Satchmo

I agree with the fake encore thing but it does seem to be a fact of life these days. Following this discussion brought me back to my early days of rock concerts when encores were often real and inspired. There was an "anything can happen" feel to the end of a show.

Bruce Springsteen shows always seemed to hold that promise back in the 70s and 80s. After three hours of rockin, he would on rare occasions pull out "Quarter to Three" and it felt like the roof was gonna blow off. I also remember one time in Chicago when he clearly followed an impulse and played the CCR song "Who'll Stop the Rain". The band pretty much faked it along with him and he had to guess at some of the lyrics. Still, it felt like a magical moment.

One other testimonial to the old time authentic encore was a U2 show at First Avenue in 1981. It was their first tour in the US and they didn't have enough material for an encore so they played "I will Follow" for a second time, apologizing that they didn't know any other songs. I liked the fact that they gave the crowd more even though it was a repeat.

BTW, in defense of the fake encore if you have ever seen Van Morrison you get nothing. Just a thank you very much and he's gone. It's always sort of a let down even though I know that's how it will end.

Any VCers gathering pre-show in Madison. We're driving down from Minneapolis so don't know if we will be there early enough.

My wishes for songs include:

- New Madrid

- How to fight lonliness

- Impossible Germany

- Theologians

and many, many, more but any of those would make the magic.

Here's to hoping John makes it. People thought I was a little nuts going to see Van Morrison outdoors when my baby was five days old. I didn't get the objection since I wasn't bringing him along. He was fine at home with Grandma.