Glen Campbell @ UB Center for the Arts, Amherst, New York 10-24-12

76 year old country crooner Glen Campbell is currently on his farewell tour after his announcement that he is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Many fans didn’t know what to expect from the show which built up a certain amount of anxiousness, nervousness and excitement all rolled into one.

Campbell took the stage to a warm applause s he went into the John Hartford cover “Gentle on my Mind.” Campbell had more support than his endearing audience, his band included 3 of his kids. His daughter Ashley was on keyboards and banjo, and his sons Cal and Shannon on guitar. Also with him was his longtime musical composer and pianist TJ Kuenster. So even with that type of familiarity surrounding him, that didn’t mean that the show went off without a hitch. Campbell forgot some words, wandered around the stage at times, started the same song twice and wasn’t sure when to exit for the encore.

The positives do outweigh the negatives though. His voice was strong and especially on “Lovesick Blues” and “Gavelston.” It seemed he can still play the guitar and play it well. His dueling banjos with his daughter Ashley was one of the highlights of the night!

Campbell enjoyed a moment with him and Kuenster as they tackled “The Moon’s a Harsh Mistress” without his backing band. This showed Campbell at his finest, as he commanded the room throughout the entire number. Campbell appreciated the audience at every turn and they did in return for him as well. The connection is still there and no matter what type of disease that is slowly taking Campbell’s memory. That is something that cannot be taken, ever!

Set List:

Gentle on my Mind (John Hartford cover)
Gavelston
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 (Instrumental)
Any Trouble
It’s Your Amazing Grace
The Moon’s a Harsh Mistress
Wichita Lineman
Rhinestone Cowboy