TENNESSEE

Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN
October 16, 2004 - Support Leon Redbone

By: Spence
I just figured out that I've traveled 3090 miles in the last two years to see five John Prine shows. John needs to come to Atlanta. Anyway, I made it up to Nashville yesterday to see the man at the Ryman. First of all, the Ryman is awesome. The people working there were great and the sound was great...though I thought it could have been LOUDER. I happened to have a seat on the last row on the floor and it was crowded, so I found a spot in the back where I could stand up and still see John, Jason and Dave. I liked standing because John's music has the tendency to make my legs shake. John's voice was great and it even sounded good when he was speaking. He played "Pretty Good" and I thought my head would explode, for I love that song and I'd never heard him play it. I wrote down the set list for anyone who wants it. And it goes a little something like this: 

.....That's a lot of songs.

By: Matthew Rust
First of all, let me say that I am a younger fan. I saw Mr Prine for the first time in Central City, KY (Muhlenberg County) when I was 16 and had the opportunity to meet him afterwards because the head of security was my dad's cousin (a KY State Trooper). I also met The Everlys, Jessica Simpson, Trace Adkins, Albert Lee, and Lightnin' Chance. My dad's family is from the area and Merle Travis, another Muhlenberg County native, was actually born on my Great Great Grandfather's farm. I am now 21 and have since fallen in love with Prine's music. I play it on guitar, sing it, or listen to it just about every day. His music has changed my life. Before I heard Prine for the first time, I just listened to terrible punk rock and radio music. I bought 7th row tickets the day they went on sale and we drove from Saint Louis to Nashville to see the big show. We got to our hotel and went downtown a few hours early. I put a CD of his first album in my wife's purse "just in case we can meet him afterwards". We did the whole tourist thing and bought dumb magnets and stuff. We were walking on Broadway in front of the stores and I saw Mr Prine walking by himself down the sidewalk. I hardly noticed him, but I said "Mr Prine!" and he walked over to me. We chatted for a few minutes and I asked him if he could sign my CD and he did. I told him that I looked forward to seeing him perform and also thanked him, telling him that his music has changed my life. Afterwards, my wife and I went to a bar to eat and I felt drunk without even drinking. BEST DAY OF MY LIFE. We went to the Ryman (which is beautiful) and took our seats. Leon Redbone was pretty good, though I don't think I would ever buy his music. Prine took the stage with "Blow Up Your TV". He ended up playing for 2.5 hours. BEST DAY OF MY LIFE. He played "Sam Stone", Fish and Whistle", "Angel from Montgomery", "Lake Marie", "Dear Abby", Grandpa was a Carpenter", "Donald and Lydia", "Illegal Smile", "Sweet Revenge", "Souvenirs", "Hello in There", "Some Humans Ain't Human", "Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore", "Six O'Clock News", "That's the Way the World Goes Round", plus a lot more whose names I don't know. He played a 3 song encore and ended with my favorite song, "Paradise". BEST DAY OF MY LIFE! The sound was fantastic. The playing and singing was great as well. He said "Ol' Froggy's back" when his voice began to weaken, but I didn't notice. The only thing that took away from the best night of my life was the drunk lady 3 seats down (MF7, H5) who yelled the whole time. People actually left early because of that lady. She was rude and I hope she is reading this. It really was the best day of my life and I would have paid $500 for the experience. I will see him every time he comes near. GREAT SHOW!!!

By: noticketdonna
This was my second time at the Ryman - both times to see John. My daughter Sara, her friend Phoebe and I drove from Memphis. We spoke with Eric and Dave outside for a bit and they asked about Crusher. Everyone loves you Crusher, do you realize that? Leon Redbone was quite entertaining. John and the boys were amazing as always. Hearing some of his new songs, his new album is going to be awesome. I loved the Humans Ain't Human song. And for those wondering, he said, "hotshot from Texas", not "asshole". LOL. His kids were there, don't know if that might have been a reason. He did say "shit" so maybe not! LOL....anyway...got a rousing reaction from the crowd. Saw John's wife Fiona all over the place. She seemed like she was hostessing the event! We sure were hoping that she would sing with John, but it didn't happen. I spoke with JonS and his son Jeff. Sure was great running into them - wish we could've spent more time together, but we were driving back to Memphis. But all in all it was pretty good, can't complain, cuz Mr. Prine knows how to keep me sane...Bigdeltahugs y'all!

By: Lemesa
Enjoyed my first Prine show of the year so much I wish I were still there. Saw lots of familar faces and some new ones I will not soon forget. There really isn't a bad seat in the Ryman and John was on all the way. I loved Leon Redbone, I haven't heard him before. High point of the show was getting to introduce my mom to John and band. Low was not finding Donna at Tootsie's before the show. Hopefully it wouldn't be another 4-5 years till the Ryman sees him again ( me either!!!!).

