Nils Lofgren — Keith Don't Go (acoustic live)
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This is a right-away letter
I've got to mail it today
Straight to my main inspirer
Says urgent from the USA
It's got this heart inside it
The postage is my soul
Contains a message from millions
Says Keith don't go
10000 guitars wailin'
But it ain't quite the same
You've got a knack for sailin'
And it's stamped with your own brand name
We's all sailors, as captain you must know
You bring a message to millions
Says Keith don't go
I said Keith don't go
Don't take my fun
Keith don't go
Keith don't go
We miss our father Jimi
It's hard to breathe with that loss
But I still got you brother
Don't nail yourself to a cross
I watch you lead the pack
You put the drive into my soul
You bring a message to millions
Says Keith don't go
I've got to mail it today
Straight to my main inspirer
Says urgent from the USA
It's got this heart inside it
The postage is my soul
Contains a message from millions
Says Keith don't go
10000 guitars wailin'
But it ain't quite the same
You've got a knack for sailin'
And it's stamped with your own brand name
We's all sailors, as captain you must know
You bring a message to millions
Says Keith don't go
I said Keith don't go
Don't take my fun
Keith don't go
Keith don't go
We miss our father Jimi
It's hard to breathe with that loss
But I still got you brother
Don't nail yourself to a cross
I watch you lead the pack
You put the drive into my soul
You bring a message to millions
Says Keith don't go
Comments (189)add comment
I once saw Nils in a little club called the Psychedeli . He played on a double bill with Root Boy Slim and the Sex Change band. Great show. Nils was a very local boy then. He lived in the next subdivision over.
My god, is that the Papyrus font n the album cover? But if it came out in '97, I guess no one saw it as a 'problem' back then 
One of the worst songs ever. Total waste of great guitar playing, IMO.
Nils Lofgren deserves far more respect than he gets.
Listening to this on a full tube headphone amp and had to stop what I was doing to listen. Whoa!
11.
nick.taylor56 wrote:
I think it's Bill you want to ask....or perhaps Rebecca.
What a great track - from a wonderful album. Saw Nils live a few years ago - no trampoline onto the stage but a fantastic gig. More of Nils please Bob
I think it's Bill you want to ask....or perhaps Rebecca.
What a great track - from a wonderful album. Saw Nils live a few years ago - no trampoline onto the stage but a fantastic gig. More of Nils please Bob
This sounds amazing through my little tube amp and wood cabinet speakers.
Nils is certainly the best guitarist in the E Street Band.
KeithBrofsky wrote:
I like to get all trumpian and think this song is written for me. (Had to go there.) But what a fab guitarist and singer is Nils. He's a serious musician, activist and all around decent human being.
Yes, Trump, don't go. KeithBrofsky wrote:
and this is a really unenjoyable song, despite the great guitar playing.
I like to get all trumpian and think this song is written for me. (Had to go there.) But what a fab guitarist and singer is Nils. He's a serious musician, activist and all around decent human being.
and this is a really unenjoyable song, despite the great guitar playing.
I like to get all trumpian and think this song is written for me. (Had to go there.) But what a fab guitarist and singer is Nils. He's a serious musician, activist and all around decent human being.
DanFHiggins wrote:
DC boy here. Used to watch him play at Reno Park for free. Doing his flips while jamming.
Had all his albums back in the day.
Played on a Macintosh with a Bang & Olfsen turntable.
I think ESS speakers.
Talk about shaking the house in Takoma Park.
ESS Speakers. In the 70's at Griffith Park Observatory they used to have a laser light show to mucic inside, projected onto the dome cieling. They had 16 ESS speakers playing in stereo/quad(if available) 4 of them on four walls. It was most supreme. Great place to take a date. Thanks for reminding me.
DC boy here. Used to watch him play at Reno Park for free. Doing his flips while jamming.
Had all his albums back in the day.
Played on a Macintosh with a Bang & Olfsen turntable.
I think ESS speakers.
Talk about shaking the house in Takoma Park.
