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The neck of my Guitar

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July 14, 2004 - United Kingdom
Manchester - M.E.N.arena



The band (not all members are present at all shows)

Mark Stewart - Guitars, Cello, Saxophone, selfmade instruments
Jamey Haddad - Percussion
Rob Schwimmer - Keyboards, Theremin
Jim Keltner - Drums
Larry Saltzman - Guitar
Warren Bernhardt - Piano
Freddie Washington - Bass




Fans who attended this show

 
Daniel Maddock
Sue Ridgway
John Odonnell





Review by:
keith martin

I was spellbound! I saw them on the break-up tour at the Albert Hall in 1970, on the saving-Paul-from-bankruptcy tour at Wembley in 1983 and now in Manchester, surely their last hurrah. As a regular concert-goer of forty years experience with an eclectic taste in music I can say that last nights event was one of the greatest I have ever witnessed. Recognisable intros, purity of sound, expansive re-arrangements and a set list taken from a body of work that this contemporary of S & G considers to be equal to the very best of pop music were mixed with anticipation, love, respect, adoration and dollops of nostalgia. Also, how clever (and sincere) was their tribute to The Everleys. Having talked to folks on the slow way out I found I was not alone in my views expressed above.

Review by:
Come on Keith!

Paul Simon had made millions by the time he was 25 and that was before Bookends, Bridge Over Troubled Water and Greatest Hits.

These albums sold in their millions and Simon owns all the publishing rights as well as the songwriting royalties. Last year Greatest Hits went platinum again (I think for the 13th time).

So had he retired in 1970, never made another record (instead of selling millions of solo albums in the 1970s) he would not have been bankrupt in 1982.

Review by:
Eric dalton

An absouloutly brilliant concert.well worth the wait and a suprise to hear many different classic simon and garfunkel songs such as baby driver , a hazy shade of winter and only living boy in new york plus many other brilliant songs.It was packed to the brink and everybody had a fantastic time.it was also great to see paul simon finally getting the credit he deserved for bridge over troubled water and when it was his turn to sing his part it was the most emotional part of the concert.they came on for four encores and got standing ovation for each one.a fantastic night and lets hope they return soon!!!!!!

Review by:
Eric dalton

An absouloutly brilliant concert.well worth the wait and a suprise to hear many different classic simon and garfunkel songs such as baby driver , a hazy shade of winter and only living boy in new york plus many other brilliant songs.It was packed to the brink and everybody had a fantastic time.it was also great to see paul simon finally getting the credit he deserved for bridge over troubled water and when it was his turn to sing his part it was the most emotional part of the concert.they came on for four encores and got standing ovation for each one.a fantastic night and lets hope they return soon!!!!!!

Review by:
Bob Barrows

Just got back after the concert. Absolutely fantastic. I have been a fan for years and never thought that I would get to see them live, The set list was the same as before, the arrangements are nothing like 30 years ago loads of guitar riffs and jazz type segments. Still crazy after all these years !!
Not quite as good as Paul McCartney at bringing back the 60´s and 70s atmosphere and a bit to jazzy rather than Folky but stii great Arts hair does look like Keith Harris monkey puppet though!!!

Review by:
DannyJ

The concert was Fantastic, and it was a pleasure to be there. The arrangements were amazing, Art singing Kathy´s song was a Joy, The Boxer was amazing... again... and I thought Liverpool 2002 was good. I was absolutely lost for words afterwards, and it took me 48 hours to come back down. I have never seen S&G live together, and suspect that I may never get another chance, and I was praying that it was a good show. I was totally un-prparred for just how good it turned out to be. Art was like a little Axel Roase, bouncing all over the stage. Paul was his typical reserved self in speach, and a genius in song. If the ticket price was a bit high, hey, I don;t care. They deserve it and I am glad for them both.

Review by:
Mark

I am 20 years old, about 30 years too late to appreciate the wonders of Simon & Garfunkel first time around, but never too young to appreciate their timeless music. When I first heard the Boxer as a child it was a nice rhythm but I took little notice, but then at University, buying a Paul Simon solo album for a mere £5.97 and hearing their music once again struck a new and lasting chord. I was enveloped by the melodies and the harmonies that take me off to another world. When I heard they were coming to England I desperately searched to get a ticket for myself and my friend and thanks to the kindness of a couple in Manchester over ebay I managed to strike a deal.

The anticipation was taking over me before the show even began, I sat there for an hour and a half watching the MEN Arena fill up (it has to be said with people a little older than ourselves). Then as the lights dimmed and the stage lit and a wonderful montage of images appeared to the sound of ´˜America´.
Two figures walked out in front of the microphone, and it took only two words to send shivers down my spine ´˜Old Friends´, as it dawned on me that Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon were singing in front of me. I don´t think I will ever be able to listen to that song again without forever holding that wonderful image.

As the show continued I was not disappointed as a host of classic hits came on. I Am A Rock was so powerful, America so sweet. Kathy´s Song sung with such beauty by Art Garfunkel, really doing justice to this romantic melody. Despite their age there was no signs of weakness, the voices still gelled as they always had, the music still as fresh and good to listen to as it always was.

The introduction of the Everly Brothers had little effect on me, as I don´t really remember the impact they had in the 50´s except for recognising their music (largely thanks to Simon & Garfunkel). But nevertheless they performed with distinction and it was nice to hear them join in with Simon & Garfunkel on Bye Bye Love, a song made popular by both.

The hits continued, personal favourites including The Sound Of Silence and Slip Slidin´ Away which was like a dream to see them perform live. No matter how many times you listen to the CD it was such a great experience to actually see them play it right in front of you.

Finally the one that everyone was waiting for Bridge Over Troubled Water, nicely done as always but characterised by the way that Art reached that high note. The power and strength in his voice was evident to all and the round of applause he received for one note was richly deserved. Despite what many say about his songwriting talents, the man has a wonderful voice.

And then, when you think there is nothing left they return with Cecilia and The Boxer, it would have been a shame had it not been included and the song lyrics and rhythm still capture me the way they did when I was a child. After The 59th Street Bridge Song I have to admit I was dying for them to return, I don´t think there was anybody else in the place that wasn´t. But no matter, I left with the tunes in my head and such a warm feeling in my heart, I had seen Simon & Garfunkel live. I would dearly love the opportunity once again but I fear that may never come. However I am soooo glad I took the chance while it was still there!!!!