Dan Fogelberg - Leader of the Band (Live 2003) 

To my fellow Dan Fogelberg fans....about 14 months ago, I typed in a comment for this video to inform you that I was diagnosed with Stage 3 prostate cancer, that I would be getting treatment, and I coverted the prayers of all who read my message. Ironically I was at the same age (56) that Dan died of this disease. After radiation therapy, and a recheck of my PSA last week, my cancer IS GONE and officially declared IN REMISSION! I'm a walking miracle! Thanks for your prayers on my behalf!

My dad died when I was 13, I'm 53 now and still miss him so much, he worked two jobs to keep us, he died when he was only 49, Miss you so much dad xxx

Dan lived in Pagosa Springs, CO and I in Durango. I saw him several times in town & one day I spoke to him just to say hello. He sat down on a bench and talked with me for 20 minutes or so, just local stuff... weather, tourists, love for the mountains. I will never forget his kindness that day, rest in peace my friend.

It's time to induct DAN FOGELBERG into the Rock ☆☆N☆☆Roll Hall Of Fame! Jann Wenner, are you listening? We miss you Dan, my husband Keith also passed in 2017 at age 55 from stage 4 colorectal cancer. We'll see you guys on the other side! I can only imagine the music in Heaven.

My dad died when I was 8 years old, and tear up every time I hear “papa, I don’t think I said I love you near enough “

For all of us who miss our dads, thank you for this beautiful tribute of a song. You are with your dad again, I'm sure.

My stepfather, took on 6 kids, raised and supported them. He never played an instrument and couldnt sing but for some reason this reminds me of him... was an amazing human beign

A good song is a good song, regardless of whether it’s 500 yrs. old or 5 minutes old.

My dad has been gone 16 years - and if I had a million more times to tell him I love him, it wouldn't be enough!!~ RIP Dan - and thank you for the music!

Lost my Dad a year ago; WW2 B17 pilot, 95 years old; he was indeed a leader of the band....brought all his guys home safe.......taught me sooo much....miss you Daddy!

I always get teary whenever I hear this song. Such a classic!

My Dad died the year this song came out and it spoke to me and I became a Dan fan forever. His music has continued to inspire me through life, he is so missed!

Dan had a major influence on me as I learned to play guitar. Saw him live in the mid-70s in Boulder, Co in an auditorium - he just played and sang. No smoke, no mirrors, no dancers. An immensely talented man. I miss Dan.

The World is better off because of your music Dan. God bless you

My Dad was a great dad. But now he has alzheimers. He doesn't recognize me. We were close when I was young. About 15 years ago we had a falling out; he didn't agree with my politics: I joined a union as an active member. We didn't speak for two years. It took a lot to close the distance over a stupid issue. I visited him 2 days ago in the Nursing home. Over the years nothing has greater meaning than this song. I love you, Dad...You are the Leader of The Band.

This is by far the most moving song I've ever listened to. From the guitar to the lyrics to Dan's voice. Everything is very powerful.

Dan had a place over in Pagosa Springs, he hung out in Durango when home from the road. Met him and we talked several times, kind hearted soul he was. I am a local musician and he treated me like I was in his league. Amazed me, his humility and grace.

A man, a guitar and a story from his heart. Evidently the ingredients of greatness. Thank you Dan Fogelberg

I saw Dan Fogelberg in Champaign at the Assembly Hall. A homecoming for him because he was a student at Illinois. He explained that he had written the song for his dad. Then he pointed to a gentleman in the crowd and introduced his dad. He then sang. Not a dry eye in the house.

Gut wrenching. This is why I LOVE playing his music. Look at him- - - he's talking to his father- - -after how many times has he played this song live? NONE of anything that I play by him, can I not get into the song, and "feel" it while I'm playing. Thank you Dan- - -.

The respect shown while that song played was AWESOME. It was as if everyone was holding their breath so that everyone could be touched by this masterful tribute. Thank you, Dan. You've touched countless lives, and have made better musicians of us all.

