"GLEN CAMPBELL: THE GOODBYE TOUR"Sadly, Glen Campbell isn't retiring due to lack of talent or the love of his fans but because for several years he's been in the progressive stages of Alzheimer Disease.
But you wouldn't know it last night, October 18, 2012, at the State Theater in New Brunswick, NJ.
His infectious playful manner combined with his amazing talent gave way to an unforgettable evening. Numerous standing ovations & audience participation made the entire experience electrifying.
To watch a legend improvise and offer ALL of him was a thing of beauty. Thank you Glen!
Three of his many children play in his band. They have started their own which opened the program, "Victoria Ghost". Though you appreciate them as highly skilled musicians & an aw shucks attitude, reminiscent of their legendary father, they are more proficient as background for the time being. Their songs, save for one, lacked message and musical content. In the future, perhaps, they can carry the baton & continue to keep their father's repertoire alive.
What was beautiful to watch, on a very visceral level, was the love shared between his children and Glen Campbell's ultimate journey. The daughter (she is amazing on keyboard & many string instruments) loving attention to her dad on stage is so heartfelt--"they got him, no doubt" as my friend and I shared afterward. This is a very special time for all to remember and share.
Campbell opened with "Gentle on my Mind" whereupon I realized once again the uniqueness of his voice in tone, range and a masculine velvety that comes around once in a lifetime. He gave the audience all the hits. I think the pop, karaoke "Rhinestone Cowboy" connected the entire theater.
Sure he did struggle about 75% of the time, but who cares? We all know his struggle and applaud him for being in on the reality of it all. He owns his situation and being that brutally honest proves why we all fell in love with him in the first place. Not an ounce of phoniness in this man since he started playing background for people like The Beach Boys and most of the artists in the 1960's as part of the obscure "WRECKING CREW" (watch a trailer of The Wrecking Crew on youtube for more).
Thank you Jimmy Webb for writing for Glen for so many years so many hits and thank you Glen for making them come to life for so many decades.
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