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SIX O'CLOCK NEWS
I GOT EXCITED JUST BEING PART OF THAT SCENE
REVIEWS OF THE
JOHN PRINE IN SPITE OF OURSELVES CONCERT TOUR 1999
CALIFORNIA SHOWS
SAN FRANCISCO - THE FILLMORE Nov 6, 1999
FROM: D.B.Cooper
John Prine, as always, was a great show. Having seen in from reserved seats
in Oregon (Britt Festival) this summer, the Fillmore was a very disappointing forum. I
guess that in my old age a seat is worth an increase in the ticket price. Todd Snider was
a great opener. I saw Todd Snider earlier this year (had a seat there too) and enjoyed
both his music and his "stories". Bottom line. I hope to see both of them
perform in the future, but I won't go back to the Fillmore. That'll save the sitting on
the floor for the kids. ~
FROM: Dave Myers
November 6 1999 Fillmore, San Francisco Saw John Prine for the first time in person after
listening and being a huge fan for 28 years. We got to the Fillmore two hours before they
opened the doors, and believe it or not we were not the first ones there, we were behind a
very nice lady who traveled from the Sierras to see John and who sees him every chance she
gets. She not only was a very nice lady, she let us be first in line since this was our
first time seeing John! She clued us in on where to go to get a good "perch" at
the stage, so there I was at center stage, right in front of John with my Budweiser and a
big grin on my face seeing John Prine for the first time with him about 5 feet away. Todd
Snider opened the show and what a surprise he was! He did about a 1/2 hour set which was
very entertaining. He is a great story teller. Looks like John's legacy has been passed on
to "Generation X". John opened with "Spanish Pipe Dream". Being a half
assed guitar player myself I was very impressed with the beautiful finger picking style
John has and how easy he makes it look. He played a big beautiful Gibson (I think it was a
Dove?) and of course the old worn in warm sounding Martin. I couldn't tell you all the
songs John did as he played a good 2 1/2 hour set, but he played at least half of his
first album and played four songs from "The Missing Years" my personal favorite
album. John talked a little about Hank Williams and Bob Dylan being big influences on him.
I've always been reminded of Johnny Cash too when I hear him, go figure. Jason Wilber and
David Jacques were very good at backing up but not upstaging. A little stiff and formal
for being in John's band I thought but very dignified none the less. Of course Mr. Squeeze
came out later in the show, he adds a great deal of hominess and craziness to the back up
band. Now....the heart of the show for me was the middle of the set where John stood alone
in the center of the stage and did his show from his gut and his heart. I have to admit,
being a Vietnam Vet, to misting a little when he did Sam Stone...just one of my favorites
that seems to lump up my throat whenever I hear it. Iris DeMent of course was present at
the last part of the show and during the encore. She has a really unique, haunting voice.
I believe they did "Lets Invite Them Over" "The Jet Set" and "In
Spite Of Ourselves". John commented that since Andy Griffith played his father in
Billy Bob Thornton's new movie that makes him Opie's half-brother. Then he played
"Fish and Whistle". I think one of the things I will always remember now about
John and what really made an impression on me; he must have played each of these songs a
bazillion times, but I could tell that the words that crack us all up still crack him
up....he broke out laughing several times during the show after some of his especially
funny or witty lines. He pulled the old Okey-Dokey on the audience during Lake
Marie...letting us all hiss at the "sizzlin'" line while he cut it off
short...he seemed to enjoy doing that! I have mixed feelings about waiting this long to
see John Prine. On the one hand I know now I've missed some tremendous shows. On the other
paw I guess this experience of seeing him in person being so close to the stage was an
experience I can keep forever. Thanks John....
-
SAN FRANCISCO - THE FILLMORE Nov 5, 1999
FROM: Chris
I was fortunate enough to see J.Prine at the Filmore on Saturday night. It was my third
show on this tour, the other two being Sessions and Town Hall both in NYC. I must say that
the Filmore concert was quite something and it seemed like the band was more relaxed and
having a lot of fun. As great as everyone is you just can't beat seeing John solo acoustic
and the song selection that he played that night was amazing.
SAN FRANCISCO FLEADH FEST
FROM: Dexter
John's show at the San Francisco Fleadh festival was just great. He really seemed to be
enjoying himself, and a packed, rowdy tent screamed and yelled for more. Apparently the
time limitations meant very little in the way of storytelling, but the music spoke for
itself. This was the first time I've seen him after being a fan for over 20 years, and I
weaseled my way Right Up Front. Highlights: Angel from Montgomery made me a little misty,
for sure. He mentioned his recent health trouble... took a drag on a cigarette...and
dedicated "Souvenirs" to Steve Goodman. A long and powerful "Lake
Marie". "Donald and Lydia"...lots of songs from the first couple of albums.
It was literally one of the high points of my life...I was expected solo Prine and was
delighted to see all of the instruments on stage when I got there. The band was
exceptional, especially Dr. Squeeze. One problem - broken strings. By the 3rd one, he just
kind of gave up and played with 5. I hope he comes back sooner than soon. I'll be standing
at the station, waiting on a young Mark Twain.
HANFORD FOX THEATER, HANFORD, MAY 29, 1999
FROM: Matt P.
Hello-I Just saw Prine play Thursday night at the Fox in Hanford-great show One question:
Do Donald and Lydia ever really meet?
FROM: laura h: I saw prine in Hanford, California Thursday may 27. he is a beautiful man! I am truly inspired by his presence. have a nice day!
- STRAWBERRY MUSIC FESTIVAL, CAMP MATHER, MAY 31, 1999
FROM:Dan O'Brien an ardent Prine fan (originally from Chicago....now out in Pacific Grove CA) More Moses Hi y'all I just saw John at the Strawberry Music festival last weekend( 5/29) in Yosemite CA ..The black guitar that Moses (from Nashville) worked on with the 17 coats of black lacquer sounded flat. there were at least 2 strings out of tune.....I think John needs another trip to set a spell with Moses and figure out why why why.
VENTURA THEATRE, VENTURA, June 3, 1999
FROM:Paulie
The show last night
was godlike.
FROM: Sean Casteel
I met John Prine last Wednesday, June 2, at his concert here in Ventura California. My
buddy and I waited around the stage door for about an hour after the show, and when John
finally came out he was a true gentleman, posing for pictures and signing my copy of his
first record. I happen to be a freelance journalist who specializes in UFOs, and when I
asked John if he was interested in the subject, he said yes and happily accepted one of my
business cards. Then he told me that he knew that Van Morrison was REALLY into the subject
and accepted another card to pass on to Van. It was very gratifying to see John be so
understanding about a subject usually relegated to the lunatic fringe, especially since
Heaven's Gate. Anyway, John couldn't have been nicer and I'll treasure the photos always.
. And please tell John thanks again for me the next time you see him.
"YEAH LITTLE BUDDY GONNA GET YOUR
CHANCE -
MAKE THE PUBESCENTS ALL WET THEIR PANTS"