During this strange times of covid19 I spend lots of time at home watching songs on RU-vid and trying to improve mi guitar playing (still have tons of room for inprovement..) and keep coming back to Dan's beautiful songs. I watched this video dozens of times during the last 3 months and always ended up deeply touched. What a loss, his songs are a blessing and will live forever, I got all his records when I was in my 20's ... I'm 61 now and still in love with his music

This is a timeless masterpiece by a poet whose work speaks to so many. I believe this will still resonate in the souls of people decades from now. Thank you, Dan, and thanks for posting this. Beautiful.

That man truly had a gift! As a Kentuckian, I can't hear "Run For The Roses" without tearing up. He captured the spirit of the Kentucky Derby like no one else could!

This song still rings true for me after all these years....."and Papa I don't think I said, I love you near enough"....

I love this song. I am a retired Band Director like Dan's Father so it touches me in a very special way. The images in this song are pure poetry. I am going to learn this one on guitar! Dan Fogelberg and Larry Fogelberg, thanks!

I was lucky enough to have the leader of the band as my high school band director at Pekin Community HS, graduating in 1975. He is probably the only reason I graduated & kept me focused enough to stay in school. He talked about Dan all the time & he was just starting to get famous. Dan would come to our band concerts several times a year. I was lucky enough to hang out with him a few times in our drum room before the concerts. He loved jammin' on the vibraphone!! If we only had cell phone video back then. There's not a day goes by that I don't think about Larry Foigelberg. He was the biggest influence in my life besides my own mom & dad.

When I found out that Dan fogelberg had passed away I cried. This guy will never be forgotten and neither will his music. He is a legend. We love you 💜💜💜. Rest in peace

Makes you realize life is a precious thing. I'll be playing this at my Dad's funeral when the time comes. Until then, I will say I love you at every opportunity I get. Thanks, Dan and thanks, Dad.

at our generation, songs like this should exist , i grew up in a world of rock, classic and blues , i am 10 years old when rap music became popular in the late 2004, but that genre disgusted me and until today this music serves me meaning and i am never too young to listen to his song right now im 20 years old and i listen to old music (music of the golden era) and musics today are (music of the idiots era)

My father is in hospice. His last days on earth with us. Joined the navy during Korea, but music was his life. He toured with Lee Greenwood in their band, The Apollos. Made a living and put a roof over our heads as a musician. Never became famous, but was larger than life to us. The last verse of this song sums up my goodbye to him perfectly. Eddie Lovato, Papa, you’ve earned your rest. Appa and Grandma are waiting for you. I love you and miss you and you will live on every time I pick up a guitar and when my sons and their sons pick one up too. Thank you for telling me how proud you are of the good job I did with my boys. I am proud of the job you did with me. Your loving son- Daniel

This makes me think of my own father so many years ago, he gave his life for us kids, so many years of endless hard work, to give a good home, food on the table, the love in our hearts. Thank you Dad!

Thanks Dan. "The leader of the band is tired and his eyes are growing old. But his blood runs through my instruments and his song is in my soul. My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man, I am the living legacy to the leader of the band." My dad was blind the last 4 years of his life. My dad was a great man and pretty famous for our small town because of his benevolence and other stuff. So I guess to some degree, I am the living legacy to my dad and his band of benevolence.

His description of his father reminded me of mine. He was a farmer and we kids had to help from a young age. He had quite a temper and could swear like a Marine at you if you did wrong. Still he was at times almost like a child himself and he loved us in his own way very much. I tried to be a father to my daughter just as he was to me.

I really missed my dad who passed 3 year's ago..and sad to say I never had a chance to tell him that I love him..I can't help but cry every time I hear this song..

Just one of the most poignant and beautiful songs ever. Timeless. A friend just set a slide show of her father's life to this song at his celebration of life ceremony. He was a musician with my father in the U.S. Navy Band and a treasured family friend. It could not have been a more perfect backdrop to the scenes of a remarkable life well lived. This will always be my favorite Dan Fogelberg song as well, God rest his beautiful soul.

I sang this song over and over again when my father passed.Touching,indeed.RIP Patrick Yanello,my Dad!

