Early Bright Eyes / Young Conor Oberst Concert Part 1

Video from the Double Door Club in Chicago Circa 2000. This is my favorite Bright Eyes era. Fever and Mirrors is such a great album and Conor is in full form, capturing the bare and desperate artistry that makes his music so amazing. He plays some of my favorite Bright Eyes songs including "A New Arrangement". Stellar performance.
Part 1:
1. A Song to Pass the Time
2. Something Vague
3. Sunrise, Sunset
4. Kathy with a K's Song
Part 2:
1. The Movement of a Hand
2. When the Curious Girl Realizes She's Under Glass
3. A New Arrangement
4. Happy Birthday to Me (Feb 15)

[@soapman8644]

I just find it so ironic how everyone in the crowd seems to be talking while Conor sings Something Vague. It just makes it even more lonelier than the lyrics give it out to be.

[@mijadreams3486]

Pygmalion yes !!!

[@tylermb]

i don't think a lot of people know how hard it is to continue performing when everybody is talking. you have to believe 100% in what you're doing and really not give a shit. one ounce of self doubt and and you're done. it's hard. props to conor. thanks

[@anhumblemessengerofthelawo3858]

_one of my music teachers always taught, "if you're going to make a mistake, make it a big one." you're not going to get good at what you do by being scared to do it. to try. to express. to dig deep. to be relentless in the pursuit of excellence. Now, that being said, once you do actually know what you're doing ... why would I care what someone else thinks? being free from other people's opinions is essential for your individual happiness. if they want to laugh, let them laugh. you might even encourage them. just don't be afraid. you are the only one who can live your life. if it's easy -- why do it?_

[@BushBumperBaker]

When I start playing live I know I'll be ignored at first and it's people like Conor who give me hope. No matter what, you just have to do what you love until you die... Whether people appreciate it or not.

[@jac8137]

i found it cool how he played 'A Song To Pass The Time' while waiting for Roger. that song comes in handy soooo well

[@owlandthemirror]

It pisses me off how good he was at such an early age. Every verse is such a dense collection of great poly-metaphors. When I was that age I would be lucky to find even one okay metaphor for an entire song. Its kinda neat hearing the crowd not noticing this young genius yet in a strange way too. Thanks so much for posting this.

[@hongkongsloth]

As soon as he started playing my eyes started watering. Im actually glad all the people are talking. Its rather....perfect? Conors beautiful voice and words coming out of the destruction and ugliness of everyone, of society, of what actually created those words in the first place. perfect.

[@iansilitch1161]

Truly a genius, a snowflake never to be repeated. He takes modern misery and somehow turns it into joy. If anybody deserves a Pulitzer or a Nobel peace prize it’s Connor. Thank you for the beauty, the incredulous lyrics that tells the raw truth that life isn’t easy, yet he projects hope joy and a half full glass!

[@iansilitch1161]

Thank you for invading my life. Gives me joy when I hear his voice. Thanks again. A very loyal fan

[@martinkarlsson1456]

"Fevers and Mirrors, 22 years ago. crazy when you realize yourself and the people around you are ageing so rapidly.

[@RawkOz99]

Yes I’m 42 🤣

[@TheVelvetKill]

WHY ARE YOU MAKING NOISE AT THE SAME TIME CONOR OBERST IS

[@julianestebanavilaperdomo4616]

Part 1: 0. Intro 0:00 1. A Song to Pass the Time 1:20 2. Something Vague 7:40 3. Sunrise, Sunset 12:07 4. Kathy with a K's Song 17:47

[@smileswrappedingauze]

bump

[@nirvanaguitar]

Thank yooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

[@emmjay906]

him shaking during sunrise sunset really got to me. man hes fantastic.

[@isaiahii6982]

This brings me back to 2002 when I found Conor's music and was in a very dark place in my life personally. I struggled with extreme depression and his music was like a warm blanket I wrapped myself in. I became obsessed with his music and for a while was on a continual mission to find all of his music I could. I remember searching the web going through page after page of web search results and finding this concert. This was in 2002 before KZbin and all these video upload and search sites. But there this video was, in 2002, on page 40 (I don't remember which page but it was buried) of a web search and I weatched it so many times I can't remember. Thanks for keeping this classic concert alive. Fun Fact: Google says Conor is worth 185million today. Not bad for a kid from Omaha who can't sing ;) You'll always be the GOAT Conor. Much love from Southeast Virginia. PS. I got over my depression and grew up to be man finally -- but I'll always love his music and Conor still today is my favorite singer/songwriter of all time.

