Please  feel  free  to  drop   us  a  line  with  your  review...just e-mail me.
SIX O'CLOCK NEWS
UPDATED 06/25/02
I GOT EXCITED JUST BEING PART OF THAT SCENE
REVIEWS OF THE
JOHN PRINE CONCERT TOUR
Illinois Concerts

Proviso East High School Auditorium, Maywood, 2/26/00

• "Wrestling Back to Maywood" - by the webmistress PMS*red

• Tribune Article

• FROM: Mike C
  Just wanted to drop a line about the great show at Proviso East High School on 2/26/00. John's brother Dave's band, National Recovery Act, opened up and played a soothing rendition of 1920's country music. It was awesome. Then John came out and stated how proud he was to play at his alma mater. He played an unreal set lasting about 2.5 hours. The crowd loved his music and his great sense of humor. The concert was a fundraiser for the Maywood Fine Arts. Just shows John's priorities and care for the community. Hope he comes back to Chicagoland soon.

• FROM: Scotty R. Dossett
  Saw the Maywood show!  John sounded in good voice, maybe a little gravelly on talking. You could tell he was tired but really diggin' up on being with his "homies". He was full of stories about where the songs came from...what his life was bringing him when he wrote them. He also seemed to be having some trouble with his F chords (I think). Why is it he can just shake his head and keep on trucking...I just completely freak? Guess it's cause he's a consummate performer and I'm not.  It was a real treat to see his Brother Dave and friend as National Recovery Act lead off the show. Old time banjo, a guitar or violin. Dave played just about every instrument as did the other gentlemen (don't have the concert book...which was GREAT!... with me to see his name). Their dual banjo version of Sweet Sunny South was the high point of the set.  John, Jason and the bass guy played for almost two hours. John did a nice different version of Angel from Mont. although I'd be pressed to describe it. Anyone who saw (as I did!) the West 54th show got a repeat of the first three numbers (I think) Spanish Pipe Dream first.  There were of course MANY more songs I would have wished he had played, but what the hay! The guy has too many songs and too little time to sing 'em.  Anyway in spite of rainy weather for our 100 miles or so trip and the squeaky cooling fan in the balcony it was a fantastic show. The 4 of us were just in awe. The place was packed with all ages present.  Wishing there were more people with that amazing mix of "grounded" and ethereal in this world. John (for my money) pretty much takes the cake.  I am gonna get a music book some time soon. I THINK I can finger pick some of this stuff... just gotta work harder.  Peace.

• FROM: Brad
  I drove about 75 miles with my sister and son to see John in concert. I thought it was an excellent show. Yeah, the heat was turned up, probably because it's still winter and they can't turn off the heat in the school. Outside it was great! They did let you bring in a bottle of water to help beat the heat. It was worth it to see John Prine back in Maywood. We saw him in Peoria, IL in 97 and in Indianapolis last year and this was far better. He played songs I know haven't been heard live in a long time. He explained the story behind his songs and got a lot of laughs. I would have loved to have a video of it. It was kind of like the "Storytellers" show on VH-1. Hint: How about having John on THAT show! He even played "Flag Decal"! Inside, the atmoshphere, besides the heat, was just good music and good stories. The crowd was very appreciative and gave him a standing ovation when he came in, and when he finished. The encore was John singing "Paradise" with two of his brothers, Jason Wilber, David Jacques and the other gentleman from the opening act, "National Recovery Act". They also presented an award to him as part of the benefit. All in all, it was a one of kind show, and I was glad to be there. As far as Maywood, I'm sure it was a different community when John lived there. All things change with time especially in today's society. We stopped at a local KFC a block from the high school. We were greeted with ordering through bulletproof glass and handing money to the clerk under the glass in a tray. They have obviously had trouble being robbed or something. I thought the bathroom was occupied when we came in, and was surprised to see a patron go into the bathroom after waving to a KFC worker. It was on an electronic lock to keep people out unless they got buzzed in. Again, a sign of society. It doesn't matter what color you are, it's like that in a lot of places, and it's too bad. Inside the auditorium, settled down listening to John sing his songs like he did 25 years ago, the outside world didn't matter. Sorry this is a long message, but this site is a perfect forum to spread the word about some great music. Thanks!
  

"YEAH LITTLE BUDDY GONNA GET YOUR CHANCE -
MAKE THE PUBESCENTS ALL WET THEIR PANTS"