31.12.18 Memphis

[martin bates]

Thanks for that video link Wolfie.

Initial thoughts? JLL looking very frail but he sound more on pitch than when I saw him in 2015, but he's understandably slowing. Has that drummer played with him before? It's hard to tell listening to a youtube clip, but several times the beat and JLL go out of sync (and not just on that massive clusterfuck at the start of Down The Line). JLL needs a drummer that follows him, not lays down their own relentless rhythm. Even these days.

Given he recently cancelled a concert , great to see him out and about if not at full pelt. Kenny Arnott has been playing drums for 18 months or so . As Wolfgang noted in his L.A. review , whilst he is a gifted drummer he doesn't know Jerry so well as Robert Hall. I think previous comments about the length of show / value for money etc. I'm with Scott on that. If people choose to spend their money it's up to them. Jerry hardly short-changed them with a set 5 or 6 minutes shorter than average and opening with another huge surprise. And NYE in Memphis - seeing Jerry in his own club has to be the best ticket in town.

Martin.

[scottdoran1]

Thank you Martin and thank you Markus for showing me some respect in your critique and disagreement with me, i honestly mean that the others could learn a thing or two from you. There are ways to respectfully disagree and have a conversation with someone and you delivered that perfectly.

[scottdoran1]

In 21 days i will fly to the US to see Jerry and Judith its cost me a substantial amount of money with airfares, hotels, travel etc but you know its how i choose to spend my money i know exactly what to expect. Rock on Jerry

[PianoLidAgain]

Nevertheless, interesting to hear 39 and holding for a first song...Does someone know if he ever did that before?

This site attempts to answer that:
https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/jerry-lee-lewis-43d6af0b.html?song=39+and+Holding

[wolfgangguhl]

I remember when all of us were discussing on Thomas S.'s website some 20 years ago. Some people have even followed Jerry's life and career from as far back as the 50's. And we are still here, different opinions put aside, feeling attached to that amazing man one way or another. I do not know one person that fell in love with Jerry's music that has turned his back on him. Everyone stayed loyal. There is something about him, something very special. I am just eternally grateful that I live in his lifetime. It has been and still is an honor and a privilege.

[martin bates]

In 21 days i will fly to the US to see Jerry and Judith its cost me a substantial amount of money with airfares, hotels, travel etc but you know its how i choose to spend my money i know exactly what to expect. Rock on Jerry

Quite right Scott. Hope you have a great time !

Markus R - Jerry certainly did 39 and Holding after he first recorded it. It was a big country hit & he did it at his Wembley Arena concert in 1980 and I'm sure others around then.

Martin.

[scottdoran1]

39 & Holding was a request from a fan from Brazil who was in the dressing room with Jerry before the show on New Years Eve.

[scottdoran1]

Yes Wolfgang i agree, even though we have our different opinions neither right or wrong, we still stay loyal to the man of the moment.

[PeterC]

Markus R - Jerry certainly did 39 and Holding after he first recorded it. It was a big country hit & he did it at his Wembley Arena concert in 1980 and I'm sure others around then.

I think Markus was asking if Jerry's opened a show with the song before. Not something I can recall.

[martin bates]

Markus R - Jerry certainly did 39 and Holding after he first recorded it. It was a big country hit & he did it at his Wembley Arena concert in 1980 and I'm sure others around then.

I think Markus was asking if Jerry's opened a show with the song before. Not something I can recall.

Absolutely- you're right , I mis-read that ! Apologies Markus!

[wolfgangguhl]

39 & Holding was a request from a fan from Brazil who was in the dressing room with Jerry before the show on New Years Eve.

Amazing, isn't it? By request on side he plays a perfect version of a song he has not played in decades, remembering all the lyrics. I am not aware of any other artist capable of doing this. Yes, Chuck Berry and Little Richard would sometimes take requests for rare songs, but then only played like one verse of them. Jerry must have an elephant memory.

[PeterC]

You're right Wolfie, and it is incredible that he is still doing this, albeit occasionally, at 83! Of the other "greats", I think only Fats Domino was known to perform full length versions of obscure requests.

[peter molecz]

39 & Holding was a request from a fan from Brazil who was in the dressing room with Jerry before the show on New Years Eve.

Amazing, isn't it? By request on side he plays a perfect version of a song he has not played in decades, remembering all the lyrics. I am not aware of any other artist capable of doing this. Yes, Chuck Berry and Little Richard would sometimes take requests for rare songs, but then only played like one verse of them. Jerry must have an elephant memory.

it seems Jerry played the song 10 years ago for the last time - in Philadelphia Jan 31/2009 and the year before twice -
in New York and Mansfield/Ohio

Peter M.