Asheville (NC) Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, August 2
Singapore
Make it Rain
Hoist That Rag
Shore Leave
November
Gods Away on Business
Who's been talking (aka Causin' of it all) / 'Til the money Runs out
All The World Is Green
Tango 'Til Their Sore
Invitation to the Blues
You Can Never Hold Back Spring
Clap Hands
Whistling Past The Graveyard
Heartattack and Vine
Lie to me baby
What's He Building in There
Trampled Rose
Get Behind the Mule
Murder in the Red Barn
Goin' out West
Down In The Hole
Blue Valentine
Dont Go into that Barn
47 comments:
To all of you lucky people going to any of the shows on this tour, I'm so envious it hurts. I saw him in Amsterdam in 2006 and would gladly travel from Norway to the US to see him again, but with no vacation left it wasn't an option.
Does anybody know if any of the shows so far has been taped?
With no possibility to see the man live this time a recording would ease some of the pain.
Have a nice time on the shows.
It´s so strange that tom will publish a live DVD or CD...when will be on our hands again "big time"?
has any 402 been around the concerts? My boyfriend will have lost his on the plane.
any possibility of merchandise at the shows? i know someone mentioned nothing in atlanta...
This show was amazing! I wish I had tickets to other shows.
I was also wondering about the merchandise. I REEEEAAAALLLYYY want a Tom Waits tour shirt. But I guess thats a no-go, eh???
I have to admit...I was lucky enough to have been at the Vancouver shows last year. But they were rough and largely based on Real Gone - only 2 songs at the piano. Seeing these setlists makes me jealous - Singnapore? Shore Leave? Blue Valentine? C'mon! You lucky bums are getting the ultimate mixed bag of greatness.
christ, what a great goddamn set...
Invitation to the Blues? Clap Hands? I would have killed to be there. Crossing fingers for a set as good at chicago or akron.
Awesome show, it was nice to be at Jack of the Wood beforehand as well.
And no, there was no tour shirts to be seen.
Asheville was my first Waits show and it was great and all, but I was wondering: do people always sit down for the ENTIRE show? Even during the encores? At one point I turned around and yelled at everyone around me, "It's Tom friggin Waits--stand up and applaud!" There were even people leaving before the show was over to presumably "beat the traffic"--because I guess they figure they can see Waits when he comes back to Asheville next month or something, huh?
On another note, for those of you wondering about his stage banter, here goes it: Tom mentioned how hard it is to find a bad cup of coffee, adding he is going back to instant coffee because the keyword there is "instant." Before launching into "world is green," he said, "well the last time we were here...oh wait..." and then talked about working with Gregory Peck on some films in the 1940s.
In the middle of "What's He Building," there was some awful feedback and without missing a beat Waits said "I bet he spent a little time in jail (feedback)...and he's having SOUND PROBLEMS...!"
Finally, Tom mentioned what a great audience we were, adding "And I AM comparing you to last night's audience." He said he wanted us to give the ushers our measurements so he could take us all with him--he needed to make individual hardshell cases for each of us: "Yes, it's not only expensive...it's DANGEROUS!"
All in all a great show--much too great to stay SITTING! What's wrong with you, Asheville!?!?!
Sitting or not...there is nothing more annoying at a show than someone telling you to have more fun. You're THAT guy. It's as annoying as that one hippy chick dancing alone in a mu-mu out of context. People absorb a great show in different ways and don't need to act out fun in order to take it in. As far as leaving before the set was over - unforgivable.
Last night was so freaking awesome. And the comments between the songs were hilarious. I hope he really was sincere when he said we were a great audience. People did seem a lot more enthusiastic than I'd expected. I didn't realize there were so many Tom Waits fans around here. Such an amazing show.
Oh, and some other comments: He talked about how watermelons in Japan are square-shaped, and how they stack easily in the crates, then mentioned that it's big watermelon country down here. He also talked about how someone with the name Dolittle has to be careful when he goes to the unemployment office, and not pause too much between "Do" and "little." Also said he never understood the name "Cunningham"--"if you're so cunning, then why are you a ham?"
I love that man.
I'm getting so excited reading all these reports! Can't wait for Memphis tomorrow night!
Funny, that bad-cup-of-coffee joke goes back to a 1997 Allen Ginsburg tribute he was in: "It's getting harder and harder to find a bad cup of coffee ... even in the Los Angle-eez area ... I had to go all the way to Button Willow." He's improved on that joke over the past 9 years and seems to be adding more great material. Thanks so much for telling us about his banter! I'm looking forward to that almost as much as to the music.
