Observation of the Moment: Tour Setlists

The Neil Observation of the Moment from Concert Review of the Moment: Minneapolis, MN - November 8, 2007:

At 11/12/2007 10:14:00 PM, Dan said...

I haven't see this tour yet... planning to see him New York ... having seen Neil live a number of times since the 80s he's NEVER disappointed and always amazed me with his overflow of great energy. I have yet to see any performer over the past decades -- Dylan, The Dead, Stones, The Who, ect... who have so consistently delivered excellent shows (full disclosure - never saw Springsteen).

IMHO one of the things that makes Neil resonate deeply with so many of us is that his music is completely sincere and heartfelt. He doesn't play a song or a set list because he wants to impress the audience. Rather, he sings what he feels and the depth of emotion he expresses is what moves the audience. He speaks in interviews about how he can't sing some songs live anymore because it’s as if he doesn’t feel like the person who long ago sang that song. Which means if the song doesn't resonate with him he won't fake it. Long time fans have learned to trust Neil, trust that if they let go of their own expectations of what they think Neil should play and they tune into what he's feeling and expressing it will be a unique, moving experience.

This maybe helps explain why he wouldn't make the records Geffen wanted ... because he operates inside out and not outside in ... perhaps that also explains his 80s records and why some people have a hard time relating to them .... in interviews he's said he was going through some tough things and his records were expressions of that. It’s a testiment to his character that he didn’t pretend he was feeling something else and try to make insincere records to generate sales and further him fame.

The Chrome Dreams II album and tour are no different ... he's expressing what he's going through ... for him to break out Ambulance Blues, A Man Needs Maid, Harvest, ect... its epic Neil! Totally classic, the set lists on this tour in terms of rare gems are just amazing ... That's also why I think any Peggi-bashing, which fortunately has been minimal, is off the mark. IMHO this is part of his whole scene ... having his wife open the show, being on tour together, enjoying the experience together ... how can these pleasures and experiences not come out through his music ... this seems to have been one of the themes of his recent movie ‘Heart of Gold’ … playing with old friends and with family … connecting to what’s important.

In the big picture, seeing Neil in small venues, with a mixed acoustic/electric set list, playing rare classics and new classics, and with Neil at 62 still on top of his game - its totally Epic!! What a gift for all of us!

Thanks Neil!!!