Big Star's Third - Full Performance (Live on KEXP)

[@elrobertoreal]

Wonderful gig, and many thanks to Jody Stephens, last living member of one of the most fantastic American bands ever!

[@chuckc6459]

Listening to "Give me another chance", I just couldn't help crying.

[@bogonzales672]

I just did.

[@alansapple74]

Jody' s blue moon is superb. Somewhere AC is smiling.

[@afterpodcast]

This is BEAUTIFUL!!! This might be my favorite version of "thirteen" besides the original version.

[@shoppingamericanarecording5808]

Give Me Another Chance was great. When you see it played live you can appreciate the many parts and how complex the arrangements and clever the chords and key changes are too. They were masters of their craft.

[@johnmmjj3162]

this is a staggeringly beautiful performance.

[@brazenhubris]

Great show- too bad I had no idea who Big Star or any of those guys were 25 years ago when I "knew" some of them and worked at Ardent. It was one of my favorite bands "The Church", who turned me on to Big Star years after. RIP Mr. Fry and Hampton; they were both way nicer to me certainly than they needed to be or probably should have been.

[@mfpendle]

Chris Stamey singing "Nighttime" is so lovely

[@kaleidoscopetones2600]

Musicians performing together as Big Star's Third in this iteration include: Jody Stephens (Big Star); Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow (The Posies/Big Star); Chris Stamey (the dB’s); Mitch Easter (Let’s Active); Brett Harris; Skylar Gudasz; Charles Cleaver; the Seattle Rock Orchestra

[@DHandelman]

this should be in the description above!

[@melodymakermark]

I was driving down Madison Ave a couple months ago, and just glanced over at Ardent, and there was Jody Stevens, outside working on the automatic gate like a service man or something. I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity. I hung a U and wheeled right into the parking lot. He was so nice and gracious. We chatted a couple of minutes, then I thanked him and excused myself. Such a nice guy.

[@wearefinallysuper]

Wow. They are in Heaven and watching.

[@Moparmal]

Way better than they had any right to be without Alex.

[@mlwsf]

Jon and Ken from the Posies are there and that helps. They helped Alex and Jodie do those late 90s and 2000s Big Star tour and two live albums I think. I know of one for sure.

[@XxSTAR1977WARSxX]

Jody has done such a good job keeping the Big Star flame alive

[@malesz68]

best music channel...

[@melodymakermark]

In 1994, Alex Chilton and Jody, along with the Posies played a gig in Memphis and the version of For You was sooo awesome. Alex covered those string charts toward the end with his old Gibson. Really an awesome performance. Not sure if it’s anywhere to be found, unfortunately.

[@emilio6891]

gorgeous, lovely, adorable, amazing! THANKS!

[@bigphil5928]

thirteen reminds you of a day in your teens !!!!!!!!

[@ispearedbritney]

Maybe somewhere between twelve and fourteen?

[@popincourtmusic571]

Beautiful !

[@mickep8445]

Perfect performance I loved it

[@Quackamagooska]

Not sure how I missed that this was in the cosmos but I'm glad it exists (or existed.) Wish they'd come to Boston if they ever are touring again. I was lucky enough to see Big Star at the Fillmore in San Fran while visiting a friend in 1994 (wow, 21 years ago.) I was unaware of Big Star then but have been a devotee ever since. I consider my having seen Alex Chilton live one of the highlights of my life.

[@frankcarmack1442]

Both Auer and Stringfellow, WITH Chilton and Stephens, were members of the revamped Big Star, recording a new album in early part of 2000s. Alex didn't do anything he didn't WANT to and since 3 if original 4 members of Big Star are dead.....Big Star 3rd/SISTER LOVERS had a massive influence on a Teenage Fanclub, The dbs, REM, etc

[@MichaelSalmons64]

I'm so grateful for Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow prodding Alex and Jody to play those last glorious shows as a reformed Big Star. I think that started the whole process we see unfolding here. Shows like this will help future generations venerate this great work by Alex and Chris the way my generation (and a few others, I am glad to see) do. Shout out to Mitch Easter and Chris Stamey, music legends in their own right.

[@MultiStroker1]

her here michael.well said brother.

[@timtompkins6752]

Indeed well said Michael. First time watching this I literally choked up as the strings brought For You to a close as Jody stood center. Kinda like the last chord in A Day In The Life...powerful stuff.

[@MultiStroker1]

jody is the heart and spirit of big star. thank god for jody bros

[@MultiStroker1]

brian mahan yes, thank god for mitch and chris

[@cyyytr0n]

+Tim Tompkins "like the last chord in A Day In The Life" .. you got me there

[@deanarnold6284]

Of course it's not Big Star other than Jody but for goodness sake, this is a heartfelt and well constructed tribute...... Such a great and enduring album, full of heartbreak, the sound of the wheels coming off in a glorious and epic way.

[@ojgigging9211]

wow blown away......thanks for posting

[@ST-xg3gy]

Very ambitious project. Hats off to you!