Just so those of you with tickets to the other shows know, he DOES rework a few songs to the point where they sound completely different--particularly, "Murder in the Red Barn." Imagine if he had recorded that song on the NIGHTHAWKS AT THE DINER album and you've got a taste of what it sounds like on this tour. I was in the upper balcony and there was a couple in the back waltzing to that song, how perfect is that?
And one final note about the banter: At one point in between songs, someone screamed "I LOVE YOU TOM!" To which Waits replied, "Are you still living at the airport?" He then paused and added, "Mr. Dolittle , right? Or is it Cunningham?"
Does anybody know where there may be links to photos from last night's show?
No, he did not play Walking Spanish or Town With No Cheer (although that would have been awesome!). Here's the image of the setlist that I jotted down during the show. To my embarrassment, I totally blanked on the name of 'Till the Money Runs Out, but the rest of it is acurate.
Hey,
I was way up in the nosebleeds so maybe I was seeing things but did anyone notice his hat sort of floating around on his head without falling off ?
It looked very strange.
I'm looking forward to the Louisville show and still can't find a date to go. Who needs a date when you have Tom?
I'm with you, Anon. I couldn't believe the lack of energy in the crowd. It's Tom f'n Waits!!! If you can't see because I'm in front and standing, then get off your lazy ass and stand up too!
Duke Robillard SMOKES.
From where I was on the floor, the crowd was great. Very rowdy, singing along on choruses, dancing, it was a good time.
He did a little bit of Howlin Wolf's "Spoonful" too. Good stuff.
I was actually impressed by the crowd; I plunked down my $90 for a good SEAT, not to stand all night (I was behind 2 big behemoth slobs) and to hear Tom & his band, not a lot of whoo-hoos from a bunch of yahoos.
Thanks Asheville for adding to the performance by not acting like idiots all night.
Does anyone think that the show (which was one of the best I've seen) would have been better if the audience stood up all night and yelled? That just doesn't make any sense to me.
Well, I do prefer standing at shows. I'm not at a damn movie. Its nice to be somewhat involved with in the show.
standing and dancing INDEED! That is, when appropriate.
I will say this regarding the Asheville "crowd". The hottest day of the year is not the day to throw on your Sunday best in a pitiful "look at me!" hipster effort. The guy sitting next to me smelled like green beans and sweaty ass. Between that and his friend's Wait's "impressions" (while Tom was doing his thing) I can say it detracted from my overall experience at the show. Tom was divine. The band, better than average. The crowd sucked. Have some courtesy. Wear anti-perspirant and shorts when in the "orphaned" South.....
What was the problem with the band? I had doubt in duke, but everyone says he was good. Taylor always is awesome and so is Bent.
I was happy with the audience around me last night. I'm a big guy, so I was courteous to those behind me in my balcony seat and didn't stand all the way up, there wasn't anyone singing along, and everyone around me had bathed that day.
Good show, asheville. Good show.
"anonymous at 5:38 PM" said:
People absorb a great show in different ways and don't need to act out fun in order to take it in.
SO WHICH IS IT? You say this about people absorbing a show in different ways.... so WTF difference is it to you if someone is dancing, or GASP--STANDING. They're enjoying the show in their own way.
LOSE THE "LOOK-AT-ME, I'M-A-RAINDOG-HOLIER-THAN-THOU" BULLSH!T."
from earlier post:
"At one point I turned around and yelled at everyone around me, "It's Tom friggin Waits--stand up and applaud!"
Who do you think you are that you know how much people around you are appreciating a show? So if I'm sitting quietly and applauding between songs means I’m not "getting" that it's "Tom friggin Waits"? Are you the Tom Waits fan God or something? it's cause of people like you that I no longer fly to Waits shows. They're too easily ruined.
Play nice or get out of the sand box. I have no problems in closing the comments (or the whole blog, if it comes to that) if the bickering gets nasty.
All you crying complainers need to shut the hell up. I was at the asheville show. I saw Tom Waits perform, Live. This is a once in a life time experience for most people. Stand up sit down, shut up enjoy yourself and the man you came to see play. All you complainers must not love Tom Waits like you say you do. It makes me sick to hear so many complaints about the best concert of my life.
did anyone have another person buy them a ticket, only one, then go with them to will call to recieve it. I'm worried that they won't allow my aunt (who has a different last name) to had me the ticket/wrist band. Is there any way around this or are you just screwed. Any info might relax my anxiety.