ESS Speakers. In the 70's at Griffith Park Observatory they used to have a laser light show to mucic inside, projected onto the dome cieling. They had 16 ESS speakers playing in stereo/quad(if available) 4 of them on four walls. It was most supreme. Great place to take a date. Thanks for reminding me.
What a unsung genius nils is
Bought his first album and still really enjoy hearing from him
This is the first time I have heard it and its awesome! Thanks Nils..
what a guitarist!
what a guitarist!
When I was in HS. He lived across the main road. At the time he was playing with Grin. I once saw him in a small club called the "pysicadeli" on Cordel Ave. Across the street from HFS. He was on a double bill with Root Boy Slim and the Sex Change band. He was great. he had the acoustics of little box down pat. Great time.
Emwolb wrote:
DC boy here. Used to watch him play at Reno Park for free. Doing his flips while jamming.
Had all his albums back in the day.
Played on a Macintosh with a Bang & Olfsen turntable.
I think ESS speakers.
Talk about shaking the house in Takoma Park.
Been a Nils fan since Grin days...the man can play guitar with the best of them...too bad he got sucked up into the Bruce machine
DC boy here. Used to watch him play at Reno Park for free. Doing his flips while jamming.
Had all his albums back in the day.
Played on a Macintosh with a Bang & Olfsen turntable.
I think ESS speakers.
Talk about shaking the house in Takoma Park.
Shwing wrote:
I've heard that every cigarette you smoke takes away a day of your life... and it goes to Keith Richards.
Keith quit smoking last October!
He said it was tougher than kicking heroin.
Let's hope he doesn't relapse.
I've heard that every cigarette you smoke takes away a day of your life... and it goes to Keith Richards.
Keith quit smoking last October!
He said it was tougher than kicking heroin.
Let's hope he doesn't relapse.
No one seems to have noticed Nil’s nod to Stephen Stills Black Queen in one of the solo breaks.
Wow, wonderful live acoustic guitar sound. And yes, his phrasing and attack equally so.
On_The_Beach wrote:
I've heard that every cigarette you smoke takes away a day of your life... and it goes to Keith Richards.
Not to worry, Keith will outlive us all. ; )
I've heard that every cigarette you smoke takes away a day of your life... and it goes to Keith Richards.
Long live Keith !!
genius
This song is most awesome. That is all. It just kinda startled me mostly. As while it was playing I glanced at Twitter trends and "Carlos Santana" was trending, and I thought f*ck no, not another rock 'n roll death notice. Was something about some baseball player with the name "Carlos Santana." I think. I dunno. Just do not even want to go follow up on that bit of fleeting Twitter gossiping pips 'n stuff.
All the "Keef" lifestyle/longevity discussion and whether one happens to like this song or not aside, this is just absolutely top notch GREAT guitar playing.
Proclivities wrote:
On the album which this song first appeared, the full title of the song is "Keith Don't Go (Ode to the Glimmer Twin)", which should leave little doubt which Keith this song is about.
He explained in an interview with Mojo magazine July 2011 why he penned this song for Keith Richards: "I'm on Neil's Tonight's the Night UK tour, I'm just 22, and in heaven. Every day, I'm meeting musicians, a dozen best friends of Keith, and he becomes a common conversation; how sick he is but what an enormous imprint he continues to make. My song was a giant thank you note saying, 'You're a medicine, we need you, why not stick around and take care of yourself.'"
On the album which this song first appeared, the full title of the song is "Keith Don't Go (Ode to the Glimmer Twin)", which should leave little doubt which Keith this song is about.
He explained in an interview with Mojo magazine July 2011 why he penned this song for Keith Richards: "I'm on Neil's Tonight's the Night UK tour, I'm just 22, and in heaven. Every day, I'm meeting musicians, a dozen best friends of Keith, and he becomes a common conversation; how sick he is but what an enormous imprint he continues to make. My song was a giant thank you note saying, 'You're a medicine, we need you, why not stick around and take care of yourself.'"
amazing !
