Richie Havens, the folk singer and guitarist who was the first performer at Woodstock, died Monday at age 72. Richie performed for nearly three hours. Can you imagine any act playing now for three hours, let alone someone who was opening an entire three day long festival? The reason given was that none of the other performers had shown up, or if they had, they were too wasted to go on.
RIP Richie, thanks for the music
ReplyDeleteI saw him in a small venue about 20 years ago......he played about 45 minutes longer than scheduled....one of the best shows I have ever seen! RIP....
ReplyDeleteHe was the voice of Woodstock for me.
ReplyDeleteA powerful, dynamic performer. RIP.
ReplyDeleteAgree he was the voice of Woodstock. Gone too soon. I always heard he was a kind man. RIP
ReplyDeleteNot to take away from this guy, but to answer Enty's question: I can imagine it. Leonard Cohen played for 4 hours with only a 20 minute intermission when I saw him in Paris in September.
ReplyDeleteThese are the kinds of people that are worth seeing. Not the Madonnas and the Rihannas that'll rip you off.
Phish consistently plays three hour shows. All different, and all live and without backing tracks.
ReplyDeleteI saw him live the first time at Yasgur's farm in 1999, at a Woodstock reunion concert. All original acts, no MTV trash. Beautiful day, beautiful music. I came away saying that I have to see Richie and Arlo in a smaller venue. I saw Arlo a year later at State Theater in Easton PA, and then saw Richie in a small North Jersey club.
ReplyDeleteAfter his performance, Richie sat outside chatting and signing autographs for anyone willing to stand in line. I'd guess he was there for 2 hours. He was quiet, kind and friendly, a huge man with ginormous hands.
It is going to be a sad day when all the musicians are gone and we are left with the Beiber's and Rhianna's of the world.
He was another ray of light from the beacon Brooklyn has shined upon the world.
Rest in peace, brutha.
Loved him. RIP.
ReplyDeleteGod I miss REAL singers/performers. RIP to one of the greats!
ReplyDelete"I am not an entertainer, I am a communicator." -Richie Havens
ReplyDeleteRIP to one of the best of communicators around.
Dave Matthews is another that actually performs/sings live, and he is AWESOME live. He also talks and interacts, and just really does his own thing at every concert.
ReplyDeleteRIP, Richie.
RIP Richie.
ReplyDelete@Shmaddakid, my one experience seeing Phish (at the ACL Festival a few years back) the 3 hours you mention isn't the length of their concert. That's actually the length of the first song they played (Lou Reed's "Rock & Roll" when I saw them).
ReplyDeleteBe at peace and thank you for the music.
ReplyDeleteSpringsteen gives a kick-ass long concert.
ReplyDeleteRIP Richie Havens
@Ms Cool Damn straight about The Boss.
DeleteMy Morning Jacket gives long performances, too...much to my delight :)
ReplyDeleteI cant believe he is dead.. It's like my really cool friend passed away. I couldnt even finish watching the woodstock video, I was so upset. Saw him many many times, loved him and his music. You wont hear anyone say a bad word about him, which I hope is my legacy. Rest in peace, my brother, and good journey. Come back and visit us anytime, you are always welcome.
ReplyDelete@auntliddy Your beautiful tribute brought tears to my eyes. I feel like reaching out & giving you a hug.
DeleteRIP Richie Havens
Thank u. Hug recieved:)
DeleteCount Jerkula -- ya nailed it when you wrote...
ReplyDelete"It is going to be a sad day when all the musicians are gone and we are left with the Beiber's and Rhianna's of the world.
He was another ray of light from the beacon Brooklyn has shined upon the world."
RIP Richie Havens -- you were and still are an amazing artist, singer and performer.
Thank you, Penelope.
ReplyDeleteHe was a handsome, talented man. RIP.
ReplyDelete