My husband and I attended the big boisterous party, known as The Hollywood Bowl, to watch Glen Campbell do his farewell performance in Los Angeles. He is saying goodbye. This mega-talented musician, singer, entertainer is slowly taking leave of “this” world, of “his” world and all he holds dear.
Alzheimer’s disease.
His songs play through the soundtrack of my life. I used to sing his hits in piano bars where the inebriated or just plain nasty demanded I sing “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” and “you better do it like Glen Campbell…” As usual I smiled sweetly. But what I was really thinking was “why don’t YOU go to Phoenix, a…hole!”
The truth is no one does it like Glen Campbell and watching him perform in this grand amphitheater was all at once exhilarating, inspiring and very sad. Even with the super sound system, the fancy lights, four big screens, a perfect balmy Southern California evening, the hard reality is undeniable and right in front us. It’s something we all know in our hearts. No one gets out of here alive. And furthermore, the “ending” might be a little rocky. To say the least.
Glen Campbell’s guitar licks are undiminished. He radiates joy. He sings with the astute confidence and vision only a man of seventy-six would have. He yodels, cracking his voice just so, just right. Do you know how hard it is to do that? But between songs he gets a little confused. He stumbles over words and repeats himself. There are handlers standing sentry in the wings, ready to surge onto the huge stage to help him go here, get there, to hand him a guitar. Three of his children play in his band and circle the wagons when he goes fuzzy, gently guiding him onto the next song. But for me, it is all okay. In fact it is wonderful. It is the truth. The truth of this moment.
The adoring crowd rewards his performance with a long riotous standing ovation that probably reflects a whole cocktail of emotions. Gratitude, admiration, nostalgia. Denial…
The words of French philosopher, Voltaire, who was born in 1694, reverberate still:
“Life is a shipwreck, but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats.”
So sing on my friends…
Marilyn Hess
Hi, I loved the heartfelt comments on Glen Campbells final tour. As always, thanks for sharing. I expect to be at class tomorrow. We can chat then.
Marilyn :>)
Barb
This has been some of your very best writing, in my opinion. I had heard that Glen Campbell was very ill, but didn’t know the details. At least he’s had a fairly long wonderful life with family and friends, doing what he apparently loved the most. And his loving family and friends are all around to help him now. I like to quote the Beatles when I think of leaving this world. “And in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make”. Thanks for the wonderful article. Barb
Halaine Steinberg
You have described this iconic moment so beautifully, Cali. I love the quote by Voltaire.
Joe Persons
Glen Campbell was one of my music idol growing up. I loved his tv variety show! In my opinion, his greatest album is Gentle On My Mind. I am thankful I got to see him perform live a couple of years ago.
-joe
Marilyn Hess
Congrats on launching your blog! Loved your thoughts on Glen Campbell. He is one of the finest musicians…ever! How many of us have such a legacy? Glad you were eyewitness to his talents., and those of his children…unforgettable and priceless!
Marilyn :>)
Stephen Fry
Oh, Cali. Another beautiful and heartfelt essay so nicely written. In the same vein I went to the Beach Boys concert at the Bowl. We were bowled over seeing Brian Wilson shuffle up to his white grand at age 70, along with Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston (who still does the high voices) and David Marks. We figured it would be the last time. In one segment all their musical kids, including Carne Wilson, came on stage to do a brief set. We spent a lot of money to get seats in the 4th row from the stage. Very worth it. You, dear Cali, are an inspiration to all us musicians out there.
Samantha Heatherly, CMI
Perfectly thought, perfectly said; love your blogs–this one touched my heart! ♪♫♥
Bonita Jerry
Had to share this on FB so others can appreciate what you wrote. I especially love the last two lines. Thanks.
Jill Geary
Thanks for sharing, Cali.
We volunteer at a Convalescent Hospital (okay, it’s a nursing home) on Sunday mornings. Leading people in the old, beloved hymns and giving out free hugs with the Bible Study. After two+ years, it just doesn’t get any easier. So I walk in, smile, greet people, and create the illusion that all is great, and that they all look beautiful.
And you know what? They do look beautiful.
So as I struggle with seeing these folks fade away in the “golden years,” I tend to come home and cry about their lot in life. Every week for more than 2 years.
Than a wise friend of mine who volunteers with us said “Jill, we are all perishing. It’s okay. There is nothing beautiful about death. But we must love on them, and smile, and hug them, and bring them joy and hope.”
And so, that is what we are here for. And it’s truly a blessing.
Cali, thank you for sharing and for your beautiful writing and spirit.
Larry kaufman
Nice writeup about Glen. But you would think that Cali could afford better seats.
teresa tudury
truly lovely, touching piece. thank you, cali!
calirose
Cali here! Testing this cool new thing (at least to me…). Now my friends near and far can leave comments and grow our “ohana,” our family, of people who love to laugh, make music and tell stories…
A Fan
That must have been wonderful and sad at the same time…