On_The_Beach wrote:
How right you are.....
RIP JIMI
Not to worry, Keith will outlive us all. ; )
How right you are.....
RIP JIMI
Nicely done Nils!
over the top---tried to PSD and it wouldn't
Perfect ....
zesty! first became aware of nils bk in very early 70's on a pbs special bout roy buchannon and Lofgren was on as sort of a protégé of roys / bought his first album severl since / check out " see what love can do " w/neil young very zestySaw Nils with Grin back in the early-mid 70's, been a fan ever since. He rarely get's to shine with the E-Street band which is unfortunate...
Not to worry, Keith will outlive us all. ; )
Very nice playing...
I literally said "awesome" out loud when hearing the first few chords....Nils - love it
A superb guitar man!
............................10....
So
Damn
Good
Damn
Good
Nils is easily the best guitarist in the E Street Band and perhaps the best musician of the bunch.
I saw Nils perform this live here in Grass Valley CA at a land trust small outdoor venue. I fist saw Nils in Rockville Maryland in 1970 with Grin. He continues to be amazing and a nice guy.
This is simply amazing.
Chumbawamba-1984 wrote:
He was born in 1951. He's more likely 66 than 73 over one year after your post. He keeps getting younger!
Keith was born in 1943.
He was born in 1951. He's more likely 66 than 73 over one year after your post. He keeps getting younger!
Keith was born in 1943.
ronniegirl wrote:
he turned 73 last week. Amazing. And still rockin
He was born in 1951. He's more likely 66 than 73 over one year after your post. He keeps getting younger!
he turned 73 last week. Amazing. And still rockin
He was born in 1951. He's more likely 66 than 73 over one year after your post. He keeps getting younger!
Man is PLAYIN' that guitar.
FABULOUS !!!!
treatment_bound wrote:
I remember the first time I heard the term "dead pool" was sometime in the late 80's, as I read it in some alternative newspaper. They polled about 10 people for theirs, and Keith seemed to be in the top 5 on everybody's list.
30 years later, I'm guessing he doesn't even show up on them anymore.
THE MAN IS INDESTRUCTIBLE!
he turned 73 last week. Amazing. And still rockin
I remember the first time I heard the term "dead pool" was sometime in the late 80's, as I read it in some alternative newspaper. They polled about 10 people for theirs, and Keith seemed to be in the top 5 on everybody's list.
30 years later, I'm guessing he doesn't even show up on them anymore.
THE MAN IS INDESTRUCTIBLE!
he turned 73 last week. Amazing. And still rockin
lemmoth wrote:
I remember the first time I heard the term "dead pool" was sometime in the late 80's, as I read it in some alternative newspaper. They polled about 10 people for theirs, and Keith seemed to be in the top 5 on everybody's list.
30 years later, I'm guessing he doesn't even show up on them anymore.
THE MAN IS INDESTRUCTIBLE!
Did Keef ever threaten to "go." not that I recall. Anyway its hard to believe he will never go.
I remember the first time I heard the term "dead pool" was sometime in the late 80's, as I read it in some alternative newspaper. They polled about 10 people for theirs, and Keith seemed to be in the top 5 on everybody's list.
30 years later, I'm guessing he doesn't even show up on them anymore.
THE MAN IS INDESTRUCTIBLE!
Been a Nils fan since Grin days...the man can play guitar with the best of them...too bad he got sucked up into the Bruce machine
Did Keef ever threaten to "go." not that I recall. Anyway its hard to believe he will never go.
Even though I know we all must go some day. Even Nils.
Even though I know we all must go some day. Even Nils.
I kinda wish I was able to use PSD on this one. Hearing it waaaay too much lately.
Here is Keef's response (not me, the cool one).
https://youtu.be/INReA1pmb7w
https://youtu.be/INReA1pmb7w
Nils Lofgren - the pride of Maryland.
Wish I could see this guy live. I own one vinyl and it's one I could never part with. Slightly daggy lyrics but gee the guitar is great. Love this. Thanks for playing it.