[@panainvisible]

This is a very heartfelt homage to one of the very finest bands that America has ever produced, they really capture the essence of Big Star.

[@afterpodcast]

charlos duncan Agree 100%!

[@truethought62]

The essence of this heartfelt Big Star "Third" show could be summed up in the short, and super sweet version of "Blue Moon"--sung by one who knew Alex, and much of his essence better than most--Jody Stephens... I could cry myself to sleep now--how happy was I to find this!

[@MultiStroker1]

R.I.P john fry

[@judsonh1949]

As good a cover of “Thirteen” as you’ll ever hear.

[@Johnny-lr5jt]

I didn't even know Jody ever sang lead, but he sounds great! Wonderful show.

[@davidlindsay9564]

He sang lead on some Big Star songs on the albums. "Way Out West" for one.

[@davidlindsay9564]

also "for you" which he wrote as well.

[@smittysmat7826]

Just stumbled onto this. Amazing.

[@kevinheuer7600]

Wonderful Sunday morning worship

[@gordongrant444]

You can feel the love and reverence in these performances.

[@PaulStam]

I love Big Star, a great band, wonderful songs.

[@andyjohns8324]

I am the cosmos makes me want to laugh and cry at the same time

[@bobroth4424]

There is not a day that I don't think about the great music Big Star gave us. Thanks guys.

[@gordongrant444]

Never go far...

[@j0pj0p]

13:45 = start of 'Thirteen'

[@cleawox]

Could have used Lucinda Williams for this one. We can dream. Third is a TALL order (I know Thirteen is not on "Third"). Kudos.

[@ItHappens117]

Cool - I've just found out about Big Star, didn't expect to see tributes to them continue to be made.

[@Episteme-da-Banana]

i love it

[@ramblingrye]

Beautiful.

[@karllux-d6g]

I knew i could still recognize one of the best 80s East coast US Pop Rock craftsmen - Chris Stamey ! Cheers from Portugal mate. The DBs still rule, unmatched in their quest for 6-string Pop perfection.

[@bentleylongaker]

I sorta glossed over Big Star.. That is until Grace Vanderwaal covered "13".. And Now I almost got it down on My Tenor Uke.. Great music..

[@JonJon-pj9ly]

Give Me Another Chance - best part.

[@richalderson6069]

Blue Moon was beautiful, well done Jody!

[@vicoilsteems9764]

Way cool tribute.

[@motownfreak15]

Beautiful. Thanks guys. Keep posting great music.

[@anthonyhunt701]

I'd like to see something like this done with John, Ken, Jody and...........Chris! It would be a chance for those of us who didn't get to see Big Star mach 2 live to get some experience with Big Star's music live. Chris is after all the Apostle Paul to Alex's Jesus Christ (all puns inteneded)............it might be fun........

[@XxSTAR1977WARSxX]

Anthony Hunt Chris who?

[@truethought62]

@@XxSTAR1977WARSxX--Stamey. He sings "Nightime".

[@LawrencedeMartin]

The string/acoustic guitar/Fender Bass textures remind me of Appaloosa

[@Filopo69]

Perfecioninsts! Great concert :)

[@mohammedhanif6780]

Who sang Give Me Another Chance? it was spinetingling.

[@spellbush]

magic

[@EuphoniaPooch]

Who is the guy singing Take Care? Who sings Nighttime? Really who are any of these people other than Alex who sang the first song didn't he? Thanks

[@h2myth]

EuphoniaPooch Jody Stephens sang the first song, For You. Ken Stringfellow sang Take Care and Chris Stamey sang Nighttime.

[@afterpodcast]

Heather W Who sings "Give me another chance"? and who's the woman?

[@EuphoniaPooch]

Heather W Thanks Heather!

[@randyrussell2408]

@@afterpodcast A singer named Brett Harris.

[@davidlindsay9564]

...the guy who wrote it and sang it on the record.

[@paulm9832]

A friend just shared this video... thanks so much for making this tribute. Amazing.

[@emberapalyan2950]

Great songs but without Alex they are just ok

[@thomasott6184]

heartbreakingly, hauntlingly perfect. such a labour of love. tears of joy!

[@tintomara6209]

That was wonderful.It must have been really special to have been there that night.

[@TheFibtastic]

Thank you Jody, this is really nice. Everybody complaining should have seen Alex in his later years and what an ass he was to the audience. I've never been more let down by an artist, and it pains me to say that. The lengths everybody went to get tickets to see him at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk, to be given the most phoned in, angry, thrown-away dispassionate performance I've ever seen. I couldn't even listen to this, my favorite album, for years after.

[@dimitristrum5579]

John Fiebke I first met Chilton as a fan (1986-ish) then years later shared a few bills with him and having met many of the artist I admire and appreciate most, Chilton was the kindest.

[@theloniouscoltrane3778]

The original Big Star band has one of the most tragic rock and roll story ever. Even worse than what happened to Badfinger. Big Star was once dubbed as the American Beatles.