I covet the prayers of those who read this. I am a big fan of Dan and his music, and have all of his albums. I was just diagnosed with stage 3 prostate cancer, and ironically, I am the same age now (56) as when Dan passed away from this horrible disease. I begin treatments this week. Please keep me in your prayers. Thank you!

I took my girlfriend (now my wife of 39 years) to see Dan Fogelberg at the Fox theater just after the release of his Netherlands album in 1977. This man was an amazing musician and entertainer. He didn't need 25 people jumping around on the stage, all he needed was a bar stool, a guitar, and a microphone. I have all of his music on vinyl and I really miss him. He was an amazing person. I started playing guitar in 1974 and I've learned quite a few of his easier songs and leader of the band is one of my favorite to play.

i lost my father february of last year, few days before my birthday. we're approaching a year without him physically .. this song really hits the spot ... i miss my papa .. im about to turn 30 yrs old in two weeks ... sorry pa i haven't said i love you to you 😔 .. I LOVE YOU ❤️🙏

I love that you don't even hear a pin drop from the audience, so respectful. He sang songs from his soul to ours

This song reminds me of my Dad too. He died at 67 when I was age 34 of cancer. Way to young to die, and way too young to lose your Dad. Thanks Dan Fogelberg for the memories!

This song reminds me of my grandfather who was a pianist and composer. He died in 2013 from emphysema, but he was the leader of the band for my life. Thank you Dan Fogelberg for the beautiful music.

Tears are rolling down as I write this response. I was raised on his albums. This song in particular as well as run for the roses takes me back to a time. I have children of my own now and understand much of what he sings about. I am in between the love for my own father and the love for my children. Life is beautiful and cannot be taken for granted. Thanks for posting. Very Poignent!

I last saw Dan Fogelberg perform at Echo Basin Ranch near Cortez Colorado in the year 2003!.. My FATHER IVY INGALLS died August 6, 2003. He was my everything! I was grieving horribly but went and heard Dan for the last of many concerts. I saw him in the early 1980's at LSU, Red Rocks, Pagosa Springs High School gymnasium - the girls basketball team had won state & he lived here. That show was so great - the lights went out - and a rodie came with a flashlight to hold over his head until the lights came back on.......I've seen him so many times I can't count. BUT hearing him a few weeks after my Daddy died and knowing he was buried just over my right shoulder in Mancos, Colorado was the MOST SPECIAL! I know music very well & would start yelling on his introductions because I knew what he was going to play! I know the words to EVERY SONG & it was a small crowd & raining some. I remember this guy standing in front of me turned around to see who was singing all the songs, & I said I was sorry. He said no, it sounds great keep on. & I did RIP DAN & DADDY. I'll be up on that mountian with you soon enough! I Love You So........l go rest high on that mountain as Vince Gill says so beautifully.

This song always has a special place in my heart. This is one of the favorite songs of my father. I first heard the song when my father sang it with a guitar. Now, I'm playing this whenever he comes home for a vacation. P.S. He is a carpenter who dreamt to be a soldier once.

I do miss hearing him very much. He received a special gift from God and his father.

The same cancer killed my husband. When we viewed this PBS special back in the day we both agreed he was unwell. It certainly shows in his voice problems. I’ve been a fan since 1972. Miss you Brian. Miss you Dan. ❤️

This is one of the most beautiful song ever written , and for me and others to have a chance to hear it for a million times thank you Dan Fogelberg . This song lives forever , God be with you and God bless you .

Still hard to believe he's not with us anymore. In honor Dan on this day of remembrance, just thought I'd share an alternate last chorus ... We know Dan has left us now but his memory lingers on, In the music that he left for us his songs are in our souls, His life was full of hope and love He gave us all he had, He's still the living legacy to the leader of the band, He's stil the living legacy to the leader of the band.

There are kids listening to this...that is wonderful!!! perhaps there is hope yet!! RIP Dan....not really gone, just past through the Nexus. I will love you forever.

His father, Lawrence Fogelberg, was the leader of the band at my high school in Pekin, IL in the 60s and 70s. I saw Dan perform this at the Peoria (IL) Civic Center in the early 80s.

I went through my old albums today and found this..since the early 80s its been stored with all of my best music..Dan we lost you way to soon, you have never been forgotten. .Thank You..

