C&W legend Glen Campbell stands tall with courage and grace
by Radio RockonTour host Timothy Tilghman
Saying goodbye is never easy. Most times in life saying goodbye is a luxury many never have the chance to experience. Country & Western legend Glen Campbell now 76 is undertaking a final journey across the American landscape to entertain his legion of fans and provide them with an opportunity to enjoy his music live on stage for one more magical moment.
Glen Campbell was welcomed warmly by an enthusiastic crowd at the American Music Theatre outside historic Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on Monday, May 21, 2012. Only his diehard fans will know that Glen buoyed his music career as a touring musician in the surf music genre as bassist for The Beach Boys before striking out on his own as a successful solo recording artist in 1967.
Instant People appeared as both the opening act and as Daddy Campbell’s support musicians. Three of his younger children, Ashley (vocals, banjo & keyboards), Calvin (drums & guitar), and Shannon Campbell (vocals and guitar) demonstrated their collective talent and professional musicianship as an emerging young group and again on stage backing their iconic father.
Several of Campbell’s signature songs included “By The Time I get To Phoenix”, “Wichita Lineman”, “Rhinestone Cowboy”, and “Southern Nights”. Hearing Glen sing his classic tunes was priceless. Clearly demonstrating that he still has command of the stage, Glen sang a moving rendition of “The Moon’s A Harsh Mistress” with just the accompaniment of his keyboardist T.J. Kuenster who has supported him on the road for 35 years.
While impersonating the cartoon voice of Donald Duck, Glen displayed his comedic talents while having a little fun on stage as Proud Papa prepared to introduce his stunningly beautiful blonde daughter Ashley. Halfway through the show, they played the popular instrumental “Dueling Banjo” together. Ashley twanged away on banjo with Glen jamming on his electric guitar.
The concert repertoire, spoken transitions, and stage interaction were clearly choreographed to act as an instructional guide for Glen on stage. He delivered several accelerated guitar solos and choice vocal performances throughout the evening. Although the actual concert itself clocked in under 75 minutes in length, his loyal fans didn’t seem to mind whatsoever. The standing ovations and thundering applause indicated their admiration and appreciation for his presence in Lancaster was sincere.
Glen Campbell, American Music Theatre, Lancaster, PA, May 21, 2012 setlist: Gentle On My Mind * Galveston * By The Time I Get To Phoenix * Try A Little Kindness * Where’s The Playground Susie * Didn’t We * I Can’t Stop Loving You * True Grit * Lovesick Blues * Dueling Banjos * Hey Little One * Any Trouble * She Thinks I Care * The Moon’s A Harsh Mistress * Wichita Lineman * Rhinestone Cowboy * Encore: Southern Nights * A Better Place