Kris in Concert

About 2 years ago, I saw Kris Kristofferson performing in London, in a concert where he had no band, nothing except his guitar and one of his daughters singing a few songs with him.  A very simple concert, for just one night.

It was a moving scene, this man on his own on stage, looking thin , greying, and  clearly getting older and more fragile.. with his guitar.  He talked about his days in England, how he went to Oxford and how he had boxed, there and sparred with Henry Cooper. .

I found the whole experience both wonderful and sad. I remembered my youth when I first heard many of his songs like Sunday Morning Coming down, the Preacher, Jody and the Kid, Bobby McGee.. And it was rather melancholy to think how many years had passed.
Kris’ voice is a bit “on and off” at times, as he has aged.  He doesn’t believe he is a very good singer, and has referred to himself as sounding like a bullfrog, but on that night he sang very well.
From the point of view of enjoying his singing, it was a great experience.  Kris gave value for money. I can’t remember offhand how long the concert was, but he had no support act and sang for about 2 hours I’d say.  When he left the stage, he came back and did an encore of 4 or 5 songs, taking requests from the audience.. And before he finished he shook hands with everyone in the front rows whom he could reach from the stage..  Like most “older” country singers that I’ve seen, he clearly feels that he should put in a good and reasonably long show, and that he should not ignore his fans or short change them. 
In spite of the melancholy, it was lovely to see  him.