This man wrote the score of my life... From my days in Ontario, then Alberta, then across the globe... His music reflected my life times that likely mirrored his in a way... From my first GF in 1970, to my battle with cancer in 2024... RIP Gord, see you soon I think ... somewhere near Jesus ....
We Canadians are and always will be proud of this gentile man called Lightfoot his list of songs seems endless no two are the same.... fabulous talent gone but never forgotten may his children know half of how much we feel about Gorden
I will sometimes grab a Scotch, sit by the fire on a winter's night and watch this concert end-to-end. Such an incredible song writer and performer. Rick Haynes, the bassist, still tours with Gordon. Unfortunately, Red Shea, his extraordinary guitarist, has passed on. So glad we have these videos and recordings to listen to.
I would add that Rick Haynes remains one of the greats of bass who does not get proper credit for his work. Both him and the late John Stockfish are big influences on me.
That is a total mood. I do that exactly when it's a nice fall day and just sit outside and turn it on my speaker. Even tho I'm a young lad I think Gordon lightfoot has the best music and his creations spark a new view of life and it definitely spark a new view for me. It saddens me that one day he will pass and we won't have the good music like he makes anymore. But we will surely have his creations saved and memories of his doing. I want my generation to really see how much he inspired to others.
He was out by his gate, as I passed by his house last year on my "Elliptigo" bicycle, and I had a brief conversation with him. He came across as so genuine, incredibly intelligent, and modest. Probably the most memorable 4 minutes of my life.
Had a Similar experience! Passed his house on my bike had a great conversation about songwriting. Even got a photo together. They say never meet your hero's but Gord was amazing. So memorable
Thank you for sharing ! I've loved each and every album ❤️ ... let's share this with friends and family so all who know him and did not will enjoy his poetry & melody 💙... thank you, utube, for keeping history thru live concert for all the enjoy
rest in peace gordon lightfoot, one of the greatest to ever do it. thank you for being generous enough to share your songs with us. i'll be forever grateful.
My immigrant ancestors landed at Ellis Island NY and rode the rails across Canada to the inland northwest in 1910, where they worked in the mines and the mills and on the railroad. Every time I hear this song it evokes such pride and love I'm moved to tears. One of the best songs ever written. RIP Gordon Lightfoot. You were the best.
This is going to sound weird but my black and white tuxedo cat loves Gordy. He mellows out and gives the phone love eyes. His name is Lightfoot with his four white feet and love of great music. R I P Gordy.
As a young man while I was helping remodel the kitchen at the Malmute Saloon 15 miles from Fairbanks AK. I saw Gordon perform at Fairbanks U..in '74 (?).Still listening to this extroidanry writer and timeless balladeer.
Gordon Lightfoot is one of the greatest Canadians of all time from Orilla Ontario, a native Canadians who is a hero to all Canadians.Your music will live forever! Rest in peace Mr. Lightfoot 🙏😢 ....from Texas
00:00 Summer Side Of Life 04:19 Saturday Clothes 07:49 For Lovin' Me 09:33 Did She Mention My Name 11:29 Affair On 8th Avenue 15:15 If You Could Read My Mind 19:26 Intro to Red & Rick 20:42 Steel Rail Blues 23:58 Your Love's Return 28:03 10 Degrees & Getting Colder 30:49 Early Mornin' Rain 34:04 Farewell To Nova Scotia 37:55 Miguel 42:07 Me & Bobby McGee 46:50 Nous Vivons Ensemble 50:40 Minstrel Of The Dawn 54:07 Talking In Your Sleep 57:30 Canadian Railroad Trilogy
RIP Gordon. My neighbor to the North....your music has embodied the Humanity of the Canadian Spirit. I listened on my small transistor radio tuned to 1020 CHUM, the artificial border unable to contain the radio air to the Canadian side, Gord, your tunes wafted to my transistor radio and very young ears and were then projected out my mouth as I sang along. That vibrato in your voice riding perfect melodies against perfect poetry. We passed briefly and nodded to one another at Mariposa last year and over the years I've been fortunate to attend a show or two. Thank you for everything. Your memory will be treasured.
This brings back many memories to the surface when Lightfoot recorded the original songs. Another time , another place and another era - Thank you Gordon for a wonderful legacy and a collection of songs I will always treasure.
