'Peggers Crazy for Outlaw Cowboy by Jen Sharpe www.mtscentre.ca Willie Nelson performs at the MTS Centre, Wednesday July 13th. Very few people command a standing ovation by simply walking on stage, and even fewer—perhaps only one—can do so in braids, a ratty cowboy hat, and a face full of wrinkles. Willie Nelson—the one and only—accomplished just that at the MTS Centre Wednesday night as he kicked off his old school, outlaw country Canadian tour. In true Texas style, on a hot and steamy summer night, the aging icon flowed seamlessly through a medley of classic Nelson tunes, contemporary covers, and songs from his newer albums. After opening with “Whiskey River,” Nelson covered “Whiskey for my Men, Beer for my Horses” and “Crazy” early in the set. Continuing with a satisfying mix of quick tempo foot-stompers and lighter-waving ballads, Nelson couldn’t disappoint his loyal—and often look-alike—fans. Despite the odd memory lapse and mumbly, undecipherable chit-chat between songs, the show was consistent and enjoyable. Backed by an impressive gang of motley musicians, including a few offspring, and a giant lonestar flag, Nelson was every bit the southern hippie cowboy. In contrast to Nelson’s rough rebellion, country cutie Kathleen Edwards kicked off the evening with a welcome dose of youth, femininity, and Canadian sensibility. With her haunting voice, introspective lyrics, and easy-going attitude, Edwards’ folk/rock/country sound was politely received by most of the middle-aged audience--excluding the odd “We want Willie!” chanter, of course. After a slow start, Edwards motivated the 6,000-strong crowd with a cover of Linda Ronstadt’s classic “When Will I be Loved.” With only a few exceptions (including commenting on Winnipeg’s reputation as a curling city before segueing into “Hockey Skates,” one of the biggest songs of her 2001 debut Failer), her quintet confidently breezed through its 45 minute set. -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Damn, I thought it wasn't even released yet. Haha, I want to see Jimmy Buffett just for his cover of Scarlet Begonias, but all the damn scalpers make the venues sell out in less than 15 minutes and it's almost impossible to get his tickets or stones tickets on ticketbastard nowadays unless you have Lan/T1... or you're lucky enough to pay extra to join fan clubs and get presale tickets like some scalpers do. I just got my allman/moe tickets an hour ago. I didn't think they were going to make it, but the dude I bought them from overnighted it fed ex for free... I only paid $10 more than face value if you count the service charge and shipping.
Haha... no, I've been downloading too much lately. I need to buy an album to make up for it. I found it funny that Wal-Mart didn't want the cannabis leaves on the album so they forced the distrubution company to print palm trees on the Wal-Mart version instead.
It wasn't just Wal-Mart. The record company thought it would be best to have a clean copy as well for any stores who had a problem with it.
I saw him with bob dylan last week. the energy was definitely up there. willie is a legend...nothing else to say. bob was alright...hes getting up there, but he still rocks.
