Monday, October 22, 2012

FAREWELL~

FAREWELL~
Last Tuesday evening Glen Campbell was greeted with a standing ovation from some 1,200 fans at the Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine...his farewell to his many fans, not just for this evening, but for all the years...a gift... Glen Campbell graced the stage with dignity and poise. How very brave of this man and his family to fight the battle against Alzheimer's Disease in such a public forum. I was so impressed with the three Campbell children, Ashley, Cal and Shannon all gifted musicians in their own right, who gently keep their dad on the straight and narrow during the entire performance...Glen Campbell dazzled the stage wearing an off white suit and blue ruffled shirt. He began the evening with such hits as "Gentle On My Mind"... "Galveston"..." By The Time I Get To Phoenix"..."Rhinestone Cowboy"...  Glen's voice was strong and clear, his guitar skills still amazing...however, at times he seemed uncomfortable...losing his way...confused...his clarity gone. The seventy minute set was over much too soon... bittersweet...Glen Campbell ended his performance with a song from his new album titled "Ghost On The Canvas"
The song, "A Better Place"

"Some day's I'm so confused, Lord,
my past gets in the way. I need the one's
I love,  Lord, more and more each day."

Glen Campbell took his bow,  fans clapped and cheered, Glen walked off the stage surrounded by his three children and simply said "BYE."

Thank you Glen Campbell...Godspeed...

15 comments:

Rugs and Pugs said...

Julie ~
I had no idea he was battling that awful disease. How sad but how wonderful to have the support of his children and his fans.
Hugs :)
Lauren

Pondside said...

What an evening that must have been. Kudos to Glen Campbell and his children for offering this last, gracious gift to music lovers.

annie said...

Always loved his music, he will be missed!

Holly Hills Primitives said...

What a horrendous disease and what a brave man. So wish a cure could be found. On a brighter note, I hope you are enjoying this beautiful fall!

Jacque. said...

I love Glen...have a lot of his albums. So glad you were able to attend the concert.

Rowan said...

It's so sad that a great singer like Glen Campbell has been struck down by Alzheimers, he has written so many wonderful songs over the years. His courage and dignity since the diagnosis have only enhanced his reputation. I wish him and his family well as he travels the difficult road ahead.

Vera said...

Crikey, I would have been in tears! It must have been a very moving occasion for all, and one that you will long remember.

jaz@octoberfarm said...

awwwww...what a nice story. i think he is brave too. it's so nice he is surrounded with family.

Primitive Stars said...

Morning Julie....what a wonderful show.....a real gentlemen.....Love those classic songs......so smooth that voice of his.....Bless him and his great children.....Hugs Francine.

Pix at Under the Oaks said...

So wonderful you got to see him Julie. I would love to!

Julia said...

How lucky you are to have been there. I used to listen to his song and I just love him still.
JB

Farm Girl said...

Wow that gives me such a lump in my throat. I have always loved his music. I have listened to it over and over and that song you quoted makes me cry so I don't listen to it much.
I am glad you got to see him and I think that the three kids walked him off the stage is just so sweet.
I am so glad you wrote what it was like and I am glad you got to go.

Gail said...

It's sad this disease affects so many. Our dad suffered for many years. He never lost his manners and we were able to provide him with a quality of life he would not have had in a "home".

Larkrise garden girl said...

What a brave family,You told the story so well. I felt like I was there. Hugs Cheri

Denise said...

Wow, I was fighting back tears as I read your post.....thanks for sharing.

Are you ready for winter yet, I still need to get wood in and put a few things away....I certainly DID NOT make the best use of the beautiful week to get things done!

Take care,
Denise