RIP Townes van Zandt (March 7, 1944 - January 1, 1997), aged 52 And RIP Blaze Foley (December 18, 1949 - February 1, 1989), aged 39 You both will be remembered as legends.
Listen to Live at Union Chapel, London, England. On disc 2, track3, Townes tells the story of how Blaze (murdered on the streets of Austin) wasn't expecting anything to happen to him but said, "If something does happen to me, I want you to have my guitar." Well Blaze had pawned the guitar and got buried with the ticket in the pocket of his one suit coat and Townes dug him up and wrote the following track, Blaze's Blues on that guitar. A song that is worth learning for Texas musicians.
I've heard that for many years but I also heard Townes found the pawn ticket with his belongings. And a very reliable source told me he showed the death certificate to the pawn shop and they sold it back to him. Who knows I love the story especially the part about Townes stayed jn the car weeping while they exumed blaze
Blaze was murdered by his friends son. He knew he was dealing with a dangerous person but the booze will put you in a dangerous situation if you're idealistic!!!
It's a a great story but Townes was a master of the fine tradition of the tall tale. Someone once said don't let the truth get in the way of an entertaining myth and I'm inclined to agree on the account.
Strange to think that both of these great souls have left us. They'll never be forgotten though, ever. Their beautiful music lives on. Texas music at it's best. Thank you for posting!
20th July 2024 Ireland, what a beautiful song and no one can sing it like Blaze, he was an amazing singer so sad he never got the acclaim, taken away way way too soon, love this❤❤❤
My Brother has looked like a balding 35 since age 21 and will the rest of his life until he ends up with gray hair. Then My dad who has some rough times in his life from age 19 to 21, he is 60 and looks 55 and until more gray showed up in his hair at age 60 he looked at 59, 50 maybe a young looking 55 who looked 50. Then me I look 25 maybe 21 if not looking too hard and will be that way until 40 or 50 if what is true of some of my relatives Uncles/male cousins.
I have been fortunate enough to have listened to Townes for many years, and I believe that he was the best song-writer EVER. I don't think he ever missed a lyrin in any song he ever wrote. Every line was perfect. He will be missed, but at least we had him for the time we did. He was and always will be a blessing to music. Thanks---Steve
Totally agree. Townes was so good most of his stuff goes over people's heads. He is most people's favorite songwriter's favorite songwriter. Mr Mudd and Mr gold to me is the most insanely vivid song ever put down. I love that one.
@Stan Williams I only wish I knew Blaze or Townes..I was just being an ass in reference to "associated with"..could mean many things..just got turned on to Blaze and Townes about a year ago.. still listening
I met Townes when I was 8 years old. I was lucky enough to get to meet a few of the best songwriters ever . Met Dylan the same night as Townes. Years later Guy Clark .
These two are my “go to” for when I need to meditate and focus on mindfulness. Every other type of music creates too much distraction but these guys, they’re perfect to help me relax and get outside of myself. Thanks so much for posting.
Probably the 2 greatest singer/ songwriters I have ever listened 2. I feel kindred spirits with them both. I pray one.day I can see them in heaven n sit in ona session with them both.
Some people have real good reason to dislike a drunk and his drunk friend. Quite often they kill each other. Lots of good souls go that way. They're disliking the memories cause they lost goid friends or family.
These are musicians with a great love for her music. Thank you for this video with Townes van Zandt - a great songwriter, a great musician and a great man.
Townes was the worn out shell of a man; a brilliant, tortured soul. Blaze was ALIVE. He was a modern day rogue minstrel and he looked after and loved Townes like a brother. May they both rest in peace.
I learned of Blaze from Deb E Dee at Kerrville '97. He touched me through his writing then; now through his performances. I'm grateful you shared these videos; they are invaluable to some of us.
Why do we always want to be the people that are famous for fuckin their lives up, nobody wants to be a good guy, except in Blaze's case, I wish I had 1% of the talent on show here, still, I can dream.
Just outside of Foley in a bar called The Shelter. That made me feel a lot of things, sheltered was never one of them. She kissed me and said she loved me, I lit a cigarette saying I agree.
Does anyone have the full concert this is from? I would dearly love to see the full show. This is my favourite version of this tune, the studio one is perfectly good but something about this one hits me just right! It would of been amazing to of witnessed either of these playing let alone both on the same stage! Amen
I met him in 1988 in Houston at the summit. He wasn't performing just visiting my cousin Steve Earle who was playing with Bob Dylan that night. My first concert at 6 years old they didn't wanna let me in and Steve told them he would not go out if we weren't back stage immediately. Maybe the greatest night of my life in retrospect I peaked too soon . Tvz is my all time favorite and meeting him and Dylan the same night is pretty unbelievable but it happened and regardless who anyone thinks is the best , I feel comfortable with saying I met the greatest America singer song writer. I wish I could've seen tvz perform. Genius
Great video! Does anyone remember Townes and Blaze playing at the now long gone Spellman's that was on 5th Street between Lamar and Mopac back in the late '70s/early '80s? One of my favorite dives. Austin's still great, but I miss the "old" Austin and the old dives.
His music matters to people all over the world and he influenced so many of the young singers and song writers today. i know you are proud to claim him as kin.
And Donnie is still out there hittin' it. He sat in on a gig with me a few years ago when I was playing with some of Townes & Blaze's old band mates. It was one of those musical moments in my life I won't soon forget. Townes was a tortured soul; Blaze was just a total effing trip. I loved that guy.
@@simmo303 Donny Silverman. There's a great double live CD called Down Home and Abroad with Townes, Mickey White on guitar, and Donny Silverman on flute. Simple, heartfelt, and beautiful.
@Smudgefizz I'm not sure why my message was removed..maybe I did it:) I'm sure it was in praise of this performance. I'm a longtime fan of these boys. Watching em sing together is well just plain heavenly to me. The fellow that made the wonderful documentary on Blaze has a nice Duct Tape coat someone made for him. Blaze was a hell of a songwriter..I suppose Blaze's kids are those songs he sent out into the world each growing in its own funky beautiful way..Take it easy Smudgefizz..
Thank god for your Father and You....I am very interested in seeing more on Blaze. I am currently working with a photographer here in Austin who has some great shots of your father. in the early years. and of course his duct tape....Your father was a great artist and I would love to let me people know of his talent....
i was just this morning turned on to this amazing performer. it was womr in provincetown. the dh would be very happy to have some of those tapes. or i would be proud to own them, myself.. you might also try to connect with wfmu in jersey city, they have dj's that would love this stuff, wouldn't surprise me if they already know about him.