By: Steve
First, I want to say that I have been a fan of John Prine since 1973, and for what ever reason, this is the first time I have heard him live. My wife and I traveled to Nashville from Orlando the surprise guests of a close friend and his wife that I had introduced Johns' music to over 10 years ago. (I have been the catalyst in introducing Johns' music to many people) The opening by Leon Redbone was very entertaining and well received. When John came on my frien and I were speechless, fantastic memories flooded back to us. The show was excellent and the majority of the crowd were really into the experience. All I have to add is that I don't know why it took me so long to see JP, but I know it won't be that long until I see him again.

By: Rocky M. Thyme
Prine was fantastic last Saturday at the Ryman. The ageless Redbone was the an ideal precursor to a show that would prove to be thought-provoking and inspirational. John's social consciousness has never been a guarded secret, and, as always, his music spoke his heart. I am amazed that some small minority who were in attendance were upset by the political slant of the evening. What have those who were surprised and offended by John's stand on Iraq been listening to for the past quarter century?

By: The_Wippuh
Scraped from my forum post where someone mentioned that his political comments were seemingly out of place. Yeah, the political commentary was very out of place. There was an obvious Vietnam vet and his wife sitting in front of me who got up and left during the new encore song with the line about "hotshot from Texas". Yeah, he was pretty intoxicated, but you could tell this guy was really into music and into John Prine. I know that Prine was on the Vote for Change tour briefly there and all that, but still it just sucks to see a crowd that is all there for one reason be driven to such dividedness over the political opinion of the singer. Put the cap on an already questionable evening. I didn't mind it that much except for my girlfriend is a staunch Republican and it just ruined her experience. We went to the concert to escape all the bs of the times and be entertained, not to embrace it even more. I'm only 27 and this is my 4th Prine concert, but I have to say that the John Prine crowd is becoming by far the worstt I have ever come into contact with. I've been to hundreds of shows, from Widespread Panic to Korn to John Prine, and I go into every one sort of knowing what to expect. My first show of John Prine in Athens was a great experience. The Orpheum show in Memphis consisted of nothing but the older people behind constantly talking, even after the usher asked them to be quiet several times. That was a pure nightmare, the people sitting next to us were newly moved in from Seattle and asked if that was what it was always like. Embarassing. The Nashville crowd was absolutely horrible. Constant "woohoo"'s and cries during the middle of songs was extremely annoying. Having people cheer after "where all the money goes" line in Sam Stone was just depressing. So many people just laughing after every damn thing he said no matter what the content just baffled me. There even came a point when John was telling a story onstage that people upstairs started calling stuff out and the entire place erupted into others doing the same while others yelled at them to shut up. Unbelievable. I won't even go into the mid 40 year old woman who fell on me while trying to get back to her seat she was so drunk. I've seen more civil acting people at a Marilyn Manson concert, I kid you not With all of that said, I'm really looking forward to the new album. It's going to be really great! Leon Redbone was super cool (didn't know what to expect going in, I'm young and didn't recognize who he was). The acoustics of the place weren't the best and the all electric songs (Ain't Hurtin' Nobody) didn't come off with the power that I'm accustomed to. Still, I'm glad I went to see him in Nashville, the experience surrounding the Ryman was cool, the experience inside was not.

By: 1canuck
The Prine show was great. Prine's political and social commentary is as relevant today as it ever was, a tribute to his abilities as a songwriter. Thanks for an awesome show!

the Orpheum Theatre,  Memphis, TN
May 22, 2004  -- Support: Todd Snider; Surprise Guest: Keith Sykes

By: donnadonna
Reeda! You're not gonna believe it, but Eric was wearing a tuxedo! Yep, right down to the shoes. Talked to him after the show, re-introduced myself (again). Of course tellin' him I'm a shriner made me in like flint! um, for the water bottle...Yep, got John's water bottle...you know me! LOL.....Awesome show! Absolutely! Todd smiled sooooo big and we all let him know how happy to see him. I just wanna hug him all mama like and tell him everything's gonna be okay, ya know? John and the boys were their usual wonderful. I loved the new songs, Reeda! I smiled and thought of you when he sang that line about kiss me hard to make it last all week, or however it really goes, but you know....On a sad note though, he dedicated Souvenirs to his father in law, Frank who passed away yesterday. John said he was headed to Dublin for the wake and funeral. Fiona, if you see this, you are in my prayers. When he finished Hello In There he said, "I love you mom". Well, you know with my mom passin' a couple of months ago, I lost it....anyway, just got home and I'm ramblin'....Eric and Sara and her friend Michael went with me. We got some pretty good pictures, I'll get em to you as soon as Eric emails them to me. We met Roger and Kathy from Meridian! I wish we could have spent more time with them. But we'll keep in touch and maybe I can get them back up to Memphis and can pick a little with them. Love ya Reeda and sure wish Crusher coulda been here. I had an aisle seat for him and really missed sitting next to him.....sigh.....Bigdeltahugs!

