Lightfoot worried about filling Shea's in Buffalo
 

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September 21, 2008
Gordon Lightfoot's triumph at Shea's
When I interviewed Gordon Lightfoot by phone from his Toronto home for the story that appeared in Saturday's newspaper, he had a couple of worries about his Buffalo show.

Jokingly, he fretted over whether the crowd would demand he sing "the hula hoop song," the first tune he ever wrote, as a high-school student, about the hula hoop craze of 1955.

But seriously, he expressed some concern about ticket sales. He was well aware of the size of Shea's Performing Arts Center -- just over 3,000 seats. With that big a house, "It's not going to look too good if there aren't many people there," he noted, matter-of-factly, then added, "Oh well. Whoever comes, we'll have a great show for them."

He needn't have worried. I didn't go into the balcony, but the main floor was almost totally filled, with just a few dozen empty seats in the corners.

As might be expected, many in the crowd were in their 40s or 50s -- of the right age to have had Gordon Lightfoot as a soundtrack to their youth. But there were plenty of people in their 30s and even 20s in the audience.

Gord's age and ill health have affected his voice, as I noted in my review today. But the concert was not only extremely entertaining, but also a poignant experience and a testament to his bravery and fortitude.

Keep on singing, Gord, and we'll turn out to hear you.

-- Anne Neville

Re: Lightfoot worried about filling Shea's in Buffalo
 

From my vantage point in the balcony, (Second row BB behind the railing), the upper deck was pretty full except for the back rows and sides near the top. Personally, I wouldn't sit that far up for any live performance either. I was in the second row for Wicked in July and I got the best seats for Sunday that I could for my 28 year old son and me.

I want the chance to shake Gordon's hand someday. I don't want or need an autograph, just a heartfelt thanks for almost 40 years of musical enjoyment. He's the guy that got me hooked on guitar for life and the reason I have three Martins and two Larrivees including a 12 string.

It was also nice to see Gordon and the band receive the standing O's they deserved. I didn't even have to think about it when he walked out on stage.

Re: Lightfoot worried about filling Shea's in Buffalo
 

Really impressive guitars teherie !