[@Lebowski55]

There is no way Conor Oberst is worth 185 million dollars lol. Anthony Keidis isn’t even worth nearly that much

[@nathanchohany8169]

Anthony who cares ill take john and chad and flea alone anyday that being said conner is a poet pls dont conpare him to anthony

[@RawkOz99]

Amen amen amen and amen! Thank you for sharing your experiences and I share the same sentiments 💖✨🥰🕊️

[@The_Farwall]

Hi friend, in the spring of 2002 I tried to take my own life. That summer I was due to stay with my older brother who had just started a job and had gotten me a summer internship. My bro took me in, looked after me and also played some Bright Eyes for me. It was a transformative experience.

[@dustmouse]

Annoying. I can't hear the conversations over the rude music.

[@abrimfulofasha]

Cause they dont have phones.

[@davidethridge5748]

Are they laughing in a language I don't understand? I love them.

[@calebmontgomery3557]

In the end aren't we all just looking for our Roger?

[@seanpaul8798]

lol

[@JerryLantz]

There is someone looking for what I've concealed... The most beautiful line in the song

[@JerryLantz]

The first song, I meant

[@bobboolala2434]

a song to pass the time always brings me to such an existential place of a sort of happy sadness, i cant quite describe it, but its a good feeling and i will always be grateful for that wonderful song.

[@adriaan9944]

Me too man it’s one of my favorites on fevers

[@stillspiderinthesnow]

There are some songwriters that truly are timeless. Conor Oberst definitely fits the bill. His songs could have been written in the 1940's and the feelings would be understood just the same as they were and will continue to be.

[@MEbrickCo]

So many people there don't even realize the greatness in front of them and what i would give to have been there.

[@olive9701]

really can't describe how monumental bright eyes have been and always will be to me. I've listened to them for years and to this day their music still helps me through the days where i don't feel capable of anything. listening to them just feels like the softest hug, especially old videos of them like this one. been meaning to get the mirror from the cover of fevers and mirrors tattooed onto my arm for years now but I've never found the spare cash to do so. such a special and timeless band.

[@saraplougmann763]

He is still one of a kind. (One of my kind:-p) ... I just think he is more beautiful, more reflective and more brilliant as time goes on. He has kept its fragility and his intensity, his anger, frustration and his ability to sing the world's best stories and his ability to make the world stand still, and his own inner beauty ! He is still one of a kind and a man I will never ever get tired of. He is a good role model, he struggles for some good things and have some good values​​. He's cool!

[@mischanoir]

Its times like this i wish more than anything that i could travel back in time. I am so thankful that this video exists. That crowd is unaware that they are bearing witness to something so incredible.

[@342mender]

I can't believe how much he moved me with the beautiful lyrics and learning he was started writing at 13 years old

[@dedmex666]

You’re hopeful then you regret the circle never breaks

[@sonjanosisa8634]

the instant this started playing this video tears literally started pouring down my face.

[@adammagoon8942]

Seeing these same people 20 years later outside Syracuse was amazing breaks my fucking heart.

[@infernusrex796]

As an old guy, I have seen crowds TALK over some of the most important artists of my generation! Aside from Bright Eyes...Low, Will Oldham, Bill Callahan, Royal Trux, Elliot Smith, Mazzy Star, and plenty of others. People should be ashamed!!

[@mrtabitha31]

i wish that he could have been locked up in a time capsule, and given an ability to sit in a well of youth, and never let out. My goodness this kid was something else.

[@va6899]

An aspect of the live performance I love is not only how the crowd seems to talk over Connor so much that you can barely tell what he’s saying in between songs. But the way he powers through all of that noise to make his lyrics loud and clear, and eventually, overpower the audience’s noise completely towards the end with “Kathy with a K’s song”. So no, Conor will not shut up.

[@pinzieoatmeal578]

I saw them at the original Grog Shop in Cleveland on this tour. I'll always be chasing this.

[@JacoTheDrew]

This might be the best thing on youtube.

[@Lildweezy]

I love this songggg. I've had this version forever. I always wondered if it was actually live and I have been listening to him since I was thirteen. I'm 31 now. Still love just as much. ❤️

[@goodnightfireeater9486]

such disrespect for the best, most under appreciated musician of all time...I would have killed to be there...unfortunately I was about 11 when this show happened and I did not discover bright eyes until I was about 14.