 
Dave Jacques, Keith Sykes, Billy Prine, John Prine, Todd Snider, and Jason Wilber during Paradise encore  
© by Donna Palmer of The Prine Shrine

By: Raybaby
I carried a friend to his first Prine show for a Bachelor Party gift. He assured me that he will remember this concert for the rest of his life! Todd Snider opened and impressed the hell out of me. His style crossed between Neil Young and Mr. Prine himself. I'll be looking for Todd to come around again in the future. John Prine gave the best show I've seen in the 30 years I've been following his music. He played for two and one half hours without a break - about all I can do for that long without a break is breathe in and out! I am firmly of the opinion that John Prine is our greatest living singer/songwriter. If you missed this show, you missed out!

By: Roger Crimm
We had a great time in Memphis, topped off (of course) by the show. Todd Snider opened up (barefooted!) and was great. I got his live CD a week before the show, because I had not heard his music before. I am very impressed and inspired by his wit and songwriting, and he opened the show in fine fashion. I also got to chat with him a bit between his set and John’s, and we know some of the same people from Nashville! I will definitely be keeping up with him from now on… Then, out comes the master himself. Prine was in a word outstanding, even for him. I also thought his voice was in fine form. Yes, a little raspy towards the end, but so what. He earned that honest. His set was great, of course, and as already mentioned included a couple of songs I had not heard him do live before. In my opinion, JP is our greatest living “Americana” songwriter, and he proved it once again with the new songs he played. If you read this John, get bustin’ and finish the dang album (yeah “CD, it’s the same thing“…ha) already! It was also great to meet Donna and Co. and likewise, we wish we could have spent more time with them. We will definitely plan to get together again! This was our first trip to Memphis. We already have a list of stuff we want to come back and visit, because we didn’t have time this trip. It was also my girlfriend Kathy’s first Prine show, and I think she finally “gets it”. Another convert! In my mind this was the best Prine show I have seen…till next time anyway. Keep doing what you do John, you are the best!

By: Bob Davidson
Another great concert! It seemed like John kind of slowed most of the songs down and really concentrated on the words. It was a much different "feel" to it than the show I saw in Evansville last fall. I really liked it though. Saddle In The Rain and Sweet Revenge were two songs I have not heard him sing before and I really like how they were done. They were much different than on the albums. His stories were great. Most I have heard before, but I still love how he does them and I laugh just as much as the first time I heard them. Don't ever miss a chance to see John! Another highlight was getting one of his guitar picks from the stage. Thanks! Can't wait for the new album and can't wait for another show!

By: Brad White
What a show, opened with Todd Snider, he got a standing ovation, but when the Prine Man hit the stage, and opened with Spanish Pipedream, I knew it was gonna be a hell of a show. Then he led in with a request from George Bush, " Your Flag decal won't get you into heaven anymore", what a riot, and how appropriate, Then hit us with "Six O'clock News", Followed by a tribute to the Late, Great, Steve Goodman, with "Souvenirs", followed by "Fish and Whistle, and "Picture in a picture show". Totally, awesome, a few good stories, each and all songs with a quick drink of water, he picked up his guitar and Let 'em Rip. I was allowed my binoculars, and watched the man as he sang, and always seemed to mention the people he cared so much about, most certainly, the lady who meant the most, "Momma". A true performer in his own right, left a great impression on the whole crowd. and got two standing ovations, and could have gotten more. He is the man, and always will be.

By: Wippuh
Drove up from Bham to see the concert and it was a mixing of both good and bad. It was my girlfriend's very first show and she loved it :) The show was great. The Orpheum was beautiful. Beale Street was a letdown but the entire area overall was incredible with parking easily available. I heard an usher say that they had sold 2000/2500 tickets. With walkups, I'm sure that it approached a sellout. I had never seen Todd before, and his music was a pleasant surprise. John's voice, while raspy, sounded great when he sang which was a big difference from when I saw him in Montgomery not too long ago. When he'd go to tell stories, that is when you can tell he had a pronounced 'raspy' sound to his voice. The setlist looks very similar to the one posted from Vicksburg. I don't believe he played You Got Gold or Donald and Lydia. However, he did play the new song about Clowns putting their Makeup on upside down. I really believe that will be a bit hit among all fans when it comes out on his new album. Also, he played Saddle in the Rain. It was a lot slower than the version on the Anthology. Combined with the lack of horns, it sounded extremely dark and moody. I liked it much more than the album version. The bad part had to be the audience :-/ Sometimes you wonder why people even pay to attend the show because they can just as easily stay at home and talk the entire time. We had to get up and move about a third of the way through the show as the drunk couples around us thought it was a social night out with each other. Combine that with numerous audience members yelling out the punchlines and lyrics to stories/songs and I felt bad for my girlfriend. The couple next to us had just moved to Memphis a month earlier from Seattle and asked if it was like this always in the South. Extremely embarrassing.

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