Buffalo show

Yeah she came bouncing back down during Bruce’s performance of Wild Horses.
She was dancing like Mick Jagger too which made it a little bit funny, as I shouted out “WHo let the happy hands club out?”
Fortunately she was led off by security quite quickly. People like that are so inconsiderate of the vibe of the gig.
Great performance though – blown away by so many songs. Was hoping for The Show Goes On, but really enjoyed the entire night.

Because it’s not a Nine Inch Nails show it’s a seated show.
I didn’t care when she was over by the wall, but if I had been over there it would have distracted me.
When she started dancing right in front of the stage she was in my line of sight and it was distracting.
It’s a piano performance, if you don’t know how to behave you shouldn’t be there. Just like a Bela Fleck & The Flecktones show.

so would you feel differently if this had been a show with the Noisemakers?

Ok, it’s time for me to put my two cents in on this one…

Let’s start off a little about me. I am as “old school” with Hornsby as they come. My first show came in February of 1986, with 250 of my closest “friends” seeing BH & the Range in his FIRST tour at the Harro East in Rochester, NY. I’ve seen Bruce at least 20 times, met him 3 times, had a few beers (and laughs!) with Molo in a dive bar before a gig in Geneva, New York, played a few hands of blackjack with the fabulous J.T. Thomas at Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY, and even told Bobby Reed he had a bugger in his nose before his set when BH & his band were opening for Bonny Raitt in the early 90’s. (YIKES!! That might have been a mistake…). I’ve seen Bruce in every type of venue imaginable, every band he’s played with (including the Dead), and heard every song he’s ever written/recorded. However, I was missing one experience on my resume…..a solo Bruce show.

Last Saturday at The Egg in Albany NY, I got to experience (along with my 8 year old son, who was attending his first concert) my dream for many years. No drums, no guitar, no bass, no anything…JUST BRUCE. I’ve always wanted to hear Bruce on his own, commanding an audience for 2+ hours with his unique perspectives on his own music, and not depending on any other bandmates. This performance was IDEAL, and was exactly what I was hoping for in a solo show. Everything that night was perfect, from the parking, the accustics being incredible, the venue staff curtious and professional, Bruce opening the second set with “Lost in the Snow” that my son had requested on a piece of paper to him @ intermission, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, the respectful and appreciative crowd. (Sorry, I’m getting to my point now!!)

I quoted ajrosent above, because I wanted to respectfully disagree to that statement. Here’s why….. I am all for people enjoying themselves, interacting with the band, dancing, getting on stage, etc….when at a BH & the Noisemakers gig. Hell, I’ve even jumped on stage a few times myself. I think all of us agree that Bruce is VERY supportive of this type of activity during his “band” gigs, and even seems to enjoy it. HOWEVER, we are not talking about a BH & the Noisemakers show here….We are talking about Bruce playing solo. It is a COMPLETELY different atmosphere, and should be treated as such. For example….I had the pleasure of sitting next to a woman who was a DIEHARD Hornsby fan, and his music had gotten her through some very rough times in her life (according to my conversation with her before the show. I had never met her before!). During the first set, Bruce laid into “The River Runs Low”, one of my all time favorites. It was my first time hearing it live since ’86, and I can honestly say it was the most melodic, and beautiful rendition I have ever heard. Halfway thru the song, I notice this lady has tears streaming down her face, and she’s just shaking her head in approval. Right there, I knew that Bruce had touched her on a “personal”, and intimate level with that rendition. I was actually glad at that moment that she could share that intimacy with him, on whatever level it was on….I also remember thinking “that would almost never happen at a BH & the Noisemakers show”.

I guess my point is (yes I know..FINALLY!) that a Bruce solo show should indeed be handled and acted upon differently. Anyone else find themselves mesmorized by Bruce’s playing when he’s by himself? Anyone else find that much more enjoyment and appreciation to his music when you’re focused directly on him? Sorry, but I don’t see a Bruce solo show as striving to be on the “true jam scene”. It’s our opportunity to experience Bruce in a tranquil, and, without trying to sound snobby, “classier” environment. This is Bruce’s chance to go out to different cities and play more intimate venues. I guarantee he’s not looking for people to jump the stage and dance, shout out Dead tunes repeatedly on the breaks, or have the loud bantor between people that happens at his band shows. I think we’re all aware of his reaction to those types of situations based on the “walkoffs” recently during this solo run.

Sorry for rambling on and on over this, but it kind of struck a nerve with me. Again, no offense to ajrosent, as everyone is intitled to their own opinion. I just think that we should have the opportunity to experience Bruce in this type of intimate setting now and then. It’s good for the soul!

Take care…..

If it was not in an auditorium but rather in a place like the Opera House, where there is no seating in front of the stage, just like where I saw Victor Wooten and Soul Circus in October, then of course it would be great and I’d be dancing too, but I also appreciate the opportunity to see a great artist like Bruce solo in a seated venue where I can just enjoy watching the man play incredible music.
I’m what’s wrong with bruce shows? Get your hand off it pal.

Dave B. – excellent post.