Elliott Smith Concert - Henry Fonda Theater - Jan 31, 2003 

I'd rather listen to a half sleeping, high, drunk, messy Elliott than half the fucking artists that exist today.

45:13 "I got one left" Proceeds to play for another 40 minutes I love Elliott

this man was already gone by the time I heard his music... but he still saves my life on a regular basis.

To whoever filmed this, thank you SO much for giving this beautiful gift to us younger fans who never got a chance to see Elliott play. Thank you thank you

I like how his response to "get a backbone" was "okay, I'll try" Thanks Elliott

"I can't stand up...cause I don't have no knees. That wasn't really very funny. I don't have a strap." I love him.

SETLIST: 1.) 0:00 - King's Crossing 2.) 3:21 - Memory Lane 3.) 6:20 - Happiness ("I can't stand up because I don't have no knees") 4.) 10:50 - No Confidence Man 5.) 15:05 - (bracelet bit before song starts at 15:35) A Passing Feeling 6.) 18:20 - I Figured You Out 7.) 21:20 (song starts at 22:01) - A Fond Farewell 8.) 25:35 - Strung Out Again 9.) 30:22 - Twilight 10.) 34:40 - Coming Up Roses 11.) 37:44 - A Distorted Reality Is Now A Necessity To Be Free 12.) 41:15 - Pretty (Ugly Before) 13.) 45:00 - Plainclothes Man 14.) 50:00 - Long, Long, Long (George Harrison cover) 15.) 53:10 - [ENCORE] 16.) 54:08 - No Name #1 17.) 58:25 - Division Day 18.) 1:01:37 - I Don't Think I'm Ever Going to Figure it Out (Aborted) 19.) 1:04:15 - Better Be Quiet Now 20.) 1:08:50 - Say Yes 21.) 1:12:19 - Brand New Game 22.) 1:16:00 - Shooting Star

I love how Elliot responds to everyone's comments. It's like he's at a campfire or something, playing to his close friends.

Elliott: (from King's Crossing) "Give me one good reason not to do it!" Fan: "Because we love you!"

Setlist with times: :) 00:00 - Kings crossing 03:25 - Memory Lane 06:48 - Happiness 11:55 - No Confidence Man 15:35 - A Passing Feeling 18:20 - I Figured You Out 22:00 - A Fond Farewell 27:05 - Strung Out Again 30:40 - Twilight 35:00 - Coming Up Roses 38:05 - A Distorted Reality Is Now a Necessity to Be Free 41:40 - Pretty (Ugly Before) 46:33 - Plainclothes Man 50:57 - Long, Long, Long (George Harrison cover) 55:12 - No Name #1 58:33 - Division Day 1:02:22 - I Don't Think I'm Ever Going to Figure it Out (Aborted) 1:04:15 - I Better Be Quiet Now 1:10:03 - Say Yes 1:12:59 - Brand New Game 1:17:06 - Shooting Star

45:50 it says a lot about elliott's character that he gave that heckler the benefit of the doubt.

"Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep. I am the thousand winds that blow."

Merry Christmas to anyone whos spending it alone binge watching Elliott Smith videos

Elliott Smith was absolutely one of the most talented people this world has produced

I want to give him a hug

The emotion in his voice is yelling at you. I love him so much.

"If you can't fail, you have to always win, and I don't think you can always win." Christ, even Elliott's drunken rambling was inspiring.

I’ve never felt such a love for someone I’ve never met. I’ve never met him but he’s like a brother to me. So grateful he lived to produce this touching and wonderful music

When he talks about his bracelet falling apart he said it was going to be gone in about 6 mos anyway. He was gone shortly after, it gave me chills. And I cried through this entire set and am not ashamed to say it either.

10:50 "Thanks..." "Ah, uh, um, uhh, I don't think I'm nervous now. Sorry. Heh, haha. I think...heh...laughs that come out of me, at times like like this, are very... weird. And things that I say at times like this are strange - like that." I love you! "Oh I love you too..." I love metal!! "Yeah, well me too, but it broke my heart. ...Heh...This shirt it kind of...it has many meanings....I don't know any of them. My heart's blue because I like...heh...meh. uh."

