Roger McGuinn in Malibu, CA 10/09/09

[beatbyrd]

Hi all,

I saw Roger McGuinn last night at Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA. Beautiful campus, small theatre (seats 450). I was seated 7th row center, about 30-35 feet from Mr. McGuinn. He had a 370/12 MG, a Martin 12 string, a RM signature Martin 7 string, and a banjo. Note that the 370 was NOT an RM model. I asked about that and was told that the one he was playing was 'an old Byrds guitar'. I'm not into vintage, so I can't tell you what year the Rick was. I also heard from a very reliable source that he had been the victim of theft(s) of some of his guitars.

He played for approximately an hour and a half, maybe a bit more; just him on stage. The format of the show was a historical look at his career, starting from him hearing Elvis on his transistor radio when he was young. He was personable and charmed the house. His singing and especially his playing was pretty spot on for the whole night. I've been a fan of his for 44 years and last night I found out that the guy can really play!!!! His guitar work was exceptional. The Byrds stuff was generally the most enthusiastically appreciated by the crowd, but the folk/roots stuff still got a very warm reponse. He started the show by walking out with the 370/12 and playing a quick Byrds tune (My Back Pages?) and sat down once the song was finished. He didn't touch the Rick again for about 20-25 minutes, while he discussed his early years. When he started talking about hearing and seeing the Beatles, he reached over and picked up the 370/12. The crowd wents nuts before he even played a chord. Naturally, he started playing the opening riff to Mr Tambourine Man and the crowd went nuts again.

If I could have swung getting up to San Luis Opisbo tonight, I would have seen the show again. I highly recommend that any fan (even casual) go see Roger in concert if you get the chance.
Tom

[jdogric12]

I'm a little disappointed he's been doing essentially the same show for over 10 years now, but I guess it's unfair to expect too much from someone who's mainly riding the success of songs that were hits 40 years ago.

A good comment, though: I have to say I liked his slight departure for the Gene Tryp medley when I saw him last year in Jupiter, FL.

[leftybass]

..... He had a 370/12 MG, a Martin 12 string, a RM signature Martin 7 string, and a banjo. Note that the 370 was NOT an RM model. I asked about that and was told that the one he was playing was 'an old Byrds guitar'. I'm not into vintage, so I can't tell you what year the Rick was. I also heard from a very reliable source that he had been the victim of theft(s) of some of his guitars......

Tom

The guitar he has now is known as Byrd # 3, a 1970 370/12 that has been re-done since the Byrd days...it also has slots all the way thru the peghead, Roger did that himself IIRC.

He had this 12-string on loan at the RRHOF for a while.

[Janglyman]

I have seen this show 2X recently, once in March and again in May, both excellent shows, btw. Kudos for a spot on review. Well done. I get the impression, especially from the blog, that the Folk Den gets more time and energy lately. Personally, I'd like to hear some reworked versions of the more obscure Byrds tunes played on the Rick, but I guess we'll have to do that ourselves, and that's why we have a Byrds forum.

[firstbassman]

The guitar he has now is known as Byrd # 3, a 1970 370/12 that has been re-done since the Byrd days...it also has slots all the way thru the peghead, Roger did that himself IIRC.

Yes.

Roger will say at shows something like "this is the guitar that was used on all of the Byrds hits."
That is very misleading IMHO.
As we all know, the actual guitar that was used was "lost" (stolen) a very long time ago.

[firstbassman]

I'm a little disappointed he's been doing essentially the same show for over 10 years now.

Yup, I'm afraid so.

With the exact same stories too.

I think he can do a whole lot more.

[jdogric12]

Yes, I agree on that last point too. But I guess at his age you can't blame him for taking it easy and just enjoying traveling and making music. I sure wish I was doing that all the time!

[jimk]

... enjoying traveling and making music. I sure wish I was doing that all the time!

+1. It's a great life. I'd like the opportunity to do that one more time myself before the final credits roll up.
JimK

[beatbyrd]

I have no problem with RM doing the same show for 10 years or even 30 years. He does very small venues and it's an autobiographical show. He has honed this show over the course of time, adding occasional new things and removing whatever he felt wasn't working. His history is his history and most of his glory days are past. I'm just glad I could finally see and hear this guy who has been a hero to me since my early teens. And he's one of the few 'survivors' who can still cut it. Poco and the Moodies are 2 other groups who can still make it happen. I have heard that macca (another of my heroes) has some vocal pitch problems when he performs. No problem, Paul, just keep gigging.

I posted on the other board that I have a situation where I've been asked to perform at an upcoming retirement party for a woman that I work with. I spent most of the 70's on the road - 6 nights a week - 48 weeks a year. But I'm a old fart who hasn't gigged since '84 and have only started really playing again about a year ago. I do covers on my 24 track and take the resulting CDs to work for critique from a couple of musician friends. This lady heard one and asked me to 'throw something together'. She's a big fan of late 50's/early 60's stuff. I plan to record a 10 to 15 minute medley, doing all the parts myself, and mix out the lead vocal. Then, bring the CD to the party and sing the lead live, backed by the CD. I'm very nervous, due to all the time that has passed. On the other hand, it's my only chance to 'gig' this century! It'll be 40 to 100 people, mostly co-workers that I'll have to face for years afterwards. Lots to gain - lots of credibility to lose. If it works, it'll be that old adrenaline rush that I miss so much. If it doesn't work, it'll be sympathy applause for 'the poor over-the-hill guy'. The other scary variable is that 75 percent of the 'crowd' was not born here and may not be familiar with the tunes. It's like a bad episode of Fear Factor!

Tom

[Janglyman]

Tom, I think you'll do fine. The plan sounds workable, especially if you're not pressed for time. And besides, you have the support of all of us Rick nuts. Go get 'em.