What an honor it was to be
in the company of Dan Fogelberg on the 30th anniversary of the release
of his first album, "Home Free" (June 1st, 1972). That made
the evening more special! Little did I know when I bought that album
in 1972, that 30 years later I would be spending an enchanting evening
under the stars with the very man who was filling my bedroom with the
most wonderful music I had ever heard. Maybe he actually planned to
be at Chastain on that particular date - I'd like to think so. The show
was great! He certainly surrounded himself with some fine musicians
(even though he can hold a crowd with only a voice and an instrument).
His choice of songs were just fine with me. (Heck, he could sing "Mary
Had a Little Lamb", and I would hang onto every word.) His guitar
playing was absolutely awesome! I felt very proud of him - that he is
still so strong and so passionate as an artist, that he has maintained
such integrity. He is who he is - a free spirit, unencumbered by what
others may perceive to be popular. He knows what he has to say, and
he knows how he has to say it. And, we hear you, Dan! Thank you for
speaking to us so eloquently and so passionately for so many years.
God bless you - you dear man! ~ Glenda~
Chastain Park in
the outskirts of Atlanta is a wonderful, magic place. Seating 6,500
people and providing tables for wine, food and chandeliers, it was just
the perfect setting for Dan´s show. Having seen him indoors for
his opening show in Ft. Worth/Texas five days before, this outdoor venue
was a great change - especially since we were in the nice company of
ten other DanFans from around the US... people I had been in touch with
for years across thousands of miles, but never got a chance to meet
up till then.
Two big screens left and right of the stage added some intimacy to the
big arena, which was aglow with candlelight by the time Dan & Band
entered the stage at 8.50 pm. The show was a little shorter than the
one on opening night, with "Forefathers", "Old Tennesee"
and "Believe in Me" having been dumped from the setlist, and
Dan was a lot less talkative than five days earlier in Texas, but the
show was another unforgettable experience.
Even though I was a bit worried that the regular annual Chastain pass
holders (seated right in front of the stage) would not be easily captivated
by the performance, Dan and his fellow players won over each and every
member of the audience that night. "Is that really a white guy
up there?" came the incredulous question from a DF newcomer two
seats down when Dan had just started his Blues set.
Everybody was holding hands and swaying candles, almost reflecting the
starlit heaven above the audience, to "There´s a Place in
the World" at the end - and yes, we did get that second encore
featuring Jean on vocals and tambourine as well. A truly unique and
very special evening! ~
Christian
Man what an awesome experience. I saw Dan at Chastain Park in Atlanta.
All I can say is WOW! I had gotten so mellow with the acoustic tour,
that I had put aside what a fabulous rocker he is. And boy does he look
great for a 50+ guy. What
was the ultimate fun, though, was watching the entire band playing together.
I really don't think it would matter if they had been in front of an
audience or not, they were having a blast just playing together. Their
fun, of course, made it even more fun for us to watch.
Chastain Park with people
eating smoked salmon and drinking champagne in an outdoor ampitheatre,
under the stars with their silver candlesticks and center pieces and
listening to rock 'n roll was a weird experience. Who needs drugs
when you have people around? ~ Susan
I
live in Rochester, NY and my wife & I (and the kids) went to Atlanta
to catch Dan's show at Chastain (what a great place to see any concert.
If you ever get the chance, go there). We have seen him on several
occasions but this concert was the best in a while. 2 1/2 hrs packed
full of his best music. If you are a Fogelberg fan this is a must
see concert. ~ Tom O'Brien
Dan
put on a great show. I went with a couple of people that had never
seen
him before and they were amazed at the talent that Dan displayed.
The best song of the night in my opinion was "To the Morning".
It was absolutely phenomenal. His voice seemed a little tired, but
that is understandable since he had performed the night before in
Biloxi. I was a little disappointed that he played nothing from the
upcoming "new album". Hopefully, this is a sign that he
will be touring again when the new album is released was also disappointed
that he did two blues numbers and neither were his songs. I would
rather have heard "Road Beneath My Wheels", or "Over
and Over". He seemed to concentrate on his hits from "The
Innocent Age" Album. I am being picky because I like all his
albums and the songs that never get played. All and all, it was a
great performance and I can't wait to see him again. Thanks ~ Frank
I
just wanted to rave about the show that Dan put on in Atlanta. My
friend and I met up and traveled to the show. (Two
Tennesseans who have been friends since the fourth grade. We now live
in different cities but still remain great friends and loyal Dan fans!!!)
It was a beautiful night! It was an outdoor concert and everyone brought
great food and wine. As the sky grew dark, the amphitheatre was illuminated
by the glow of candles on the small picnic tables. It was a very intimate
atmosphere even though it was a large amphitheatre. Dan looked great
and sounded great as usual. My friend and I have been Dan fans ever
since Dan lived in Kingston Springs, TN. (Let's just
say Dan isn't the only one who is having a thirty year anniversary.)
My friend and I are celebrating Dan loyalty for the same amount of
time! Dan looked as if he was enjoying "jamming" with friends.
My friend and I both realized that each song holds a world of memories
for both of us. Dan's music has followed us and been a background
for the history in our lives. I think we each got a little misty!
It was a perfect trip topped off by me going crazy at the merchandise
booth! I purchased a T-shirt, coffee mug, and an autograph CD! I felt
sixteen again! Now I can have coffee every morning with DAN! I recommend
that everyone goes to see his shows. I always try to go as much as
possible.
Thanks for being there Dan!!!! Not only do you entertain and inspire,
you have been a part of my life for so long I wouldn't know what I
would do without your music! Also, it also gives old friends excuses
to get together to reminisce and party a little bit!!!! ~ A
and K in TENNESSEE
I
would love to say the whole Atlanta concert was exciting but I would
be lying. I was completely disenchanted by the lack of respect for
Dan and the band by this audience. I like the idea of food and beverages
from baskets like others but the continuous talking was sooooo annoying.
Now, with that out of the way, Dan was terrific. He was just a bit
under the weather that night but fought through it like the professional
he is. The set list was one I had heard before but varied a little.
I love the way he did "To The Morning" WOW, just like the
record. I sure would have liked to hear something off his upcoming
cd but I will just have to wait. Over all it was a pretty great night...thanks
Dan. ~ Butch
Being an old
Fogelberg fan from way back, i.e. 48 years old, I have seen Dan
in concert many times. I had the pleasure of seeing him twice this
year....once on 6/1 in Atlanta at the Chastain Theater and most recently
last night at the Star Theater in Merrilville, Indiana. The concert
in Atlanta could not have been better! Dan's music was very enthusiastic,
feeding off the large crowd and Dan and his band seemed to be very
much in "tune" with the audience. He was talking to the
fans, was sharing some history of the songs and seemed to be very
much enjoying himself. It truly was an outstanding evening.
I must say the concert
last night in Merrilville was not as rewarding. For whatever reason,
Dan seemed to be tired and left the feeling that he was just trying
to get through the concert. There was minimal small talk with the
audience and there was little if any real "soulful feeling"
in the delivery of his performance. I felt sorry for those others
in attendance, although they might have enjoyed the performance as
they had no other performance to refer to...as we did with the performance
in Atlanta. Certainly, we did enjoy the music, but I think his delivery
was a bit forced and probably will be "critiqued" as such
in the reviews.
I will always be a Fogelberg
fan as I have been for 30 years however and savor every time I get
the chance to attend a performance or obtain some new music. I truly
believe Dan is one of the most talented, if not the most talented
songwriter of our time and hope he continues on. Thanks ~
Elmer Cummings (Elizabethtown,
KY)
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