"get a backbone" "get a backbone? what? i could tell you a dream i had last night, other than that i can't be more for real." that's a great response to one of the most tossed around complaints - nothing takes more strength than being honest and real, and that's everything elliott and his music were, among the greatest of a generation

I can't even believe I was at this show anymore. Feels like a long time ago.

Elliott Smith helps me keep in touch with my humanity each time I listen to him. He expressed complex feelings with such lucidity as if he'd done the rough psychotherapy for you, but the praise meant nothing to him, he just had to do it. For those that think he didn't have enough "backbone" coz of how his life ended or for any other reason, you just didn't appreciate what he gave. He was for real, maybe too dam for real which I'd take any day over the mainstream, superficial crap out there that all sounds the same. Despite how he left this planet, when he was here, he was ALIVE. What a great performance.

Interesting how he plays pretty much all of From A Basement on the Hill. That's a hard choice for an artist, between what the audience "wants" to hear and what you want to display - the favorites versus what you're doing (and subsequently feeling recently). It's good to see that Elliott was able to be true regardless of what may be said of him. No one can say he has no spine, damn it.

“thank you my friends!” 🥺 simple things show what a kind soul he is

45:14 A fan really yelled "Get a backbone!" What a nobody bro. This man puts his heart and soul into his music and the least you could do is show respect.

I was at this concert and it was pure magic. I will never forget it!!!!

God, the guy was a god of music no matter how much fucked up he was. Listening to Elliott always makes me feel comforted and it's like I'm in a safe place. Never forgotten, Elliott the Great!

The way he didn't want to play songs about drugs and addiction, the way he talked that he was fine "it's just a song", said sorry for like five times during the concert, makes my heart break. This is the best last concert he ever had. He was truly genuine over there. I don't know about afterlife but hope he found peace in the end.

My friend worked at the fonda when this show happened, he suprised me by talking me backstage and not telling me who was playing, i was on the right side of the stage. This was the most emotional show I have ever been to. When Elliott walked off stage, I was right there, in the way and I didnt even realize it because I had been crying. He walked down the stairs and gave me a hug.His Music has impacted my life in so many ways. @Sarah Nicole, I am in recovery also, I agree with you completly.

“Better Be Quiet Now” - Elliott Smith was such a phenomenal songwriter. Song kills me. Thank you E.S. ❤ xo

Pretty awesome that you can hear his girlfriend screaming "because we love you" during King's Crossing. I read that in in Elliott Smith and the Big Nothing that she would yell that after the line "give me one good reason not do it." After he felt no one cared anymore he added the line, "so do it."

Elliott Smith is one of the best songwriters ever

i don't know why but he didn't age at all. imao he always looked pure and talked/smiled like a boy.

It's a HUGE misconception to assume that he was high during this show, and that's the reason he was so shaky. It's quite the opposite. Elliott spent years performing and recording while high on opiates and/or amphetamines, and he sounded great. Just listen to his records and shows from those periods. Speaking as a musician/drug user, you get accustomed to playing better high. Music is like many things - you're at your best when body and mind are relaxed, at peace. I'm not glorifying drugs, that's just how functioning addicts roll. My point is, Elliott was trying to clean up during this time, and after years of dependence, performing sober probably made him anxious and uncomfortable. Trust me, if you're used to performing high all the time, doing it sober can be extremely fuckin' difficult. Any longtime addict-musician can vouch.

Dark dark show. Filled with symbolism and songs the crowd were unfamiliar with. Overall a very important documentation.

I was taught that compassion is the ability to see yourself in other people. Elliot Smith was an embodiment of compassion.

Yea, this video was my first experience with his music. I watched this for the first time about a year ago. I've honestly never experienced such a true and genuine soul. I wish there were words. And I don't think I'm alone, that's comforting.

