Glenn Frey, one of the original EAGLES, has died
I am fortunate to have seen The
Eagles in concert twice.
Found this nice breakout shot of co-founder Glenn Frey, taken during a February 24, 2014 concert in Atlanta.
Had seen them perform almost 10 years earlier here in Charleston at the Coliseum, on March 5, 2005.
Checking details, I found that Frey collaborated with
Jackson Brown in writing their first big hit in 1972 - "Take It Easy."
Frey is in the center of this 2014 concert shot.
As it happens, I had just a few days ago seen Jackson Browne in concert at the Performing Arts Center and he played that hit he co-wrote with Frey.
Some sources credit Frey with contributing the classic line about being in Winslow, Arizona when "a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford, slows down to take a look at me."
Wonder if the Winslow Chamber of Commerce ever sent a thank you note to the band?
Talk of songs that give one a good vibe, I think some more praise is due for a thirsty well made "Tequila Sunrise?"
Lovers of a 'Rita cheer no doubt and raise a salt-on-the-rim glass in salute.
Speaking of older, classic performers, I saw the Rolling Stones twice last year, once in Atlanta and then again three weeks later, in Raleigh.
First time I saw
B.B. King was in September 1997 at Brittlebank Park, where he headlined a free concert that also featured J. Giels, Tower of Power and Robert Cray.
He apologized when he sat down on a stool after about 15 minutes. We didn't mind as thousands of us sat on blankets next to the Ashley River on a balmy evening.
Did I mention it was a free show?
This mural of B.B. was one of several at the old Plex. Wonder if it was saved when the place was torn down?
Saw him many times over the years. Several times I was in the front row, leaning on the stage railing at the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach.
He even handed me one of his guitar picks.
Another long-time blues star I've enjoyed live is Buddy Guy.
Yep, he handed me a pick too.
This trip down the musical memory road started with the Eagles.
I hope to see many more more notables.
ZZ TOP qualifies. Saw them at the PAC (center seat in the front row).
Next week will see guitarist Billy Gibbons at the Charleston Music Hall (CMH).
I just noticed the zipper pull is a miniature handcuff. Haha.
Sit close and your camera captures such fine points.
(Click on the pictures and the links for more details.)
Did I also mention I really, really like live music.
Please support it!
Labels: 'Rita time, B.B. King, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, Eagles, Glenn Frey, Take It Easy., Tequila Sunrise, The Plex, Winslow Arizona
Robert Randolph at The Plex
We got there at 7:30 and luckily were admitted early by the Managing Partner so Raj and I were all alone in the empty club, sipping cold beers and standing front row center as we waited for the
Robert Randolph and the Family Band concert at N. Chuck's PLEX last night.
It was general admission with no assigned seating and we figured the few bar stools were too far away. But what the hell...we were in THE prime viewing spot. Even though we knew we would be standing for hours, we were comfortable leaning our elbows on the cushioned security rail, right in front of Robert's pedal steel guitar. We could see all the details and markings on the 12-stringed instrument and even the smudged hand-written play list sitting atop the eight numbered sound controls and connections the roadies had hooked up earlier. Cousin Danyel's bass was set up to our left, Marcus' drums were right behind Robert and the keyboard and other guitar player would be to our right.
The stage was low, so when the show started at 10:15 and the family trooped onstage, Robert sat down just above eye level, only about 6 feet from us. We wanted to make sure he saw that this almost 67-year old guy and his younger buddy were having a helluva good time. We were part of the young swaying throng crammed in close and we danced and clapped along and had a ball. He saw us and knew it! I wish I could have had at least ONE day at work having as much fun as they were having doing their "job."
Of course this extreme close proximity spoils future Randolph concerts for us.
We had seen him twice before in Charleston at
The Music Farm, the first time with a sparse crowd and the next time, elbow-to-elbow with little room to move around. We had bounced,danced and splashed a few years ago in rain and mud when he performed under a huge white tent next to the mighty Mississippi during the 3-day
Beale Street Blues Bash in Memphis.
We were soggy in yellow ponchos a few rows back in Atlanta last year at the
Midtown Music Festival,looking up at a high stage and a huge TV screen behind him and The Family playing in the rain. Another time, we were inside and dry at
The Tabernacle in Atlanta near the Olympic Park and CNN headquarters downtown.
So now we've attended 6 concerts and he has a new album coming out next month. I'm sure we'll buy it.
Labels: Atlanta, Memphis, pedal steel guitar, Robert Randolph, The Plex
Some sources credit Frey with contributing the classic line about being in Winslow, Arizona when "a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford, slows down to take a look at me."
Talk of songs that give one a good vibe, I think some more praise is due for a thirsty well made "Tequila Sunrise?"
He apologized when he sat down on a stool after about 15 minutes. We didn't mind as thousands of us sat on blankets next to the Ashley River on a balmy evening. 
