somewheredowntheroad

^Nurk - That photo is somewhere here on the Farm in the archives - I remember seeing. (I think)

It just isn't right to leave out Scott.....

I wrote to Bob and told him he missed mentioning Scott.... Bob – Loved the review of Petty and the Heartbreakers at the Hollywood Bowl – it made me sorry I missed it. But I got to see them in Chicago, Saratoga Springs and Boston this summer. They are a tight band – everyone in the group serves the music, elevates it to a higher level. It’s not about the one, it’s about the whole – yeah Tom stands in front, but the guys surrounding him are just as good, maybe even better. And the music, as it should be, is the star. On the second night in Boston, Tom was off (he must have been exhausted) – Mike and Benmont picked up the slack – I’ve never seen either of them play better – their solos overfilled my soul, making me bounce on the balls of my feet, sending my thoughts back to when I first heard them, I smiled like a 17 year old, and yes, my eyes filled with tears. Watching Mike’s hands dance across those strings – Balanchine couldn’t choreograph a better display. Only thing, I hesitate to mention is that in your post you forgot to mention Scott Thurston – the guy that completes the band since he plays just about every instrument, rounding out the edges, adding depth. And his voice melts so perfectly with Tom’s that one hardly hears it – yet it adds so much. Thanks for such a great review about guys who still serve the music, not themselves.

Bob Lefsetz wrote a cute piece about the Hollywood Bowl show on his blog. http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/ Bob loves Petty -- and Mike, of course...It's nice that Bob loves something.

Ode to Benmont Tench “Look at me,” I want to yell. Yes, I’m twenty-five years older and at least fifty pounds heavier than the girl bouncing up and down next to me. Her arms, with no jiggling undersides, seem three times as long as the rest of her five foot two inches. They spread out in front of me, waving, undulating. They block my view just for a second –time and time again. I have to duck as they just miss my head, my glasses, my eyes. Finally, I raise my right hand to protect my face as the tempo accelerates. She doesn’t notice I’m standing next to her. Yes, she’s adorable, her hair cut in a pixie, her halter top tight, her teeth bleached white. You see her when she stands on her chair, so does Mike. But can she hear you dear Benmont? I can. I close my eyes to block out the drum, the bass, Tom singing, the three guitars, those arms. It’s just you and me. Your fingers speed across the Steinway, agile, yet determined. I imagine how they stretch, moving from chord to chord, sequence to sequence, phrase to phrase. I open my eyes. Your head bobs up and down. Mine does, too. You look up. Your slightly balding scalp, once enshrouded in a curly mass of brown, is covered by a Fedora. Its brim outlines your eyes, drawing me in. You peer into the audience, passed the first three rows to me. You see me, I think, maybe, standing in the fourth row, un-illuminated. Hearing that chord, the one you just played, the one that filled that void, yet doesn’t blare 'listen only to me.' You serve the song, only the music, making it, yes, perfect. I mouth, “Wow.” No need to yell, “Look at me.”

I wrote an "Ode to Benmont Tench" (my last literary words of September 2010)- anyone want to read a draft?

Mike really hasn't changed much - other than now he wears his pants looser (LOL).

Take care and don't worry about the rest of us for once.

I sat next to a cello once as well. Paying for an extra seat for a student or buddying professional can be tough.

Poor Tom - although he did a great job at The Woodlands Pavilion you could see that he was beat by the end of the concert. All these shows one after the other have to take a toll on his throat/voice. I'm sorry for all those who travelled only to be disappointed.

Yep Marion - you are right about the song. Mike and Benmont were on fire last night. Just amazing.

I am officially older than dirt - 23. I loved the smell of the mimeograph paper.

So glad you got home safely. Unfortunately we don't have any extra bedrooms at our house, but if you aren't picky next time there is always a couch and sleeping bags.

Sugar, My arms were aching for you. But Holly looked like she was having so much fun. I missed the booger flinging - but I still have a fat lip from the pic Chinner whizzed at me. It was such a pleasure to meet you. I wrote a short meditation this morning about a smile I received from Benmont. Still trying to get it in good form. What a lovely evening. Meeting you and Holly and Lizzie and the rest of the crew made it all the better.

Sugar - careful driving. Hopefully the weather will blow through before you hit the road. Let's hope it misses the Woodlands so those ditting on the lawn aren't drenched.

How fun!

I work to pay the bills and support my extended family - but, I really wish I could focus on my writing instead.

I look forward to meeting a few of you on Friday. My Fedex package was waiting for me when I arrived home last night. My family asked, "Who sent you something?" I replied, "It's from Tom." (I prefer to think its not from LiveNation.)

It was an amazing show.

That man's fingers are the genuine article. No wonder everyone wants him on their recordings.

thanks Lizzie

I'd love to meet up with all of you.

Yep -

This is so great.