanted to be a boxer or something? another terrible song, and at that point it felt like he was trolling us. We stayed for a few more songs and left.
He's one of my all time favorite singer/songwriters, forever will be. Wish him the best.
I saw him in Dallas two weeks ago in Deep Ellum, only got to stay for an hour of his set but thought it was great, especially after hearing some disappointing comments about his shows so far this tour. He played the hits early and often and i left pretty happy.
Went down to the Thursday Floore's show. Big crowd (don't think GA was completely sold out), i was with 7 other buddies, some big fans, some not. Thought the crowd was a little slow to get into it to begin but for about 1.5 hours the show was great, and the crowd was happy But the last 30-45 minutes of the show were pretty brutal. The story of ireland and that song afterwards just put everyone to sleep. then felt like he took 3 or 4 more encores.
Then i headed over to college station for the aggie park show. the weather delay was not a big deal, think everyone was still having a good time, wish Max Stallings could've played longer but i understand. When REK came out and opened with Goodbye Cleveland, i couldn't help but laugh out loud, my dad looked at me and said "wth is he doing?" then he decided to sing a song he wrote for his girlfriend's boyfriend who wanted to be a boxer or something? another terrible song, and at that point it felt like he was trolling us. We stayed for a few more songs and left.
He's one of my all time favorite singer/songwriters, forever will be. Wish him the best.
I have seen him twice in last few years. Once seemed to be pseudo mailed in. Second one was in College Station a year back and he was in the zone. Great playlist. Great engagement. I thought it was as good as the old REK.
That said, he is getting older and could easily get worn out. He is still an icon in Texas storytelling music.
That said, he is getting older and could easily get worn out. He is still an icon in Texas storytelling music.
What are the chances REK is keeping up with this thread? (Hi Robert! I love Dreadful Selfish Crime!)
Philo B 93 said:
What are the chances REK is keeping up with this thread? (Hi Robert! I love Dreadful Selfish Crime!)
I was thinking he might be SanAntone Ag or whoever the professor was who came in here and told us some of us just "don't get it"
CNN is an enemy of the state and should be treated as such.
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