Wow!! Very nice! Never heard this version before. Thanks yet again Bill :)
Enough to make me a new fan.
Or, you could just listen immediately if a subscriber to Spotify or Apple Music.
Thank you, Amazon.
Waiting for the delivery ...
Waiting for the delivery ...
Listening to RP is slowly bankrupting me ...
Any one know if this is still available and from where?
Any one know if this is still available and from where?
Tasty guitar...........Keef eat your heart out.
An exuberant, energetic performer, and a contortionist like Ian Anderson - lots of fun.
Heard Nils at the Roxy when they recorded the album. He and his brother played on same guitar, one picking, one handling the chords. It was one fine concert.
There are hints of Black Queen by Stills on this
Wait, you mean this isn't Jorma Kaukonen on guitar? Serpent of Dreams? No? Sure fooled me for a sec.
Wondered what has become of him? He did some brilliant playing and composing "back in the day", which just makes me sound old. This is a very cool acoustic tune with all the harmonics and other nice touches... he is still around
Excellent version. Nils, your albums are real hard to find out there. Please, get 'em out here. Definitely Keith Richards. He and Mick are the Glimmer Twins. Great version of a great song! I also don't think Keith will ever "go" - he's going to outlive all of us!
The_Walrus wrote:
here's the cover—that was a fun record. My old college roommate used to throw it on a whole bunch in the late 70's.
Do you think he still has those pants?
Bill, be nice to hear his brilliant version of the Goffin/King song "Goin' Back".
here's the cover—that was a fun record. My old college roommate used to throw it on a whole bunch in the late 70's.
Do you think he still has those pants?
Bobert_ParkCity wrote:
On the album which this song first appeared, the full title of the song is "Keith Don't Go (Ode to the Glimmer Twin)", which should leave little doubt which Keith this song is about.
philbertr wrote:
Bill mentioned Mr. Richards on this topic...
er, Keith Moon, I believe. Do note the Jimi reference.
(don't mean I'm right - but I'd be wrong for like 40 years now - not the first time)
(well... written TO Keith imploring him NOT to be a Jimmy. Much easier to get your facts straight these days....)
Who is Keith?
(or did I miss a previous, informative note on this question?)
(or did I miss a previous, informative note on this question?)
Bill mentioned Mr. Richards on this topic...
er, Keith Moon, I believe. Do note the Jimi reference.
(don't mean I'm right - but I'd be wrong for like 40 years now - not the first time)
(well... written TO Keith imploring him NOT to be a Jimmy. Much easier to get your facts straight these days....)
On the album which this song first appeared, the full title of the song is "Keith Don't Go (Ode to the Glimmer Twin)", which should leave little doubt which Keith this song is about.
Beastie wrote:
Definitely! Nils had a few minor hits in the 70s and/or 80s but he mostly got overlooked. He deserves more play here.
Damn. That's one mean guitar playing. Let's have more of this guy, please.
Definitely! Nils had a few minor hits in the 70s and/or 80s but he mostly got overlooked. He deserves more play here.
Was an easy 8, now I've had to bump it to 9. So good as a hi rez file.
Stellar audio quality. On a good system this is a revelation.
Yet another fantastic guitarist from my hometown.
philbertr wrote:
Bill mentioned Mr. Richards on this topic...
er, Keith Moon, I believe. Do note the Jimi reference.
(don't mean I'm right - but I'd be wrong for like 40 years now - not the first time)
(well... written TO Keith imploring him NOT to be a Jimmy. Much easier to get your facts straight these days....)
Who is Keith?
(or did I miss a previous, informative note on this question?)
(or did I miss a previous, informative note on this question?)
Bill mentioned Mr. Richards on this topic...
er, Keith Moon, I believe. Do note the Jimi reference.
(don't mean I'm right - but I'd be wrong for like 40 years now - not the first time)
(well... written TO Keith imploring him NOT to be a Jimmy. Much easier to get your facts straight these days....)