After my father passed away, this song hit me more than ever. What a great musician he was. Miss him.

I've been playing guitar and singing for 40 years.... I've never made it all the way through this song without breaking down. Reminds me too much of my Grandfather.

Absolute gem 💎 from Dan and a beautiful dedication to his late father! Dan was grossly underrated in the music world 😢🎤🎸🎹🎼🎵♥️🇺🇸

In Dedication to my Dad Avelino Barela Avalos whom I am proud of knowing as a Hispanic Musician who loved his music and gave to many with his time and I thank Dan Folgerberg for such a beautiful song that I sang to my dad at his funeral in 1985.

More then words, more then the feelings I can express, more then time can measure, the love and emotion weaved through this song delivered by this poet, singer and songwriter is like a prayer touching my heart in light of the recent passing my "Leader of the Band." Thank you Dan and your spirit lives on.........

I always loved this song. Made me think of my dad who died 4 years ago. Who would've thought Dan Fogelberg would be gone just a few years after this concert. Far too soon.

my favorite fogelberg song. reminds me of my dad a lot. he knows i love him though... now, i'm a father...i know how a loving father feels towards his children. Thanks, Papa Reuben! I love you!

Eight years today we lost Dan. Sleep sweetly, poet.

I danced with my father at my wedding to this song. Beautiful. R.I.P. Dan.

He was my inspiration in my teens. I first heard the track "There's A Place In The World" on the radio in 19080 when I was packing one night to go to Brussels for a summer holiday and fell in love with him then but what was strange and weird is that while I was in Brussels I was walking through a street market and there was an album being sold by one of the vendors and it happened to be "The Innocent Age". So I bought it and the rest is history for me.

I was first introduced to the brilliance of Dan Fogelberg at my eldest sister's college graduation, her valedictorian spoke about the song, Run For The Roses and how she was moved by the powerful, inspiring lyrics of this amazing storyteller and that is how I will always remember this angelic, soft spoken man who was taken from us far too soon,RIP Daniel

It has been since 1982, when I heard this song, after my father's death of Prostate Cancer, this song WAS Richard. He was only 52 when he passed. I am now 52. And I am still in tears with this song, seeing his 'thundering Velvet Hands" I thank you for your stories and my freedom when it came my time to go...I was only 22 when he passed.

There is no song in this world more beautiful and filled with such love. Dan Fogelberg loved to play music, but most of all, love to share his music. We miss you Dan.

Thanks so much for this song. I sang it over my father's grave at the funeral and as I looked up, a lone seagull was circling over the grave site. I miss him still!

I mist up (or worse) everytime I hear this. Reminds me of my late father, and I also miss Dan who we lost far too soon.

Back in 1981 (I think) I heard this song and it really struck me. My dad liked to build things as did his dad. So, I wrote down the lyrics and mailed them to my dad from college. Dad's been gone for almost four years now. I still miss him. It was incredibly hard to watch him go. I love you Dad. Can't wait to see you again.

I listen to Dan every once in a while. Takes me back to different memories of my life spent with his music especially "White Mountain Snows"! Thank you for the music Dan! Thank you for the memories! Thank you for being a part of my life! RIP

RIP Dan… Your Voice Will Live On…. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

He is so missed! I saw him at least 6 times and each performance was magical. There will never be another Dan Fogelberg.

i believe this is even greater delivery than recorded version. i feel Dan's heart talking!!! Miss him greatly. What an icon!!!!

I love playing this song...my dad taught me guitar ( a little ) he was great I wished I learned sooner, now he's gone and this song fits me ...love you Dan ! Incredible performance...

My father and I became strangers when I was young, he had a new family and the time we spent together became fewer and fewer. Now that I am an old man and my father passed many many years ago and we never said goodbye

One of the most beautiful songs ever written.

"But his blood runs through my instrument and his song is in my soul... I thank you for the music and your stories of the road I thank you for the freedom when it came my time to go I thank you for the kindness and the times when you got tough And Papa, I don't think I said I love you near enough." Ooooh wowwww! I really really admire this man! It's not enough to be a musician. You got to leave a good mark in the souls of men. Oh Dan you hit mine! You are a spiritual creature, a humble man and a kind son! You live in our hearts! God bless your tribe!!!!!

