His hard living ended in 1982. No drinking since. Constant touring every year 80+ shows a year except for 2 years after his almost fatal abdominal aortic aneurism. yes he looks old. he's 80. look in the mirror. he's wiry old bugger with a gorgeous 23 years younger wife who adores hm and is his right hand. He's never been happier or more energetic. His voice is still in tune and some songs are bit modified to suit his older voice and some notes he can't reach or hold because of the illness. He works out every day and has since the 80's. He does almost a full concert in sound check/rehearsal before the concert each nd every night.
He can be out for 16 days, do 13 shows in 8 different states. He comes home for a few weeks then heads back out... it would exhaust a younger person. Check his schedules this year and past ones at lightfoot.ca.
www.corfid.com has reviews/reports/pictures/videos and a search engine going back to 1999. He is beloved all over the world a few years ago he went back to U.K. for several shows after 25 years and venues were sold out, including Royal Albert Hall.
Massey Hall/Church of Gord in Toronto is always sold out for his 3/4 nights every 2 years. It used to be every year, then went to every 18 months.. now it's 2 years. Massey is under going renovations and Gordon is the performer who has been there the most at 165+ times. He closed the place last July 1 (Canada Day) with 3 concerts that weekend and they want him, god willing in late 2020/2021 to be the first to walk across those boards again.
He's just fine, strong and never stopping, he's on the go constantly when at home here in Toronto and prepping for the next mini tour. He is in his office every day after his workout. His voice now has the life lived in those songs he wrote as a young man. He is a marvel of a performer and a man who knows his past relating to his behaviour with family and friends and is always working on making himself better along with making his relationships better. He feels great remorse for the hurts he caused. A new doc is a very touching glimpse into his thoughts.. He doesn't give it all up as that is not his way but my gawd his influence on a few generations of singer songwriters around the world is a long list including Fogelberg, Croce, Chapin, Billy Joel, Jimmy Buffett (who attended a full concert in Toronto one year and name drops Lightfoot in a tune in an album a few years ago. He adores Lightfoot.
Attending a concert nowadays, and I've attended around 130 since 1973, travelling to see many, is a thank you for fans but he is the one who constantly expresses his thanks and how much he still loves to be onstage sharing his music with not only 'old' fans but several new generations who appreciate being in the presence of a poet genius who sings his poems. We are blessed to have him still at 80, doing what he has done all of his life....and always giving 100% with a remarkable orchestra behind him and his fans in front...the music uniting us.
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Originally Posted by Earl49
Been a big fan for decades now. I first saw him in the late 70's in Michigan, several more times over the years, and the last time in early 2018 here in Boise. He did a strong 90 minute medley of the hits, some abbreviated for time. And yes, we applauded like crazy even though that voice is a mere shadow of its former glory.
The photos show just how hard living can take its toll, and that a life on the road will beat you up. Good for him for still being upright and playing! I almost certainly will be doing neither at age 80.
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