Shepherd deserves more from Shreveport than what he got
Last night, Kenny Wayne Shepherd put on a spectacular show. Special guests Hubert Sumlin, Bryan Lee, Buddy Flett and Pinetop Perkins took their turns on stage with Shepherd. The performances were phenomenal.
Since "10 Days Out (Blues From the Backroads)" released in January, I've been following this story. This project is something Shepherd is passionate about. He describes these musicians as his heroes and as he played with each of them, his admiration was obvious.
I've watched Shepherd's documentary twice. Once, when I
received it in a press kit, and again when it aired on PBS. Both times it left an impression on me. As Shepherd mentioned last night, six of the artists featured on the documentary have died since the filming in 2004. The documentary preserves their talent and passes their music on to a new generation of listeners.
So, to see some of these artists live was something I couldn't miss. With a sold-out audience, it was obvious others felt the same way.
But why would you go to a concert if you didn't want to be there? Or why go if you couldn't at least pretend to appreciate the performance?
Throughout the night, some people in the audience disrespected Shepherd. As he talked about the artists who have died, one audience member shouted out "who cares." The packed house booed the guy and Shepherd simply said, "Looks like everyone cares but you."
During the encore, after "Blue on Black", an audience member threw a Dr. Pepper bottle on stage and hit Shepherd in the arm. Shepherd finished the song and then addressed the person by saying they should meet after the show so Shepherd could find out where the person worked so he could throw things at him while he was trying to do his job.
I couldn't believe it. Shepherd launched his tour in Shreveport to show hometown fans respect and gratitude, and some in the audience couldn't return the gesture.
I don't care how much these people had to drink, or how little they care about legends like Etta Baker and Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, the behavior was an embarrassment to them and to our city.
I hope the cities that follow on the tour will show Shepherd and his special guest performers more respect. They deserve it.
Since "10 Days Out (Blues From the Backroads)" released in January, I've been following this story. This project is something Shepherd is passionate about. He describes these musicians as his heroes and as he played with each of them, his admiration was obvious.
I've watched Shepherd's documentary twice. Once, when I
received it in a press kit, and again when it aired on PBS. Both times it left an impression on me. As Shepherd mentioned last night, six of the artists featured on the documentary have died since the filming in 2004. The documentary preserves their talent and passes their music on to a new generation of listeners.So, to see some of these artists live was something I couldn't miss. With a sold-out audience, it was obvious others felt the same way.
But why would you go to a concert if you didn't want to be there? Or why go if you couldn't at least pretend to appreciate the performance?
Throughout the night, some people in the audience disrespected Shepherd. As he talked about the artists who have died, one audience member shouted out "who cares." The packed house booed the guy and Shepherd simply said, "Looks like everyone cares but you."
During the encore, after "Blue on Black", an audience member threw a Dr. Pepper bottle on stage and hit Shepherd in the arm. Shepherd finished the song and then addressed the person by saying they should meet after the show so Shepherd could find out where the person worked so he could throw things at him while he was trying to do his job.
I couldn't believe it. Shepherd launched his tour in Shreveport to show hometown fans respect and gratitude, and some in the audience couldn't return the gesture.
I don't care how much these people had to drink, or how little they care about legends like Etta Baker and Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, the behavior was an embarrassment to them and to our city.
I hope the cities that follow on the tour will show Shepherd and his special guest performers more respect. They deserve it.
(Pictured from top to bottom: Kenny Wayne Shepherd with Buddy Flett; Shepherd with Bryan Lee; Hubert Sumlin; Pinetop Perkins)
posted by Stephanie Netherton at 1:11 PM
4 Comments:
Nice review, Stephanie. It hurts to report an onstage assault. It's probably, Home town boy makes good and causes everlasting jealousy.
Btw, KWS has long been a contrversial guy in the worldwide guitar community. Many people have expressed resentment toward him because he was too close in style to the late saint, Stevie Ray Vaughn.
Of course, thousands have taken him to their bosoms for what he is, a terrific Louisiana guitarist doing what comes naturally.
Trudeau,
You are right. I'm sure there are some hometowners who continue to see Shepherd as the same kid they went to school with at Caddo Magnet. Mix that with alcohol and you end up with a flying Dr. Pepper bottle. It was a sad thing to watch.
I understand the controversy of KWS's guitar playing, but he's a great talent. In the review, I mentioned how easy he makes it look. I tried to play the guitar once. I learned one strumming pattern and about six chords and that was as far as my ability could take me. No matter his style, I have a great appreciation for his natural talent.
I'm sure it's partially true about "hometown boy" but isn't there an increase of bottles and things being thrown at sporting events? I know back in the day when my dad wrestled with Mid-South at Municipal Auditorium there were problems like that. Is this some sort of creative outlet? A (dangerous) attempt to be funny? An effort to be part of the show?
Kathryn,
I think that is probably true also. It goes along with the theory that negative attention is better than no attention at all.
Post a Comment
<< Home