This...This....This...... song always stops me. Acoustics Paridise
thanks for PSD
Been great for a long time, notoriety or not.
Damn. That's one mean guitar playing. Let's have more of this guy, please.
The_Walrus wrote:
yep - love that too - would fit right in on RP.
From a great album, released in 1975 - Bill, be nice to hear his brilliant version of the Goffin/King song "Goin' Back" from the same album
yep - love that too - would fit right in on RP.
Rock and Roll! Good stuff. I could stand hearing more of this today.
The_Walrus wrote:
I have the big black round plastic copy of that 70s double album but I haven't found a CD/digital copy so ended up A2D-ing it myself like the old days with C-90s. Nils is a star.
From a great album, released in 1975 - Bill, be nice to hear his brilliant version of the Goffin/King song "Goin' Back" from the same album
I have the big black round plastic copy of that 70s double album but I haven't found a CD/digital copy so ended up A2D-ing it myself like the old days with C-90s. Nils is a star.
From a great album, released in 1975 - Bill, be nice to hear his brilliant version of the Goffin/King song "Goin' Back" from the same album
cosmiclint wrote:
As I recall, part of the sentence the judge imposed was for him to play a benefit concert for the blind. The rest of the band joined him for two shows. It was a bit unconventional, but I think it was a way of avoiding sending him to jail.
You see, that is what is great about Canada. Down here, the judge probably would have made him play a benefit concert for the deaf.
As I recall, part of the sentence the judge imposed was for him to play a benefit concert for the blind. The rest of the band joined him for two shows. It was a bit unconventional, but I think it was a way of avoiding sending him to jail.
You see, that is what is great about Canada. Down here, the judge probably would have made him play a benefit concert for the deaf.
More of this please!?
Looked up when he wrote this, I was surprised to see it was on his first solo album "Nils Lofgren" early 70's sometime.
I used to have that album once upon a time, but I don't remember this song.
Haven't seen that album in years
Of course it was the 70's...........which most of that time has kind of a fog over it in my memory.
And of course 40 years later we are still worried about Keith.
I used to have that album once upon a time, but I don't remember this song.
Haven't seen that album in years
Of course it was the 70's...........which most of that time has kind of a fog over it in my memory.
And of course 40 years later we are still worried about Keith.
Keef wrote:
NOOO!! KEEF - DON'T GO!
I gots to go!
NOOO!! KEEF - DON'T GO!
philbertr wrote:
Bill mentioned Mr. Richards on this topic...
Who is Keith?
(or did I miss a previous, informative note on this question?)
(or did I miss a previous, informative note on this question?)
Bill mentioned Mr. Richards on this topic...
philbertr wrote:
I think it's really Keef!
Who is Keith?
(or did I miss a previous, informative note on this question?)
(or did I miss a previous, informative note on this question?)
I think it's really Keef!
dougmbrown wrote:
2006 - is that vintage?
Fun to hear some vintage Nils.
2006 - is that vintage?
Who is Keith?
(or did I miss a previous, informative note on this question?)
(or did I miss a previous, informative note on this question?)
I gots to go!
ok, enough already....
I get the impression that he does not want Keith to go, though I'm basing this on my read of the lyrical subtext, which my simple caveman mind cannot truly fathom.
Fabulous licks. But I got a little tired of him telling Keith not to go.
WayUpNorth wrote:
That really irks me, too. I think Little Steven is really "cool" and does his part, but he gets all the attention and Nils gets zero. I was a Nils fan from way back and couldn't believe he even took a backup guitarist job. And then "they" (meaning whoever films/promotes their performances) give Nils no acknowledgement. He must be an amazingly humble person to live with that ...
Nils is carried by his art... He dosen't need the spot light to play like he does. Yes, he must ba an amazingly humble soul. He is a God among guitarists!
That really irks me, too. I think Little Steven is really "cool" and does his part, but he gets all the attention and Nils gets zero. I was a Nils fan from way back and couldn't believe he even took a backup guitarist job. And then "they" (meaning whoever films/promotes their performances) give Nils no acknowledgement. He must be an amazingly humble person to live with that ...