First, I'd like to say, this was my first time seeing Tom Waits, and it it managed to exceed my expectation. Simply - a phenomenal show. I was mesmerized and couldn't take my eyes of the stage.
However, as much as I can appreciate an energized crowd, the crowd needs to cater to the venue to maximize the experience of the show. This was a theater show - albeit a large theatre - not a standing-room only, club venue show where all the levels are jacked up to vibrate the walls. The crowd was the only disappointment of the show (a slight one though). I work with a full band Hip-Hop act – for God’s sake - and fully understand the beauty of a crowd jumping around, dancing, screaming and vibing to the music, but there is a time and a place. Some venues require controlled/focused energy and enthusiasm. In the theater, overkill may take away from the show. Did anyone notice when Waits stood at the mic after one song as if waiting to speak to the audience for about 10-15 seconds. When the roar didn't subside, he turned to Duke and gave him a twirl of his finger, signaling to go ahead and begin the next song? Maybe a little missed crowd banter?
As for sitting, I attended the show with my father who has a nerve disorder which causes him to be unable to stand for more than a few songs. Fortunately, we were a couple rows behind the sound and light boards. The fact that the performance was in a theater was the reason he felt able to attend (as opposed to standing-room only). Had we gotten orchestra section seats, he may have missed a good portion of the show for blocked views. This is not a call for special treatment or for anyone to curb their actions of enjoyment at a show, but simply to say, THINK before blindly casting stones at those sitting for the majority of the performance. My father was standing and clapping when it was due time, between songs and before each encore, but standing the whole show was out of the question for him.
Tom Waits is a drug!I thought I would be satisfied after the atlanta show, but It's hard not to want one more.Just one more!!!!!
I moved to Florida six months ago from Cleveland.Which is (of course)
about 45 min away from Akron...
Go figure!!!
I also attended the Asheville show (my first Tom show). I got amazing, amazing seats - 2nd row orchestra, about 15 feet from the man himself. "Invitation to the Blues" brought tears to my eyes, it was just so aching...and yes, he did switch the lyrics around a little, but hey, it's a live show, made it even better for me. He's just electric on stage.
I thought the crowd was really respectful - no real hecklers, just a bunch of fans who seemed ecstatic to be there (me included).
I saw both Atlanta and Asheville...Atlanta was my first time seeing Tom Waits and while that was an amazing experience in itself, the acoustics were a hundred times better in Asheville and I am so glad I went to the second show as it was simply incredible. Definately catch this tour if you have the opportunity...you won't regret it. As far as standing/sitting I think people should mind their own business. I was standing on the floor the entire Tabernacle performance so I was glad to be able to sit in a nice auditorium in Asheville. I gave standing ovations several times.
I will reinforce what's already been said: The show was excellent. This was my first T. Waits show. It was also my wife's first T. Waits show-- and it made a true believer out of her! When I first bought Real Gone she wasn't a big fan-- was even a little frightened! However, "Make it Rain" was, aside from "Invitation to the Blues," her favorite performance of the evening. She even commented, "This was probably the most spiritual experience she'd had in a good long while. Tom isn't just an artist; he's got music in the soul
Now, as for the "yahoos" in the auditorium, I'll add this: I've been to many a show-- big-ass-arena-screamers, small venue standin'-for-hours-on-concrete-drinkin-a-beer shows, and intimate sittin-in-my-seat theater shows-- and I experienced a new phenomena at the T. Waits Asheville show: "whoo-hoos" in (all of) the quiet moments. I had the pleasure of sitting next to a pair of dudes who felt that Tom was "farkin' genius" (yelled as encouragement), but also felt it unnecessary to sit through the encores. Again, having been to many shows, I expect a certain amount of "yahoo-ery," but what I didn't like about this particular display was that these two (well, to be fair, it was mostly one) felt it appropriate to yell whenever they might be heard. Right there, deep in the spell of "Invitation," I was rudely dis-spelled by a holler right next to me...
My "beef" in all of this is simply with a lack of respect for narrative (and musical) flow. For instance, Waits played one of my favorites (Big Time version), "Down in a Hole," during which it is very appropriate to shout a "Praise the lord!" or an "Amen!" But when Waits is sitting alone at the piano, singing a song that I've never heard before ("You Can Never Hold Back Spring"), is it really fair to "whoop!" when Waits is holding a long, tenuous note? My answer: not really.
My theory is this: Some people, when faced with a public moment-- and in the presence of genius-- can't help but try to be heard-- regardless of what's being heard. I would liken it to a dog marking its territory.