10:57 I love when he laughs and then mocks his own laugh just like a normal laugh and then a "Ha, ha"

Elliott and Nick Drake and Kurt Cobain are a few people who have shaped my life. Love them to death.

I don't know what it is, but everyone i show his music to, just says yeah man it's good, then i feel kinda stupid for connecting so much with this dude. To me he's an absolute genius and i get confused when others don't see it.

This is a rough show for this guy, and he still is on point. People are waking up to the genius of this songwriter and performer. As much as like that he is a secret among people who love music, he is going to be someone that people listen to 100 years from now.

Elliott, you will be forever missed.

the more i listen to elliott, the better it is. THAT'S music. pure emotion with no macho boundaries and trying to impress anyone. its HIS emotion. Pure gold.

He makes me think so much. So many things left unsaid. I'm truly sorry Elliot. I love you.

In a day like this 17 years ago, Elliott left us all! Forever missed :(

15 years ago in a sad day like this Elliott left us! Rest in peace! "Never gonna know you now, but I goona love you anyhow"

don't know how he managed not to cry every time they shouted "cuz we love you!"

I totally agree with you. I listen to him every day. I feel like he is one of my best friends. I have an even deeper connection when I try to learn his songs on my guitar. I feel like I take part of him with me the closer I get to learning the song. Not only was he a brilliant song writer with his timing, to chord progression, to finger structuring, etc., but he was an excellent and very clever lyricist. I never get sick of his songs. I wonder what lyrics he'd write on his instrumentals.

Thank you for who ever recorded this, we don't have enough of Elliott Smith recorded, he is a melody genius, we miss you.

I really enjoy when he interacts with the crowd. He has such a good sense of humor I laugh when responds to comments that people make.

Insane vulnerability listening to that first track. His heart wasn’t in it. It takes so much energy to perform. I have spent decades practicing and singing Elliott. It’s hard man. He’s even the best here. I miss him so much. Breaks my heart. So unbelievably talented. For me he surpassed all his heroes… When he’s on it no one can touch him. When he’s vulnerable like this performance his work is still better than the shit around today. It’s really hard to play like him and sing dead pan. Lyrically , he was more advanced than the best of them. Thanks Elliott, you and Frusciante saved me. You’re my spirit guides …Thankyou

This was an amazing concert. On the top of his game. His loss is devastating (however he died) but we're still incredibly lucky he existed at all...a shooting star indeed, RIP Elliott you are loved

gives me chills when he says, "I can't prepare for death any more than I already have" so sad.

ok, i felt something really strong when he sang "give me one good reason not to do it" and someone in the crowd shouted "BECAUSE I LOVE YOU", i wasn't expecting for that live, but then... oh, Elliott, you are so very missed.

The kings crossing crushs my heart, so very sad.

I am one of those people like a lot of yall that drool and relish over recordings like this. I have this one broken down in my phone and i used to sleep to it. I write songs and have for years,, and I've used some of his banter as inspiration for things. Elliott was a goddamn musical genius. He's one of those people I feel like I've met though I know I never met, through his fucking music. I've met some of those people over the years, where I know I've met them despite not having met them really, not really at least, and listening to things like this remind me of that. Elliott had the light. Rushing light for sure, but he had the light. Thank you so much Elliott for all the light you've given to people. I hope anyone who listens to this can make things and try and shine this bright! Cuz he fucking did it. He did it. Try and catch that fuckin light I saw this post on reddit recently that asked how did you first hear elliott. i know a lot of old heads are here that have all the stories. I can remember distinctly. My memory is kinda a weird blessing and curse tbh. but here we are. I was sitting in my living room. I had these portable big speakers that were super fun for all of us. And my very very good friend put him on, and it damn near broke me. That was over 15 years ago, and I don't I'll ever stop : ) please tell us how you know him and his music cuz it is something that goes above a lot of bs. please tell the stories!

I've never heard "no confidence man," that song is incredible - wow. Thank you, Elliott Smith

I love how in the beginning of Memory Lane he makes a small mistake and you can see him crack a smile.... It's adorable and beautiful...