[@phubans]

Can't people just be in the moment for once and enjoy listening to anything other than themselves?

[@brandonthorpe9905]

phubans Venues are like that now... Half the people are at the bar if they have one, or just at the back, trying to find drugs and get laid. Seems kind of pointless, go somewhere else for that shit... I can't stand seeing people standing outside with tickets, talking and smoking cigs while a good set is going on either, but i'd be better if they went outside if they were going to talk.

[@MayhemJack]

Crazy to think that they didn't even have smartphones then. People will always find a way to not be in the moment.

[@vincentjames2150]

Awww look how cute Conor was ❤

[@danbrobst4322]

I saw Conner a couple years ago hear in Chicago. People were not talking. They were singing. But this is cool to see how he keeps going. It's encouraging for artists who are blooming

[@hongkongsloth]

I'm so so happy for the ones there that really are listening. I'm so glad they go to enjoy this.

[@AssTurd-jn4li]

A song to pass the time ❤

[@conorhenderson1681]

thank god that one person in the audience realised what they were watching!!

[@michelehersey5818]

I will always love this man! Such a talent

[@TalkingInCode1]

Such a talented musician and lyricist it's surreal. Saw him a couple of weeks ago with Desaparecidos and it was incredible. I hope he never stops making music.

[@awolfinsheepswool]

i dont think the camera man has ever seen a flute. or an asian woman. they are just awestruck by this crazy metal mouthed creature and its beautiful vocals.

[@MarkCooperRunsEurope]

listen to all those fools chatting away, there's a genius in your midst, close your mouths and listen

[@TEEWIK]

The flute player smoking a cigarette really sets the mood

[@zooghostly]

opening with Song To Pass The Time is wild, but given the crowd it makes sense

[@Nolannn1]

and you sit in your chair, brush the snow from your hair. and drink. drink. drink. god this album brings back so many memories. getting drunk and stoned to it with friends, good times..

[@ajaded1]

One of my favorite albums of all time.

[@stillspiderinthesnow]

He still is something else.

[@terencemtesla3019]

"we're looking for a guy named rodger... he plays drums"

[@Pariah_Larry]

I would kill to have been at this show

[@mr.miller5623]

Some dope flute skills

[@cosmicheather]

great crowd 2nite guys

[@mrwednesdaythursday]

Great set and a wonderful moment in time. Ill never understand the relentless, unstoppable, and overall annoying chatter of audiences like this. "Some people like to come to shows to talk, it sucks but what can you do?" - Elliott Smith.

[@neros12346]

I love the drummer, he killed it

[@James925Lee]

love you 2021

[@mrtabitha31]

Oh my everyone.... I understand that he is a gem then, and now.... I was just enjoying this video in some sort of hindsight- reminiscing a bit you know what I mean? Indeed, I do love this man, however when he was younger he held this sort of youthful, destructive, beauty that few kids are able to expose, or express in the way he did pre "I'm wide awake". I could go on in explaining what I meant by my comment, but I'm glad you guys love this fella. He once was a true friend of mine.

[@DavidFregoli]

this is gold!!! oh god

[@sonnerrlovesyou]

Thank you for posting. I appreciate it like you don't know.

[@silverandexact]

Why are there a hundred comments about the audience and zero about how fucking hot Conor was?

[@sarahcarroll8186]

Still is ❤

[@wendigo2442]

@@sarahcarroll8186ehhhh

[@Panfolils]

Kathy With a K's Song 😍

[@Kentuckymadness1]

Listen to the disrespectful crowd. As they babble to each other. They are blind and deaf. Not to hear the words of this brilliant young German.

[@Kentuckymadness1]

You are Nowhere Mr Oberst... And its now. But at least you were never afraid to dream of God.

[@tanianikitanemerovski5912]

RadioFreeEurope1 Jesus has Risen ...Hey, where did you vanish ?

[@Kentuckymadness1]

kim peace I have Not gone anywhere. Still in London Towne.

[@tanianikitanemerovski5912]

RadioFreeEurope1 ha ha ha !!!

[@Theclectic]

Yeah wtf? They just don't realize they are seeing Bright Eyes in the (pre?) Fever and Mirrors era. They are lucky bastards. I didn't get into Bright Eyes until they started to suck

[@HuzzahAdorkableness]

i get sad every time the camera moves away from conor

[@delisacampbell151]

Love, love, love this. Thanks for sharing!