This BBC performance is the gold standard for me. Gordon in his prime, and he is completely locked in! As a live acoustic performer, I could only hope to sound as good for 5 seconds as my man sounds for over an hour straight. And every song he plays from his ridiculous catalog is an absolute chestnut. Close your eyes and you would swear you were listening to his actual studio recordings. Gordon Lightfoot will always be the best singer/songwriter these ears will ever hear. His lyrics and melodies are so special to me.
Time stamps for each set number: 0:00 Summer Side of Life 4:19 Saturday Clothes 7:49 That’s What You Get for Loving Me/Did She Mention My Name 11:30 Affair on Eighth Avenue 15:14 If You Could Read My Mind 19:27 (Band Introductions) 20:43 (Song Introduction) 20:58 Steel Rail Blues 23:58 Your Love’s Return 28:04 Ten Degrees and Getting Colder 30:47 Early Morning Rain 33:58 Farewell Nova Scotia 37:25 (Song Introduction) 37:57 Miquel 42:08 Me and Bobby McGee 46:48 Nous Vivons Ensembles 50:36 The Minstrel of the Dawn 54:07 Talking in Your Sleep 57:30 Canadian Railroad Trilogy
Gordon has been the greatest influence on my songwriting life since 1970. He says more in one line than others say in a whole song. How lucky we are that he chose to share his incredible talent with us for so long. If music is eternal, Gordon Lightfoot's legacy will endure forever.
Every time I watch this concert I have to hit the pause button after the first five songs. Simply breathtaking. Will we ever see such a masterful performance from anyone else? I doubt it.
Never again sadly, no one can do what mr. Lightfoot did and we were extremely proud blessed to have been here with him thru the years. RIP Gordon Lightfoot.
I had the pleasure of meeting Gordon after a concert in the 80’s. Very nice and humble. One of my fav singer songwriters ever, listened to his music since the 70’s. Played his music on my guitar. I miss him, hard to believe he has left us. God bless you Gordon.
My wife and I saw him perform in 2015 in Tacoma, Washington. We lucked out with 4th row seats, almost center to the stage. It was one of my all-time favorite concerts and I've been to over 100 in my lifetime and seen many of the great bands (Zeppelin, Who, Journey, Queen, etc.). I love this man's music.
I have heard it said, "Never meet your heroes " Not so with Gordo, one of the most gracious, talented and lovely people to have ever blessed this world. Thanks so much for the unmatched beautiful music ever created. Thanks for teaching me how to play my guitar and sing. Rest in peace my dear sweet hero. With the greatest of love and respect, Dave.
15:07 When he sings that song If you could read my mind,, you can see his mind is flashing back to his wife and it still affects him. Beautiful song. I'm discovering Gordon in 2022. Never too late to discover good music.
This is one of the few performances where you can see his face close-up. I must say it does seem to be affecting him which isn't surprising since he and his wife were still in separation mode, with finalization of the divorce to happen in 1973.
A heartfelt thank you Gordon for the incredible music, there will never be another like you, Rest in Peace you absolute legend, was very blessed to see you over here in the UK a few years back. Your music is timeless. You will be sorely missed.
On Affair on 8th Avenue I knew I was in for it, when I saw him prepping to do some fingerpickin of which he was a master at...Thank you Gordon for all of your Masterpieces. When you wrote If you could read my mind in 1968 I was serving a 3 year stint after enlisting into the U.S. ARMY. Needless to say that song blew me away. I can see why the late John Prine said you was his songwriting Hero, that goes a long way with me especially coming from a man with the superior talents of John ...I agree Gordon was a super Hero and Master of his craft....R.I.P....LAY THYSELF DOWN NEATH THE STRENGTH OF YOUR MUSIC !!!
Probably Canada's greatest troubadour, GL's body of work is staggering. Not crazy about being old but growing up in the sixties I had the pleasure of discovering his music as it was released. He's simply part of the fabric of my life. Whenever I'm sad, I play his music. Thanks for posting.
The BBC replayed this episode of their 'In Concert' series in tribute to Gord in June 2023, a month after he had passed away at the age of 84. Unlike the original broadcast it was aired in prime time, as befits a world-class musical legend. The 1971 concert, with Gord backed by the classic duo of Red Shea on lead guitar and Rick Haynes on electric bass, is a historical treasure-trove of Canadian country-folk music in its own right - yet at time of recording he still hadn't released a host of memorable songs like Beautiful, Sundown, Carefree Highway, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, and Endless Wire! Gord was a tremendous songwriting talent and I feel his loss deeply.
Amazing to hear just how well these three men play live. The comment section is full of superlatives, all deserved. So many beautiful songs and everyone seems to have a memory attached. Thank Gordon - Red - and Rick.