Elliott, you have saved my sanity and eased my pain with your music more times than I can count. You are a sacred artist in my opinion. Whenever I run across another person who knows who you are no matter what I'm doing I stopped and give my full attention to who I'm talking to because we're talking about you and I talk about you in such high regard such as an artist and it's always a special conversation because you are special. Thank you for saving my life. Im sure you are still saving lives today. See you in heaven.

Most Elliott Smith fans have something in common... they think they know everything about how Elliott was, felt, acted. I wish people would just stop talking about him and only listen to him.

You just wanna tell him “It’s beautiful! we love you! It’s ok” something was going on here, I think he was extremely nervous and self doubting for whatever reason that was that day. He acknowledges it as well, but he was so fucking honest..so real..that’s what didn’t go away no matter how nervous he was, his music was who he was.

When he messes up at the beginning of Memory Lane, he chuckles a little bit and I just love that. It makes me smile every time.

Still the best. Goddamn I just feel this dude.

My God I love him so much.

It gives me chills at 2:22 when he says "give me one good reason not to do it" and his girlfriend yells out "because we love you!" He never understood how much he really meant

I have watched this show countless times, but watching it now its making me really sad. Elliott was a genius

i was there at the vigil, i wrote on the wall...we lit candles and sang songs. it was so sad... the music lives on

Don't be sorry, Elliott. You'll never know,but you saved my life many times and I can't thank you enough. I still love you so much. XO

I'm glad the crowd weren't assholes, they could tell he was fucked up but didn't heckle or anything, showed support regardless.

Éstas son etapas en la vida, en la que tú no pides las canciones, solo las escuchas... por simple razón que Elliott nos entrega más que sus canciones, nos entrega su alma y último aliento de despedida... Gracias Elliott...

Not only am I realising more and more that Elliott seems to be the only musician I can watch countless live videos of and feel so much connection & enjoyment (because honestly, a lot of live videos just emphasise the fact you're not there), but he's quite possibly the only one who - no matter how sick he sounds - I can't help but savour every moment of the songs he plays live. Kind of bizarre, but I'm so glad it's the case. This upload is perfect. RIP Elliott

20 years today, my favorite concert ever

I never add comments but I been up all night and need to say this..I remember the 1st time I saw elliot oscar's 98 I was 12yrs old and thought why am I so drawn to this fascinating guy in this whit suit singing this beautiful song, he is a genre of his own. He is not traditionally "handsome" but was somehow his talent, honesty and raw vulnerability made him the most beautiful person in the world. I had no clue then that role he would play in my life. I grew up to be a heroin and amphetamines addict like him so I always feel we going through it together I am always blown away from the indescribable emotions he brings out of those of us tortured souls seeing the same pain in him but he could put in in words that amazed me. It's truly a gift to sound so beautiful singing about being dopesick! As a drug addict I tend to isolate and the 1 constant in my life has been his music it has gotten me through the darkest times alone. I am so grateful for finding him when I did. Him playing guitar and awkward singing is a truly amazing thing to get to witness. I can relate to his pain, his pain wasnt for nothing it saved me time and time again he is always there. He made me feel when I was numb, for that I am forever in debt, grateful. Best musician of all time no one can touch him, even his death was beautiful, he truly was a miracle to put pain into such deep beautiful words. Thanks you Elliott, your beautiful I love you

this show was on the exact day i was born and it feels rlly special to me, thank u so much for uploading this masterpiece

repost... 00:00 - Kings crossing 03:25 - Memory Lane 06:48 - Happiness 11:55 - No Confidence Man 15:35 - A Passing Feeling 18:20 - I Figured You Out 22:00 - A Fond Farewell 27:05 - Strung Out Again 30:40 - Twilight 35:00 - Coming Up Roses 38:05 - A Distorted Reality Is Now a Necessity to Be Free 41:40 - Pretty (Ugly Before) 46:33 - Plainclothes Man 50:57 - Long, Long, Long (George Harrison cover) 55:12 - No Name #1 58:33 - Division Day 1:02:22 - I Don't Think I'm Ever Going to Figure it Out (Aborted) 1:04:15 - I Better Be Quiet Now 1:10:03 - Say Yes 1:12:59 - Brand New Game 1:17:06 - Shooting Star No intros...

saw Elliott solo at the Middle East in Cambridge, MA sometime in the mid-to-late 90's -- I'm no good with dates -- and it was the most intimate, and one of the greatest, shows I've ever seen. RIP.