[@vvalpal]

a beautiful soul

[@thusspokethompson]

Thanks a million for posting these, truly legendary stuff

[@dieandereamanda7599]

i think this is beautiful

[@ithasbeentaken101101]

I saw him during this "era" in Nashville, TN at the Exit/Inn and the crowd was fully immersed in the experience. It was a great concert and crowd. I saw it posted on here about a year ago and then it was taken down. If you have a copy of that show, let me know. I would love to see it again.

[@Stellbell33]

goodness this gave me butterflies. this is my favorite album. thank you so much!

[@jynxmeTHREE]

THANK YOU.

[@afry925]

thanks so much for posting this! Pure gold!

[@llmramazingll]

You act like it was half the video, but it was like 3 minutes total, and she's the second most important part of this show. If you want to see conor more, just look at his picture

[@raindaresmusic]

omggggg this crowd. makes watching the whole thing through phones look less bad.

[@leeahcollinsgaudry8899]

i love you so much,conor WOAH

[@robotmonks4941]

Roger is the drummer, who shows up around 7:44. He also drummed for the bands The Good Life, Neva Dinova and Conduits.

[@HeadAboveWater95]

oh there's roger

[@JettBrando]

@ Robotmonks - I recognize both the drummer and flutist/bassist here from a gig I played in December of 2000, opening for The Good Life in New London, CT. That was a nice show. They were very friendly. A few months before that Bright Eyes played a very scaled down set at the same venue. It was similar to this arrangement, just with some difference musicians. I think drummer from The Faint played with him. It was a very small crowd and this was right before Fevers and Mirrors came out.

[@elderlynahum7663]

Ever feel alone in a crowded room, at peace? He was.

[@rejoinslanuit]

i love you so much for posting these

[@1961Blanchflower]

Wow, already brilliant at such a young age. Shame about the audience but understandable I suppose with a young unknown band playing: their loss anyway.

[@joshmcgootermier2301]

Seriously was the crowd noise added in post? This is an amazing performance. I know CE isnt for everyone but appreciate the talent of the band.

[@Rakkoonn]

Why do I discover videos like these always so late, this is amazing.

[@benderisgreat5313]

Flower violet....I salute you.

[@obnoxiousxleprechaun]

perfect

[@vikingwixardfeet]

I love how during Sunrise and a Sunset song, at (15:15) Conor is like shut the F*** up and listen to my message!

[@RawkOz99]

🤭🙏🤣🙌 amen!

[@TheNolanWolfe]

15:15

[@__marie__]

thank you for this :)

[@cocainebuffet]

how about the bravery to keep playing such music in front of peopple who do not care? there must be a few people standing there silent and in awe

[@SkySplitterInk]

i bet a lot of them are talking about Connor and how big a star he will become..

[@TheCorrectAnswer56]

Every band goes through this. The greats use it as fuel to become something the crowd won't ignore.

[@trinaturner983]

they know nothing. innocents in the presence of brilliance, they are lucky and they don't even know it.

[@lyinsroar9637]

holee cow brilliance genius etc. aside boy is he MINI in the video

[@casandrap8611]

Sounds like I'm playing diner dash.... annoying. Love the nostalgia this gave me though.

[@nirvanalogic]

Agreed!

[@ephraimsilver]

“The best art just fucking flows through you.” (KS)

[@marcus8871]

Go find hrsef a dry place too!!!! Amicus storms!!

[@sarahh6062]

💕

[@TheMelorino]

Ooh he's talking about grandaddy, great band

[@thusspokethompson]

It sounds like they opened for Grandaddy. That must've been an amazing tour.

[@Theclectic]

I think sunrise sunset is kinda cool with all the people talking. If they would fade it out lol. Kinda like a Beatles move..

[@longlivepeacemakers]

It would have been nice if the audience had shown some respect and adoration for his talent. When at a live acoustic show...listen.

[@ohlrihluke]

Tell me about it it'd be time to roll them out, so as to enjoy!!

[@nicholaswtate]

What year is this?

[@TVLuke15]

Did Elliott Smith know about Conor?

[@tyt1762]

anyone know who they opened for here?

[@Danny__Noble]

I think it was Grandaddy

[@michaeldelcid8000]

This is fucking real. This new generation is lacking hahaha