Steve Earle is an artist that I have been meaning to see for some time. His material is unfamiliar to me, but I aware of his legend and the country and blues roots from which he draws. This tour sees him “alone again” on stage, guitar in hand and (quite often) harmonica strapped around his neck ready for action. Whitley Bay Playhouse is a relatively intimate venue and it was packed on Saturday night for Steve’s performance; and rightly so.
The Playhouse website describes Steve’s background much better than I am able: ” Steve Earle is one of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters of his generation. A protege of legendary songwriters Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark, he quickly became a master storyteller in his own right, with his songs being recorded by Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris, The Pretenders, and countless others. 1986 saw the release of his record, Guitar Town, which shot to number one on the country charts and is now regarded as a classic of the Americana genre.”
Steve came on stage exactly as advertised at 8:30 PM. I was told he would be finished by 10 PM. His set was a mixture of songs from throughout his career. Each song was delivered in his unique raucous blues style. At one point in the proceedings, he explained: “Townes Van Zandt once told me there are two kinds of music: the blues and Zipadee–Doo–Dah” and that was pretty much the logic behind Steve’s delivery. Each song came from deep within his heart and soul. This guy is the real thing and pulls no punches. He isn’t afraid to admit that he is a recovered/recovering heroin addict. At one point he sadly told us of the recent passing of his son as a result of drugs. Whiskey and hard drugs are part of Steve’s life; or at least they have been in the past.
His songs tell the stories of this guy’s life through his hard drinking and drug using days. He did a great rendition of “Mr Bojangles”; I had forgotten that this had been written by country star Jerry Jeff Walker, rather I associated the song with Sammy Davis Junior. Steve closed with his signature song “Copperhead Road”.
But the crowd would not let him leave without playing an encore or two. So, he returned and sang a couple more songs; closing with “Jerusalem” which he proudly told us had been recorded by Joan Baez and Bruce Springsteen. You don’t come with much better credentials than that. It was 10 PM and the guy had been entertaining us for two hours. Pretty good going!
I greatly enjoyed my first encounter with Mr Earle. I really need to listen to more of his material.
Many thanks to Jan for taking the photos.
Setlist (something like): If I Should Fall From Grace With God; The Devil’s Right Hand; My Old Friend The Blues; Someday; Guitar Town; I Ain’t Ever Satisfied; Taneytown; Now She’s Gone; Goodbye; Sparkle and Shine; You’re the Best Lover That I Ever Had; South Nashville Blues; CCKMP; Transcendental Blues; Angel Is the Devil; It’s About Blood; Mr. Bojangles; Harlem River Blues; Tell Moses; Galway Girl; Copperhead Road.
Encore: Black Lung; Billy Austin; Jerusalem
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Posted by Stephen Towler on June 12, 2023 at 6:58 pm
You’re right about Steve Earle, he’s an exceptional talent.
The son he mentioned, Justin Townes Earle, was also a gifted songwriter and performer and I recommend you try and give him a listen.
Posted by vintagerock on June 13, 2023 at 11:49 am
Thanks Stephen I shall certainly check him out best wishes Peter
Posted by treetopflier2009 on June 14, 2023 at 10:20 am
A true Legend indeed. He also produced a great album for the late Bap Kennedy amongst others.
Posted by vintagerock on June 14, 2023 at 11:55 am
Yes a legend indeed. Happy days Peter