[@pacorroca]

sorry to say this but you need Alex Voice to make it real

[@MrAMO73]

Have to agree with you there - although Jody's vocal turns are quite moving to my ears.

[@pacorroca]

not bad at all but not the Man

[@davidlindsay9564]

Jody sang lead on some song on the records.

[@musgrave6886]

no way out west?...

[@flagemdown66]

there's no list of who is doing what? but there's a list of audio and cameras?????? WTF?

[@Truthmoses]

thank God for democrats...

[@HakimALIGHT]

Thanks a million for posting this.

[@SteveGuion]

Nice tribute. I applaud everyone involved for doing this. I thought it was well done. As for anyone voicing complaints about, get a life. Seriously.

[@smcole23]

so sublime and peaceful

[@curtis5979]

God i miss Chris and alex

[@luckythree227]

THE WORLD NEEDS ALEX

[@nbcouch]

ah, so this ISN'T some group covering Big Star's third album, eh?

[@Chronic_Town]

+Blake Couch No. And yes. I assume you clicked the links in the description before commenting?

[@houndofgoshen934]

Thank you.

[@sidroni0]

pls Take Care

[@Episteme-da-Banana]

perfect!

[@zzzl-ic6gk]

HAN SOLO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@d_walsh]

Zzzzzzzz

[@napndash]

Cringe

[@lahipster3172]

No #AlexCHILTON

[@andrews527]

Tha fuck?

[@rlande7]

Jody's the last one left. You should appreciate the fact that people are finally hearing this stuff. Big Star should have been huge. Ardent and Stax mismanaged them, to say the least. Alex and Chris and Andy (and Jody) are seeing this and smiling. Life is not fair. It's hard to accept that or to understand it. Be thankful for what they gave us. We will catch up to them, wherever they've gone, in time. Please look at this show again. These performers obviously love Big Star. As you do and I do.

[@dejordyball]

I wouldn't say the folks at Ardent mismanaged anything. They did everything possible to get the record out, but Stax and the distributors let them down.

[@mskcrc]

emote harder, dude who sings "Take Care"

[@silverapples75]

Hahaaa innit

[@davebest2001]

Big Star Third is turd indeed. Should concentrate on the superb first two albums instead

[@mikelevitt7365]

Master Debater is a poor judge indeed. Should concentrate on posting loving comments on Foreigner and Styx songs, much more compatible.

[@daisyglaze1817]

Third wasn't intended to be a Big Star album. Alex didn't have any say when it was released years after the making. Which is probably why Jody and these other guys perform as "Big Star Third". Since neither Chris nor Andy were involved in 'Third' it's kinda like Jody is performing under the collaboration that he did with Alex. Just seperate 'Third' from Big Star and see it as Alex and Jody. Although they do cover songs from '#1 Record' and Chris Bell, like Jody mentions. I personally think 'Third' is an amazing album. So, for myself and the many people who feel the same as I do, songs from 'Third' being performed is appreciated. I will say from the 'Third' album I dislike the song 'Jesus Christ' and not too big on 'Stroke it Noel' but the rest are freakin' awesome! If I could swap those 2 songs with 'Thirteen' and 'Give Me Another Chance' from #1 Record I wouldn't even need the first album. 'Radio City' on the other hand is a must have; I go back and forth on which is my favorite between that and 'Third'.

[@TheAlistairDick]

@@daisyglaze1817 Fair enough. I find the songs too dreary, and Alex sounds out of it on some of them. I'd prefer power pop to melancholia

[@daisyglaze1817]

@@TheAlistairDick Alex sounds out of it cause he was, lol. I know the songs came from a dark time for Alex but I find this album more beautiful than depressing. I love the vulnerability and the sound of his voice. I think another reason I love this album is that he made these songs in the 70s but some of them sound like nothing else from that time. Music didn't sound like that until 20-30 years later and I think that's pretty amazing. As far as the faster songs, I always thought "Kizza Me" sounds like it could've been on 'Radio City' , "You Can't Have Me" fits in with #1 Record and "Till the End of the Day" is so good I prefer it to the original. I'm curious, since you don't care much for the slower songs on 'Third', how do you feel about those 3?

[@davidlindsay9564]

Have you even watched this? Half of the set isn't from third here.

[@davebest2001]

Why perform Big Star's worst album??

[@MrMookRecords]

Master Debater , I dunno... you'll have to ask the tiny percentage who feel the same ;)

[@mikelevitt7365]

I'm sure there is a good reason that tone deaf cretins just can't understand!

[@leannmeixner8073]

Third is for me, THE great BS (really, Alex solo project with Jim Dickenson highly involved) record. I love it the most of all 3. Its way more mature... its kinda like the record John Lennon wished he made before Imagine. It a true "tortured soul" record.

[@davidlindsay9564]

@@MrMookRecords Third is more the obscure hipster fav. It's great, but most prefer the first two.

[@davidlindsay9564]

@@mikelevitt7365 I wouldn't call it worst, but I'd like to hear the first 2 live even more.