Nils is carried by his art... He dosen't need the spot light to play like he does. Yes, he must ba an amazingly humble soul. He is a God among guitarists!
argioia wrote:
That really irks me, too. I think Little Steven is really "cool" and does his part, but he gets all the attention and Nils gets zero. I was a Nils fan from way back and couldn't believe he even took a backup guitarist job. And then "they" (meaning whoever films/promotes their performances) give Nils no acknowledgement. He must be an amazingly humble person to live with that ...
Shocked to hear my favorite Nils played on this or any other radio station. When E-Street band concerts are televised, they never show Nils, who is playing his heart out. One of my all time favorites. Thanks Bill!!!
That really irks me, too. I think Little Steven is really "cool" and does his part, but he gets all the attention and Nils gets zero. I was a Nils fan from way back and couldn't believe he even took a backup guitarist job. And then "they" (meaning whoever films/promotes their performances) give Nils no acknowledgement. He must be an amazingly humble person to live with that ...
Sure wish someone would re-release "Night After Night" on cd.
Whoa. Immemdiately stopped me in my tracks to sit down and listen to this aboslutely delicate & lovely sound kissing my ears. Magical recording quality...even on the ipad. Sincere gratitude for being the only radio station I listen to anymore. xox
Nils doesn't get a lot of credit for his incredible facility with the guitar. That double-hammer on solo in the middle is amazing. Virtuoso stuff.
Fun to hear some vintage Nils. How about some ancient things from his Grin days? Yeah, I am that old!
Crazy talent.
This kicks ass, too bad we didn't here him more when he plays with Bruce.
is live...enough for me. 
8 -> 10
Dont know what I was thinking.
This album was released back in 1997 btw.
Dont know what I was thinking.
This album was released back in 1997 btw.
cosmiclint wrote:
As I recall, part of the sentence the judge imposed was for him to play a benefit concert for the blind. The rest of the band joined him for two shows. It was a bit unconventional, but I think it was a way of avoiding sending him to jail.
I am reading Keef's bio. Canadian court didn't want to bring any more attention to Mrs. Prime Minister Margaret Trudeau. He also had a blind groupie that traveled the country to see the Stones play, so he thought a concert for the blind was a great idea.
As I recall, part of the sentence the judge imposed was for him to play a benefit concert for the blind. The rest of the band joined him for two shows. It was a bit unconventional, but I think it was a way of avoiding sending him to jail.
I am reading Keef's bio. Canadian court didn't want to bring any more attention to Mrs. Prime Minister Margaret Trudeau. He also had a blind groupie that traveled the country to see the Stones play, so he thought a concert for the blind was a great idea.
After listening to this again, and reading the lyrics, and trying like hell to find something wrong with it, I had to bump it to a 10. Anyone in attendance at that concert was experiencing a chilling, poignant, incredibly-intimate moment that cannot and will not ever happen again.
Keef - are you listening?
Keef - are you listening?
I will re-iterate: I love Lofgren's music. That so many people have commented on his lyrics, his guitar-playing, and his overall style tells me he's got something pretty damned special. Listen to this acoustic performance - the way he strums the strings slowly enough to let each note resonate... the way he fine-tunes his finger-picking... the earnestness of his vocals...
Gotta get me some of his music. Starting with "Cry Tough," and then jumping to this one. I'll fill in the gaps as I can afford.
Gotta get me some of his music. Starting with "Cry Tough," and then jumping to this one. I'll fill in the gaps as I can afford.
This is some awesome guitar-work. I've always loved Nils Lofgren's music. His vocals are so understated, and his guitar talent is so mind-boggling!
What a fine recording- the guitar sounds just like it's in my room... Wow!
We love Nisse !
WonderLizard wrote:
I agree re the meta-message. However, in the early '70s Keith was under indictment in Toronto, Ontario for heroin possession. If he went back, he would be arrested, tried, and presumably convicted and incarcerated. Hence, "Keith don't go back to Toronto..." If I recall correctly, Keith did go back to Toronto, pled guilty, and ended up with very long probation because it was his first Canadian offense.