Awesome! I have grossly underestimated this man's talent. For the younger generation this performance is simple, not autotuned and a demonstration of pure talent.
So sad to hear that he passed away on May 1st. His music was such an integral part of the soundtrack of my life for so many years. This is a wonderful tribute to his talent. Glad that it's up for everyone to enjoy.
@@kevinkammueller7553 Implying that in the 1960s there was no such thing as autotune, and most early recordings were live performances with no way to fix mistakes. So musicians either had talent, or they couldn't make it.
I'm a newcomer to Gordon's music; I'm a college student who loves oldies music. I heard his songs on the radio and Alexa every now and then, and I hid from Gordon for a while, until yesterday when "The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald" came on Alexa and I really listened this time. I saw a documentary about the tragedy of the ship with Gordon singing the song in the background. It gave me goosebumps, and then one of my friends who is a radio DJ and also plays in a Beatles tribute band in New York, one of his favorite artists outside of The Beatles is Gordon. He likes to sing Gordon's songs occasionally, and "If You Could Read My Mind" has become our love theme song. We live two states away from each other, and I have not seen him since before the pandemic happened. He used to drive down to see me when he was performing in my state of PA and I would go see him perform with my parents. He gave me a CD of him singing covers, and one of them was "If You Could Read My Mind!" He actually got to see and meet Gordon many years ago, and he told me what a great performer Gordon was. When he and I reunite soon, I want a Beatles song or any Gordon song to be playing in the background! Miss you, Dave! Gordon, I'm ready for you now!
Enjoy Gordon, and please don't let his music be forgotten. I know him from growing up in Detroit, luckily close to Canada. I think if I was from anywhere else in the States I would have never heard his genius. He is an absolute treasure. Pass it on to everyone you know. No one like him.
Welcome to the extended family of Lightfoot fans Dara. Here's a link to a track that I consider mine and spouse's wedding song. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-6bsK6CYujK8.html One of my favorites.
I’ve been fortunate to see Gordon Lightfoot live 5 or 6 times now. Such an incredible artist singer songwriter. This is such a treasure of a live performance! I can’t believe this is the 1st time I’ve seen this one. Once in a lifetime do you find someone so talented…
When in a bad mood I put in Gordon's music and it takes me to a better place. Many times I start my day with the Canadian railroad trilogy I love the way it flows. Such an incredible talent
In MHO this is when Gord was at his absolute best. Top of his game. And Red was still with him to add to the sound of that period. Great, great stuff. No drums, no keyboard, no harmony singers, no dancers, no flashing lights or big screens, no autotune. Two guitars, one bass, one singer. That'll do. Thanks to BBC for recording this marvelous, excellent quality concert for posterity.
The first time I heard of him was more than 50 years ago when he released If You Could Read My Mind. Beautiful melody and haunting lyrics. I was hooked. It is still my favorite song. I have almost all of his albums and then I ended up buying the same recordings when they came out on CD. In the past 50 years, I have probably spent more time listening to to his music than all of the other artists combined. I frequently watch this video on my phone while working at my computer. Gordon in his prime. Seems like I have lost an old friend - but we still have his music!
Now that Gordon has transitioned...thiis concert will remain stellar for me.Thank you Clear Skys for posting....I will return and return....though I am Canuck and slightly younger than Mr. Lighfoot ...never saw him in concert....but he will remain such a fave...such an icon...such a heartfelt treasure....OX OX
I saw this when it was first on BBC and saw him at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 1970, 1971 and 1972. All quite wonderful. (Saw him many times after that too in London and here in Canada) As much as I enjoyed and appreciated Lightfoot and his songs both lyrics and tunes, what I didn't realize were many intricacies of the musicianship. Lots of little things that contribute so much to the songs. A couple notes ... a guitar slide ... an extra bar pause in a verse that may not be in other verses. These draw emphasis in such subtle ways that you don't hear them until you actually listen to the music with an unusually critical ear. A modern folk style musician beyond compare in all senses of the genre.
I discovered Gordon's music in my late teens, and it had a huge impact on me as I grew into a young man. Thank you Mr. Lightfoot for all of your great works, your signature is etched onto my heart forever.
