Bruce Cockburn

We were right in the front row at the Manchester concert on Sunday this week. I have been a follower and devotee of Bruce since the 70's when a friend brought the album 'Sunwheel Dance' over from Canada. Bruce performed a range of his repertoire despite his feeling under the weather since arriving in London. He pleased the audience by playing a number of his most appreciated works including Rocket launcher, call it democracy, All the diamonds, the whole night sky and pacing the cage to name but a few. Bruce is iconic and brilliant and his recent memoir 'Rumours of Glory' is a must for an alternative but totally realistic view of the politics within the wider world today. Bruce also played one new song called 'Jesus Train' which he said would be on the new album. Bruce you are a prophet and an alchemist with poetry as well as being a virtuoso of the guitar. Loved to be close up and appreciate your virtuosity on the beautiful Manzer 6 and 12 string hand crafted guitars. When you picked up the little Charengo and sang 'Bone in my ear' it was a classic moment and unforgettable. Thanks Bruce for coming to Manchester

I really enjoyed seeing Bruce at Massey Hall. He said he felt sentimental playing that night because it was the end of his tour for his new album Bone on bone.
He played guitar so well and sang his heart out for the crowd. His band were great artists, one guy played guitar, violin, accordion, and sang very well too.
I saw Bruce 30 years ago and was saddened to see that his neck and back were so bent from arthritis. He was severely bent over, his hands have been hurting him but he still plays great. He said that is why the cd is called bone on bone.
My mother went through the same thing and her neck was bent forward making it hard to walk.
He is 73? now and he is so bent forward he has lost height...I feel for the guy.
I hope he can enjoy playing guitar for years to come.
He is as good as Neil Young.
A Canadian with good moral character and sings with his heart in it.
His new album is worth buying, he played many songs from it as well as many hits from the past. I really enjoyed seeing the crowd totally into the show. much love

As usual Bruce was his most brilliant & accomplished self & played to a reasonably large crowd (mostly teachers, musicians & other academia types! ) who would be from the very sensible & subdued one alcoholic beverage for the night ( & drivers ) possibly making Bruce a little nervous initially & the build up was slow ,which included a hiccup with the fantastic song 'After the Rain' & a false start with the also quite brilliant song 'Open' . All that said he looked great & gave us a very skilful display with songs such as 'Rocket Launcher' 'If a Tree falls' 'Hills of Morning' ' Wondering where the lions are' 'God bless the children' & more.
Bruce also was signing his book later, which I got a copy bought for me! Thank you, Claire!
A very enjoyable evening!

Saw Bruce last night in Nanaimo. He had lots of energy, and did some jewels from the past that I wasn't expecting, such as Arrows of Light. It was definitely the Bruce Cockburn show, with him making the most music and the other two seeming a bit hesitant. Jenny Sheinmen didn't really know how to play over Bruce's jazz based chords, and Gary Craig played on the set like a talented percussionist who's not got much experience on the set. I've never heard a quieter drummer! Jenny and Craig did shine with Bruce's older material, so that was very nice. My friend said that this is early on in the tour-they are still feeling out the songs. If that is true and if this is what Bruce wants to do, then I can't question Bruce; it will work in the end.

My long awaited opportunity to see Bruce Cockburn perform live did not disappoint. I was happy to see him perform solo in an intimate venue. His guitar playing was technically inspiring as well as mesmerizing. His vocals were strong, passionate and as clear as ever. He also very generously offered his time to sign things and answer questions after the show... My only regret was not sticking around to shake his hand and thank him.

Most sincerely,
Tricia & Jerry