As I recall, part of the sentence the judge imposed was for him to play a benefit concert for the blind. The rest of the band joined him for two shows. It was a bit unconventional, but I think it was a way of avoiding sending him to jail.
I agree re the meta-message. However, in the early '70s Keith was under indictment in Toronto, Ontario for heroin possession. If he went back, he would be arrested, tried, and presumably convicted and incarcerated. Hence, "Keith don't go back to Toronto..." If I recall correctly, Keith did go back to Toronto, pled guilty, and ended up with very long probation because it was his first Canadian offense.
As I recall, part of the sentence the judge imposed was for him to play a benefit concert for the blind. The rest of the band joined him for two shows. It was a bit unconventional, but I think it was a way of avoiding sending him to jail.
mamerjamer wrote:
The original version of this song is on Nils' self titled album released in 1975. It has Nils standing in front of a poster of a fat kid (like a carnival poster). Absolutely great album. Nils flew under the radar for many years, until he became "the most over-qualified backup guitarist in the world" according to Bruce Springsteen. A great lead guitar player, pianist and singer. The album mentioned above is his best work IMHO. This song is about Keith Richards by the way. I believe that this song was pleading for Keith Richards not to destroy himself with drugs.
WonderLizard wrote:
I agree re the meta-message. However, in the early '70s Keith was under indictment in Toronto, Ontario for heroin possession. If he went back, he would be arrested, tried, and presumably convicted and incarcerated. Hence, "Keith don't go back to Toronto..." If I recall correctly, Keith did go back to Toronto, pled guilty, and ended up with very long probation because it was his first Canadian offense.
I agree re the meta-message. However, in the early '70s Keith was under indictment in Toronto, Ontario for heroin possession. If he went back, he would be arrested, tried, and presumably convicted and incarcerated. Hence, "Keith don't go back to Toronto..." If I recall correctly, Keith did go back to Toronto, pled guilty, and ended up with very long probation because it was his first Canadian offense.
Mebbe...but the line about Jimi ( "We miss our father Jimi, it's hard to breathe with that loss...") seems to agree with the idea that it's about Keith's drug use. Anyway, nice segue to "Wild Horses", Bill.
Love me some Radio Paradise!
mamerjamer wrote:
I agree re the meta-message. However, in the early '70s Keith was under indictment in Toronto, Ontario for heroin possession. If he went back, he would be arrested, tried, and presumably convicted and incarcerated. Hence, "Keith don't go back to Toronto..." If I recall correctly, Keith did go back to Toronto, pled guilty, and ended up with very long probation because it was his first Canadian offense.
The original version of this song is on Nils' self titled album released in 1975. It has Nils standing in front of a poster of a fat kid (like a carnival poster). Absolutely great album. Nils flew under the radar for many years, until he became "the most over-qualified backup guitarist in the world" according to Bruce Springsteen. A great lead guitar player, pianist and singer. The album mentioned above is his best work IMHO. This song is about Keith Richards by the way. I believe that this song was pleading for Keith Richards not to destroy himself with drugs.
I agree re the meta-message. However, in the early '70s Keith was under indictment in Toronto, Ontario for heroin possession. If he went back, he would be arrested, tried, and presumably convicted and incarcerated. Hence, "Keith don't go back to Toronto..." If I recall correctly, Keith did go back to Toronto, pled guilty, and ended up with very long probation because it was his first Canadian offense.
E Street band was backing Bruce for 4 nights over 5 days at the Meadowlands. On their off day I went to see Bob Dylan at a small theater in Manhattan. I have never seen Bob so stoked as when Nils walked on about the 3rd or 4th song and joined the band for the rest of the night.
Lofgren just injected energy into everyone and made it a great show.
Lofgren just injected energy into everyone and made it a great show.
Could Keef play and sing as well as this? Thanks RP for uncovering this gem
