JOHN PRINE IN GEORGIA 2005 CONCERT REVIEWS

The Fabulous Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA
April 15, 2005

By: tommy zadick
I give it a 4 star. New album is also a 4 star.

Folksy Prine's presence conveys fond spirit Monday, April 18, 2005 
by: MARY COLURSO News staff writer 
http://www.al.com/entertainment/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/entertainment/111381581417911.xml
  The title of John Prine's next album, "Fair & Square," fits his live performances, too. This masterful singer-songwriter, 58, comes from a folk tradition that emphasizes honesty, eloquence, humor and a sense of social justice. 
  He offers a down-to-earth concert for a reasonable price. He plays hard and well, to the best of his ability, and people respond accordingly. 
  Perhaps that's why the Alabama Theatre looked full, or darn close to it, Saturday night in Birmingham. It's been about four years since Prine paid a visit, and fans were more than ready to hear that scratchy voice, rubbing us exactly the right way. 
  Aside from old favorites, Prine had a few new songs to toss into the mix, from a disc that'll be released April 26. These tunes proved that his lyrical gifts are richly intact, along with his ability to convey the beauty in life amid much sadness. 
  Simply put, Prine sure has a way with words. 
  His 9 p.m. set list included "Crazy as a Loon," "Glory of True Love," "Taking a Walk," "Long Monday" and "She is My Everything."   No Prine show would be complete without "Lake Marie," and he dedicated that shimmering song, with its bittersweet storytelling, to two Ohio women in the front row. The worshipful audience listened to unfamiliar material with rapt attention, sang along with favorites ("Souvenirs," "Whistle and Fish," "Donald and Lydia," "Angel From Montgomery") and shouted requests. But Prine, guitarist Jason Wilber and bassist Dave Jacques had their two-hour performance already figured out, and they delivered it skillfully. For President George W. Bush, Prine revived his political oldie "Your Flag Decal Won't Get You into Heaven Anymore." It was a request, of sorts - as Prine put it, "He's asking for it." 
  Funny thing about John Prine's music: Some of us require his presence to thoroughly enjoy it. All of those albums are fine, but there's a wonderful spirit to his shows that never quite translates to recordings. May he return soon. 

By: Mary Arehart
Just saw John in Atlanta on 4/15/05. I had already received his new cd and memorized all of the words of course. That was a phenomenal concert. He played for 2.5 hours. Keb' Mo' before him for about an hour and a half! He brought out a lot of old songs I haven't heard him do in awhile. If I die today I die one happy woman!

By: Sorry
I would like to deeply apologise to John Prine and audience members at his show in Atlanta. There were two obnoxious drunks toward the back center. I was one of them. I'm very sorry for ruining what could have been a great evening. I have the deepest respect for John Prine, I feel he is one of the greatest of all time. I did not act in this way however. I know I don't deserve forgiveness, but, I would like everyone I offended to know that I realize I was wrong. Once again I am truly sorry.

By: Julie Simon
Hey, little buddy, that was one of the most amazing Prine shows (and I've seen my share over 25 years). It's so great to see the many people out there who love him just as much as I do and, as always, he's just captivating...And as far as his political statement, good grief, isn't his authenticity of the most wonderful things about Mr. Prine?!?!? Speaking for myself only, I never doubted where he stood on the subject and of course, I totally agree with his sentiments (can't imagine how anyone could possibly support our current president) but even if I didn't, I would absolutely support his right to speak his mind...REMEMBER: This is America, everybody!!! And did I mention that I had the unimaginable honor of actually giving John Prine a hug when I met him in person after the show?!?!? And, as if that weren't enough, he actually gave ME a hug when we finished speaking?!? I felt like I was dreaming...Even after these weeks, I still cannot believe it actually happened. WOW...Fair and Square is just fantastic and I can't say enough great things about it. And one more thing...Michael Hughes, if you're out there in that great somewhere, thanks for turning your 17-year old girlfriend named Julie on to the wonderful Mr. Prine...25 years later, I love him more than you could ever imagine.