Gordon, in 1967, wrote "Canadian Railroad Trilogy", to acknowledge Canada's 100th anniversary. The fantastic song is on his 2nd album (1967), as well as a live album, from 1969. It's one of the greatest songs ever recorded. - Peter
This marvelous video is like an old friend to me now. It’s taken on a new perspective now that Gordon has left us. What a time capsule of a bygone era where great singer songwriters honed their craft and art. His performance here is spectacular because it touches every part of my soul and sensibilities. Thank you for sharing your gift. May God continue to hold you in the palm of his hand. Rest in peace Gord. 🙏🏻
Red Shea was such a great player and person. So many great musicians have left us in the last few years. These were real artists who delivered the goods...live. Gordon is still one of my all-time favorites. What a voice. What a talent for songwriting. RIP, Gord.
I grew up on Gordon Lightfoot. My mom had all his albums on vinyl and we used to listen to him together. I lost her last August and now he's gone too. Both are gone, but not forgotten. Thank you Gordon for the great songs and better memories.
On the merits this writing is more mature, better set forth, and more original than the popular competition in the market place of song of its day. Just as Michelangelo was the best stone cutter out of the thousands of his time. Lightfoot will have been the best of his era . That includes the beatles. They took you through high school. Lightfoot took you into love and life's tragedies.
It's been a week now since I first watched this video. Still on replay cause I simply can't believe how good he is. Thanks for posting, this is GOLD!!!
I liked him when I was an 11 yo boy. My mom took me to see him at the Garden State Arts Center and I always loved her for that. I was bright but learning disabled and she saved me from depression so many many times. I miss her. I hope she is looking down on me.
my god. he was so talented. thank you to my mom, gone now for almost 20 years, who raised me on his voice and songs of life, and love. rest in joy, Pony Man.
I saw him at an outdoor concert in the late 1990's near Pittsburgh. He was in his late 50's at the time. A good concert with nearly 10,000 in attendance according to Allegheny County officials.
Audiences generally were better behaved in those days. If you watch other entries in this BBC in concert series, you’ll see similar reverence - compared to the gurning and flag waving at, for instance, Glastonbury nowadays (I know it’s a different setting, but have a look at old clips of Glastonbury as well to see the difference in behaviour! Narcissism is a pandemic).
such a refreshing change, as a constantly gigging musician people are always talking over and trying to tune out live music, it gets far worse if they are drinking
I can't say the same behavior occurs in the States. I went to a Gordon Lightfoot concert back in 2022 in Green Bay WI. There was a woman who was heckling Gordy. Her friend told her to shut up but she wouldn't. It tested Gordy's patience but he left her do her thing. I hope Gordy has an attentive audience of angels. RIP in peace Gordon.
I've loved his music since i was boy hearing it from my dad... i have gord's gold on vinyl and it is nothing short of platinum... so to speak... i have been listening it to relentless and this man is a genius, pure and simple.
So sad he has passed .This man and his music will live on through generations . I grew up with his music in the 60's, My Dad brought his music into our home and we were hooked from a very young age , just beautiful writing playing . Thankyou Gordon !!
Been a Gordie fan since his first album. Never heard a Gordie song I didn't love. Saw him live when he was young and then when he was old. He was great from beginning to end.
The BBC "In Concert" series was fantastic. I was 10/11 yrs old and watched them all with my family - Gordon, Neil Diamond,;Joni, Neil Young; Nilsson; Crosby & Nash & there were many others. All creating immortal music. I was on at about 7pm. The BBC then (not now) was a miracle.
it is mind blowing to realize the huge catalog of hits gordon has given to us, saw him at the Wolftrap venue in Vienna, Virginia, he asked if anyone could make the sound of the bird in one of his songs, I made the sound by blowing in my hands,....then he had me to come in at the correct time in the song,....it was GREAT. thanx for posting this footage, its fantastic.
YEAH GORDON HERE WAS AN EARLY MORNING RAIN AND I AM A RAINY DAY WOMAN IT IS NICE TO LISTEN TO YOU ON SUCH A GRAY DAY REST IN PEACE YOUR LEGACY LIVES ON
I met Lightfoot in Honolulu in the 1970s after he gave a concert at the Blaisdell Center there. Following the concert he walked around Waikiki and discovered a small neighborhood of single story cabins that was called The Shady Lane, which I was the manager of for 1st Hawaiian Bank's Trust Divisiion. He was pretty drunk at the time but we talked on one of the neighborhood stoops and that's how I met him. Rob
Beyond stellar...this remains my fave BBC concert....often return here to hear Mr. Lightfoot again....thank you for posting...Affair on Eighth Avenue..perfection.
R.I.P. Gordon, thanks for all the music, especially the 3 times I was fortunate enough to see you. Fair winds and following seas my friend, we will meet again
