John Prine

Friday 21st April. The London Palladium. John Prine. It’s me and the twin towers tonight and we’re in for a real treat we hope. We have not seen John Prine live before and we have the added bonus of the talented Amanda Shires as support. I don’t think I have ever seen a gig at the London Palladium and I’m pretty sure the only time I have been to this theatre was when I was a kid to see a pantomime.

It’s a short opening set for Amanda but enough to showcase her talents as both a musician and a singer. Her crystal clear country voice fills the large room and I’m sure she has won over many new fans tonight. Her stories are warm, funny and engaging between songs mainly taken from her latest album ‘My Piece of Land’.

After beating cancer a few years ago Prine’s voice is a little deeper but any concerns we may have had about its strength were instantly dispelled as he delivered a near faultless display busting the venue curfew with a two hour show.

Strong of voice and their love of music, Prine and band are clearly having a blast on this tour. The set comes from throughout his extensive catalogue although a third of it is from the classic self-titled debut album. The band are tight and accompany Prine’s rhythm guitar effortlessly with a special mention for Pat McLaughlin on mandolin.

There’s a great solo spot where the band leave the stage leaving Prine to put the audience even more under his spell rattling through a few classics including the great ‘Sam Stone’. He crams in a few extra songs I think, before ushering the band and Amanda Shires back on stage where she accompanies on fiddle and vocals with him on several tracks from his most recent duets album ‘For Better, or worse’.

It’s soon eleven o’clock and with both the crowd and band wanting to carry on the venue gestapo call time on a truly wonderful night of music. Highlights too many to mention but props to ‘Lake Marie’ and ‘Souvenirs’.

Keep on country rockin y’all.

John Prine is a talented American Country, Bluegrass, and Folk singer from Illinois. He has a personal style that is reminiscent of the late Johnny Cash, in that he was dressed all in black during the show. The show itself took place in a big auditorium down south and was packed with people of all walks of life who wanted to hear John Prine sing in person.

He is a great live performer, perhaps even better live than in his CD's. The stage was simply set up and also had great lighting. There was a wonderful energy in the venue. John Prine's music was the kind that is great for dancing. And everyone was dancing through every song he sang.

It was an amazing thing to be a part of, that wonderful high energy atmosphere. John Prine sang some of his most popular music, such as "My Old Kentucky Home" , "Sweet Suzanne", "The Great Compromise", and "Angel from Montgomery". My absolute favorite song of the evening was "Angel from Montgomery". What a beautiful and lovely song that was and really touched me. The entire show was awesome and I would definitely see John Prine perform live in the future.

Although the country music scene is now awash with new musicians all trying to make a name for themselves and no matter how talented they may appear, you still have to respect the legendary performers. John Prine very much sits within this category with a career that now spans four decades.

Although the singer/songwriter may be approaching his 70th birthday, he continues to perform with a huge amount of energy and enthusiasm and this obviously goes over particularly well with the crowd. It is fair to say people do not attend a John Prine concert just for the music, the man himself is a complete joy with an impeccable wit that is razor sharp during his onstage interaction. The lyrics are equally witty with the recognisable commentary on life, society, love and more all sounding as relevant as ever. John and his well trained band wrap an enjoyable evening up with a stomping rendition of 'Paradise' and they are met with deafening applause from the masses gathered below the stage.

Fantastic show. John and his band played for two hours. Voice was really strong and clear tonight. He performed a great selection of my favourites. New tunes were improved upon with some added orchestration from the band particularly the pedal guitar and double bass. They included Summers End, Caravan of Fools, and Boundless Love. Classics included Sam Stone, Angel From Montgomery, and crowd favourite, Hello In There. The finale was a kick ass version of Lake Marie ending with John doing a jig, Jimi Hendrix style, around an imaginary flaming guitar. So glad I went as it was just terrific. John was in great form. He even had his wife Fiona join in for Paradise which closed out the show. Do yourself a favour and pick up his latest grammy nominated album, The Tree of Forgiveness.

What an honour it was to see this dude. I'm no baby boomer, and came to Prine only about 5 years ago, so he hasn't been a huge part of my life like other's who'd been privileged to hear this master storyteller's work for much of their life.

In saying that, I sure do feel that I was cheated, having discovered him quite late.

Prine worked the stage like a man half his age. A true gentleman, who in between songs spiced things up with delicious anecdotes and wry humour.

Opened by Tyler Childers, who was also remarkable, Prine performed for a solid 2 hours, the final leg of his Tree of Forgiveness tour. And what a show. Like being in the presence of folk royalty. Flawless.

Really good show, Amanda shires is great and prine tops it. Really emotional vibe, a lot of heavy songs. and the thing is that his age makes it even more emotional, his ragged voice and stiff body isn't a minus, it just makes the image of the whole show better. The thing is that everything sounds really good, both prine and the other guys. And he still picks the guitar like a master.

Back to Amanda, she sing with the most vulnerable voice and stand. I cried within 10 seconds, mostly just because she is a happy girl talking about this and that and then when she starts singing you can hear that behind that happiness lays the truth. A heavy insight in real life

It was an amazing night, well worth the wait, as the show I saw in July had been rescheduled from March (due to his knee surgery).

Prine sounded as great as ever and was extremely personable; chatting with the audience and even making social/political commentary on occasion.

Loved hearing him tell the history behind the songs and of course, hearing him sing was incredible. It was my first time seeing him and it was everything I could have asked for.

Can't wait for my next chance to see him perform again. =)

This was completely one of his best concerts I've seen of John Prine . 3000 adoring fans in the beautiful Kings Theatre in Brooklyn. He was energetic, personable and the music was fantastic. His 3 accompanying musicians were vital in highlighting the joy and quality of his music. Especially the young lead guitarist was outstanding. Having Iris Dement opening and later accompaning him was the icing on the cake. Love her music and voice and loved her performance.

Seen John at least half a dozen times here in the DC area. Last time was June 2018 at Wolf Trap Park with Margo Price. From the first time as a listener, you felt as if he was a friend or even a brother. Had tickets for a show in June with Emmylou. I can't begin to explain how devasted and heartbroken I am. But I feel so very fortunate to have seen him. The closing song on his last 2018 album was "When I Get To Heaven." RIP brother John.

Had a blast at Beaver Dam Amphitheater!! 24 of us VIP!!! One of the best of the 30 or so times I’ve seen him in the past 35 years!!! (We were both just pups back then)!! He looked great and had the energy and stamina for 2 1/2 plus hrs continuous!!! Used to get to talk to him when he played Everly Brothers concert every year—nice guy!! And after all these years, he’s at #5 on the Pop Charts—u go old man!! Love ya, Mr. Prine!!!!