By: Lemesa
Mexican Home was a special treat, I haven't heard him play that since Pensacola 2003. Birmingham show was an unbelievable show, seats were better but luckily I wasn't as emotional as Friday! John is so real and talented he brings tears to your eyes. Dave and Jason aren't to shabby either! Enjoyed meeting all my Prine family at Hemingways, Atl., and B-Ham (lets make it a more frequent occasion, those of us in Atl. should be ashamed if we don't celebrate from time to time). Reeda--- You really are the mother I shoud've had! XOXOX

By: TC
Came from Chicago to share the Prine concert experience with my brother-in-law, a Georgia boy. I have seen John many times over the past 30 years. I love the new songs (especially "Taking a Walk"), and John seems to feel the older songs more intensely than ever. Friday he sang particularly impassioned versions of "Six-O'clock News" and "Mexican Home". He seems to be having a great time performing. I am 51, and I was amazed and the wide age range amongst the fans who clearly knew all the words to his songs. The Fox is a classic, beautiful venue, and they serve alcohol all through the concert. That meant there was a lot of traffic back and forth to the lobby, and a few fairly drunk patrons by show's end -- but none of that detracted from a great evening.

By: Christopher Jones By far one of the best shows ever. Aside from the normal hooting and hollering (and the one fella making noise during Sam Stone who must've had emotional problems), I liked everything about the venue, the crowd, and the Musicians. I could not believe I was actually alive and conscious when I got to my chair in the fourth row of the pit, DEAD CENTER. I have never had such good seats for any concert, let alone, a John Prine concert. The ticket gods must've favored me when I made my pre-order purchase. What a treat! John is such a cool guy, and Jason and Dave rock. After thinking about it some more, I think this was the best concert of my life, so far. 2 words: Mexican Home

By: Spanky in Atlanta
What a great night in Atlanta with John Prine. JP gave a spirited performance. He played Flag Decal (with his commentary on the Bush Administration). Souvenirs, Fish & Whistle, Angel of Montgomery, Dear Abby as well as She's My Everything were simply awesome. John talked to the crowd a lot tonight. Telling us of his trip to Ireland before he segmented into Fish & Whistle. My personal favorite was Lake Marie. I have seen John play this numerous times but last night at the Fox was simply awesome. The encores were great (Christmas in Prison, Sweet Revenge, and Paradise) On Paradise, Keb Mo joined in on Mand0lin and someone else on banjo. It ended the show perfectly. Keb Mo is a great artist. He warmed the crowd up before JP came on. All in all, a great show and should be a good sign of things to come. My only regret is that JP didn't play Storm Windows (my personal favorite)

By: Spence
Holy Crap. That show was good. I wrote the set list down for anybody who wants it: Spanish Pipedream, Flag Decal, Six O'Clock News, Souvenirs, Fish and Whistle, Glory of True Love, Takin' a Walk, All the Best, Angel From Montgomery, Long Monday, Crazy as a Loon, Donald and Lydia, Dear Abby, Mexican Home, That's the Way That the World Goes 'Round, Sam Stone, Bear Creek, She's My Everything (John on electric), Ain't Hurtin' Nobody (John on electric), Some Humans Ain't Human, Hello in There, Lake Marie, enc. Christmas in Prison, Sweet Revenge (John on electric), Paradise (with Keb' Mo' and some cat on banjo). Now...the Fox dominates. Keb' Mo' was very, very good. John, Jason, and Dave rocked the house so hard that I thought my head would explode on multiple occasions. I had the best seats I've ever had for a JP show (second row behind the pit) and I couldn't have asked for more. The new album is outstanding. Anyway, I'm still drunk on John Prine so I can't make much sense. Was fun meeting all you folk at Hemingway's the other night. Sorry if I hurt your eardrums with my horrible vocalizing and memory.

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