When he said his bracelet would be gone in six months, I got chills. I think even here that he knew he wasn't long for this world.

Distorted Reality is my favorite song right now and pretty much the moment I heard it. It reminds me so much of the Beatles and John's ability to grab sound and words and throw them against the wall

This is beautiful.. I know you probably won't read this, but thank you so much for uploading this video. Videos like this change lives.

This is the one concert I keep coming back to! Elliott's music has the ability to sit with us in the darkest times. stay safe future butterflies xo

Elliott in rough shape >>>>> 99% of all sober recording artists. Just brilliant, is all. As good as it ever got. Enjoy it.

my favorite live performance of his. that first song really set the mood how the entire concert would go. it's so sad and so beautiful.

:`( elliott... I saw him live one time - it must have been 95 or early 96 cos i was 14 or 15 years old I think. He opened up for mary lou lord somewhere on the nyu campus; i hadn'y heard of him.There were10-15 people in the room and i wandered in and a few ft to his left and it only took a minute of listening for me to start cryin -never experienced another performer who tore my emotions straight from my heart like that...he was brilliant, like each chamber of his heart was a different beatle...

I was at this show... grateful to have seen him in time. RiP.

this warms my heart

despite all the tiny imperfections like the wrong notes and voice cracks, i think they make the songs better. theres so much emotion man, this is probably one of my favorite sets of his.

1:08:47 I love the slam of the guitar You can tell he was uncomfortable the whole show.. RIP Elliott

Everyone quite and just enjoying. Would have loved to been there...

God I wish I could have gotten to see him play. Elliot was such a complex carbohydrate

Oh wow. I was at this show. Not soon after he died 💗 One of the best shows I've EVER been to. His presence and feelings were just so intense even my bough he's so subdued. His pain & beauty radiated

Elliott was one of the greatest ever, and his music will always enrich my life, of that I am sure. This show is amazing. Period. I don't care if he was on drugs or off drugs - either way he just plain ruled. What bothers me is seeing Chiba lurking , and the obvious distress he went through before playing I Better Be Quiet Now. I know , no one wants anyone to mention the dubious circumstances surrounding his death, and his relationship with Chiba. Because I love his music so much I will always feel like he didn't receive his just do by getting a genuine investigation into his death. He deserved better.

"Get a backbone!" is funny as hell to yell at someone on a stage in front of a shitload of people. It takes something special to do it.

This is Elliott in his weaker performance moments and he's still AMAZING.

I was only 20 days old when he died I just wish I had the chance to see him live

Also, it's amazing how he remembers all of his lyrics. Even with the slight mess ups it's still incredibly impressive. I can't even memorize like 5 of them and play them consecutively

I cant watch this and not cry. Elliott you are my fucking hero.

Because we love you

I like that he couldn't figure out "I don't think Im ever going to figure in out" haha

i have mixed feelings about this show. watching it is bringing me more sadness than joy. people have said that he was battling with withdrawal symptoms which is why he sounds shakier than usual and why his playing is sloppier but idk he does sound more like he's intoxicated, likely drunk. either way, it's still elliott and he was doing his very best in spite of whatever was happening inside him. i'm glad that for the most part, the crowd was still supportive. it was shows like this one where he needed compassion and patience more than ever. how i wish that i could've also been there to reassure him and tell him that he was doing well. btw, its interesting to see people interpret his "itll be gone in 6 months" when talking about his bracelet as a subtle hint at impending suicide instead of nothing more than him saying that the bracelet will be beyond repair in half a year.