Certainly one of the greatest songwriters, poets in a time when there were so many. Not only talented as singer songwriter but also played most of the instruments on his album and was a gifted artist as well. An amazing talent with none of it wasted. What an inspiration!

His song "Longer" was played at my beautiful wife's graveside service. It was "our song" from our days of courting. A great song and a great talent. It was the most appropriate song to commemorate our long marriage and life together, I miss you Linda. Rest in Peace.

Every time I hear this song, I cry!!! I love Dan's voice and I love the songs that he writes, and I love the emotion he puts into his songs when he sings them!! GOOD JOB, DAN!!!!!!

Great composition.I used to deliver Margret Fogelberg's (his mother) newspaper as she lived in my neighborhood. I once had a chance to see several of his gold albums framed above the fireplace in her living room. She told me that "If I ever saw a jeep in her driveway to come up to the door." That would be Dan's as he often drove his jeep cross country from Colorado to Maine. She said he really enjoyed the time to reflect and think as he drove. I never had the opportunity to meet him.

This is a song I've many times when I was young and I loved it back then and somehow upto this very day I still love. Great song, great composer and great instrumentalist. What can I say? It's the whole package.

Beautiful tribute to his father by one of the best singers/songwriters of his generation.

Pure honesty of love and raw emotion. Very difficult to make it through without crying.

These simple but prolific words are time-enduring. Another great talent who never received his dues.

My dad taught me to play guitar when I was in 9th grade. We used to play and sing together. God, I miss those times. I am now 64 and he passed in 2017 at 93..... I haven't played in a few years and just started back... I miss you Daddy.....💕🎸🎶🎵🎶 Thanks to you and Mom I've always had the gift of music. RIP Mom and Dad ....I miss you more than words can say.. can't stop the tears right now.

I lost my father and at that time i said bad words against him, i wish i could turned back time and tell my father how much i love him and I missed him soooooo much. I really regret all the bad words I told to my father, but I know someday we will see each other again.

Wow! One of my 5 brothers (+5 sisters) forwarded this to me today in Honor of our Father's Birthday today. Today would have been our Father's 104th Birthday. He passed away in 1973 at the age of 65, I was only 11.. He was the father/Dad of 13 children and such a patient man. He was our Leader of our Band! RIP Ralph Loren Janes

Very few people talk about dans guitar skills. There is no pause in finger picking. No strumming to give your hands a break. The stamina to make it through this song is impressive. My hands start cramping at about the second verse.

I love the line, "thundering velvet hand". More parents need to pay attention to being a parent and holding their children to a standard and teaching them respect and at the same time loving them unconditionally and never, ever put them down or make them feel they are worthless or nothing. Too many children have no respect for their parents or anyone else because they don't have the true love of their parents.

DAN FOGELBERG......LEADER OF THE BAND I thank you for your music and the stories of the road.

This is the 3rd video of "Leader of the Band" I have watched today. Saved them all to my library. It is heartful to hear his voice difference from the years past. Still the greatest, meaningful piece of music, ever. I ditto what "1oldwhtguy" says. Thank you Dan Fogelberg for the gift you have given us all.

DAN FOGELBERG YOUR MUSIC IS SO BEAUTIFUL THANK YOU DAN RIP😢❤❤

Masterful storyteller...Brilliant musician. RIP Dan

One of the best songs I have ever heard ❤️ too sad he left early. He will be forever missed by listening to his songs 💔

after all these years, I still love this song. I would closed my eyes to listen to Dan ... and memories of my father flashing in my head.

Really love this guy and his music. Died to young

i'm crying can't even finish the song.. miss you dad.. you've been working all your life since you are 18 overseas then when you retire at 60 we have only little time to talk everything this is your fave song i sing through my guitar, i'm 30 when you left and now 41 with family.

To my father who also died early due to prostate cancer. He was 53 years old, and the year that this song came out. To both Dan and Dick, thank you for being leaders for me.

He sings with so much emotion.