Sometimes it’s hard to explain to music purists why Tom’s Live Music Method is important to learn and why your live show is so important.
That’s why I love reading reviews and hearing people talk about their own experiences watching a great performance.
The following review was written by Steve Harrison at reporterconnection.com (the original link is no longer available, but this is a direct quote from what Mr. Harrison posted):
For years, my friends told me Bruce Springsteen was simply “the best” performer in concert. I didn’t particularly care for his music. I’m a Billy Joel / Elton John fan. But I finally decided to go and see what everyone was talking about.
I observed a guy who is not a great guitar player. He’s not a great dancer. And personally, I don’t think his songs are all that great either. But he gave me the greatest rock concert experience I’ve ever had!
I’ve seen Van Halen at the Garden. I saw Paul McCartney from row 10. I prefer their music. But “The Boss” created an experience like no other. He played, moved, and sang from a whole different motivation. He was so completely and utterly present in the moment, it seemed there was nothing else in the world he wanted to do but sing that lyric and play that chord – even though he’d done it thousands of times before.
“It’s like every song is an opening number!” my son exclaimed. A few days later I saw an interview with Springsteen in which he said being in the moment is “what rock and roll is all about. It’s what you get paid for” and the instant he catches his mind wandering on-stage, he immediately does something to wake up to the present, even if it means playing a wrong note.
Besides being in the moment, Springsteen loves his audience. He’s aware of what they want and works to engage them and make an emotional connection.
And, writer Steve Harrison is right… Bruce isn’t an amazing guitar player, dancer or even a technically great singer. But he brings his heart and soul and emotions front and center, and gives it all to his audience. He has passion and you can tell he loves what he does.
This is why audiences come back to see him, and why he is still selling out arenas.
You can do that too – albeit on a smaller scale to start with. Bring your passion and a giving attitude to your audience. And come to the show knowing what you are going to do, so when you set foot on the stage you can be totally in the moment.
For more Springsteen, check out Tom’s video blog Why Don’t They Love Me – Backstage Pass access only.
Amy Wolter
As a trained Live Music Producer for Tom Jackson Productions, Amy Wolter brings her years onstage as a lead singer & keyboardist - along with her experience as a producer, arranger, and songwriter - to singers and bands who won’t settle for ‘good enough’. She’s worked with artists at all levels, and genres ranging from Rock to Celtic, empowering them to have confidence and authority onstage, and put on memorable live shows, a few of whom have been on two of the largest US tours in recent history. Some of her clients include Grammy award winners The Band Perry & Lacrae, CMA and ACM –winning country acts, Gloriana & Thompson Square, 2016 The Voice contestant Mary Sarah, CCMA (Canada) winners High Valley, Jess Moskaluke & Chad Brownlee, and Winter Jam Tour veterans Sidewalk Prophets & Love and The Outcome.
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I still remember when Bruce released that multi-album live collection in the late 80’s. I loved it! I have never liked Springsteen songs recorded in the studio. But live? He just sweeps you away and suddenly there are tears in your eyes or you are on your feet dancing around playing air guitar and singing along. I still don’t like his studio stuff, but now that we have youtube, I love to surf through his live videos! Talk about someone modeling what Tom Jackson teaches! Bruce is it.
Ok, I’m going to have to finally breakdown and go see him – I’ll watch from my new perspective. Thanks for the recommendation on my next backstage topic.