My Waits concert experience is firmly planted at the top of my list of shows. Only another Waits show could ever dethrone this one. I just wish the yahoos would have stayed home and watched The Real World instead...
The whole sitting/standing/singing/screaming debate can be ended with one thought. You certainly have the right to enjoy yourself to your heart's content, but if you are interfering with the enjoyment of the show of those around you, you are doing a disservice to the other people who have paid their hard earned money to watch the concert.
If the people in my section or the row behind me were sitting down, I would certainly not stand up and block their view. Maybe I'm just hypersensitive because that's what I expect out of my fellow human beings, but if you feel like you can enjoy yourself without limits and ruin someone else's time, more power to you. But don't be surprised when someone asks you to shut up or sit down.
son of divorce wrote:
The whole sitting/standing/singing/screaming debate can be ended with one thought. You certainly have the right to enjoy yourself to your heart's content, but if you are interfering with the enjoyment of the show of those around you, you are doing a disservice to the other people who have paid their hard earned money to watch the concert.
If the people in my section or the row behind me were sitting down, I would certainly not stand up and block their view. Maybe I'm just hypersensitive because that's what I expect out of my fellow human beings, but if you feel like you can enjoy yourself without limits and ruin someone else's time, more power to you. But don't be surprised when someone asks you to shut up or sit down.
How true. Couldn't have said it better.
@rob: I've deleted your latest comment. Please contact me at eyeball@gmail.com.
I just returned to the Netherlands Holland after being to Asheville to see the show over there. It really was amazing and worth every minute of the trip and every dollar of the costs. I've seen Waits before in Amsterdam and The Hague and decided to spend my vacation in the States to go to one of the concerts of this tour. I was lucky enough to get 75 dollar tickets from ticketmaster. I heard people paid over 1000 dollars for tickets on the black market... Anyway, no matter if people were standing or not, if they were cheering or not, it was a great show which showed Waits at his very very best. Hope to get some pictures of the show, as they siad you weren't allowed to take a camera in and all my other vacation pictures were on it and I couldn't take the risk of losing them. Can anyone help? I know there are some great audio-recordings, maybe a trade?
KEEP WAITS OFF THE INTERENT!
QUIT BLOGGING OR SPAMMING MR. WAITS.
HE DOESN'T NEED YOUR ADULTERATION OF HIS MUSIC BY DISCUSSING IT ON A MEDIUM THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE PURITY OF HIS MESSAGE.
YOU ALL ARE NOT WAITS FANS.
@ anonymous above: you' right I'm not a fan.
Netherlands? I thought I travelled far from Canada. I built a 17 day road trip with the family around Asheville. Good times. Great show. Worth every one of the 7,500 kilometers and smokin hot nights in a camper. I have my opinions on the standing/sitting debate but I think enough has been said on the topic. I have been a huge TW fan since Swordfishtrombones but this was my first (and possibly my only) live performance. I loved every minute of it and even had tears sreaming down my face a couple of times.
I just heard the show via a recording. The song after Heart Attack and before Building is labeled " Who's Been Talkin" in the set llist. That song is mot Who's Been Talkin'. But can ayone tell me the correct title? Is it another Howlin' Wolf cover being labeled incorrectly? Thanks.
No, that song is not "Who's Been Talkin'." There has been a bunch of confusion over the covers. Tom does "Who's Been Talkin'" as a medley with "Til the Money Runs Out." "Cause of It All," as it has also been called, is not a song at all, but lyrics at the end of "Who's Been Talkin'," incorporated at the end of the medley. The song after "Heartattack" is probably called "Lie to Me" or "Lie to Me, Baby." It is unknown - not the song by Brook Benton or Johnny Lang. My guess is that it's maybe Tom's own tune, one of the upcoming Orphans that we have not heard yet. So the definitive setlist for Asheville, taken from the bootleg, should go:
Singapore
Make It Rain
Hoist That Rag
Shore Leave
November
God's Away on Business
Who's Been Talkin' / Til the Money Runs Out
All the World is Green
Tango Til They're Sore
Invitation to the Blues
You Can Never Hold Back Spring
Clap Hands
Whistlin' Past the Graveyard
Heartattack and Vine / Spoonful
Lie to Me
What's He Building
Trampled Rose
Get Behind the Mule
Murder in the Red Barn
Goin' Out West
First Encore
Way Down in the Hole
Blue Valentines
Second Encore
Don't Go Into That Barn
Oops, posted too soon. Just saw the Orphans tracklist, and "Lie to Me" is in fact the first song. I figure it's Tom's.
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