Harry Chapin - The Final Concert (1981) - full concert

Videocassette recording of Harry Chapin's final concert in the Hamilton Place concert hall.
Story of life.--Shooting star.--Taxi.--Mr. Tanner.--WOLD.--Better place to be.--Cat's in the cradle.--Flowers are red.--Dreams go by.--Mail order Annie.--30,000 pounds of bananas.--Sequel.--You are the only song.--Circle.

[@stuartclifford8795]

When i was a young man (in Nottingham England) my colleague said "have you heard of Harry Chapin? " No says i". Would you like some tickets to see him in Sheffield? "Sure" says i. City Hall was only three quarters full, but Harry and his band gave us a wonderful show. A year later he was back again and City Hall was standard room only. He has been such an inspiration to me both in life generally, and in music, and i have learned and played a number of his wonderful stories. I still play them to this day, always will. Cheers Harry, we miss you 🙂🎸

[@billharrington4432]

Should be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!

[@4houndswhoheal479]

Harry IS the Hall of Fame. More so for Humans.

[@jeffsilverman6104]

R.I.P. Harry. I can't believe it's been forty years today. The world is a better place because we had you in it for a while. You were a beautiful soul.

[@WillPhil290]

So true, man... He passed away before I was born but I grew up with his songs...

[@BrownEyePinch]

It's sad

[@RickBentsen]

The words on his grave stone so perfectly epitomize who he was: "Oh if a man tried to take his time on Earth And prove before he died What one man's life could be worth Well, I wonder what would happen to this world?"

[@jeffsilverman6104]

@@RickBentsen And today is his birthday, Harry would've been 79.

[@RickBentsen]

@@jeffsilverman6104 indeed. I changed my FB pic to his picture in honor for today as I do every year. Harry is one of my personal heroes :)

[@BullCricket75]

Gone is the era when thousands of strangers gather to experience artists of this caliber. Now it's all about the lights and half naked girls. Much respect and love for Harry and his music!

[@digitalwasabi2]

Exactly! They managed to make it intimate and personal.

[@Deltahairlines82]

So true

[@butchygoebel1349]

And Jim croce was a great one just like Harry Chapin

[@user-fq1dv8of5b]

Except Harry's tunes were much deeper....But I cried when I heard about Jim & Maurice, and still choke up somrtimes when I hear stuff like "Time in a Bottle"....I had the pleasure of spwnding an entire evening with Harry after the concert a few months before he died. Gavr him a 120 mile ride to the Des Moines airport after the concert...Stopped at a truck stop for breakfast...A night I'll never forget & always cherish........ R.I.P., My Friend. h​@butchygoebel1349

[@abberzbaybee]

This man’s music has transcended time and generations. I’m a 91 baby and Harry Chapin music will always be my happy place. Rest in eternal peace & thank you for the stories.

[@fugley]

Harry tirelessly gave of himself to help others. May his spirit live on for generations. Thank you for the inspiration to be a better man.

[@btofan]

I was sitting at home when a friend called and said "I have an extra ticket to see Harry Chapin in concert tonight do you wanna go"? I had nothing going on and said "Sure, why not". One month later my friend and Harry Chapin were both dead. They were both one-of-a-kind and I miss them both dearly. Thank you so much for this.

[@851s]

That is story in itself, mind you a terrible period in time for yourself, you have many good memories of your friend, and Harry's music to remember them by

[@RAW-zz7gt]

JSF Stephens, that's such a sad memory. I'm sorry. 💔

[@adamforest1986]

I'm so sorry, my moms friend asked her to go to a show in Hartford CT and she didnt go. Thanks for saying yes! I know they both appreciate it.

[@kathleenstringer1989]

I’m sorry for the pain of losing your friend, my pain over Harry hasn’t yet gone.x

[@stevegarbers3798]

My Chapin ticket story...it was the late 70's I think and due to a shift in concert dates I had tickets for Harry and Sabbath the same night. Figured Harry comes twice a year I'll go see Sabbath and gave the Harry tickets to a friend and his wife. He died shortly after. Never did see him but the friends remind me what a great show it was

[@Pronzini1]

When Big John Wallace appears, the entire concert just gets better and better. He's one of the greatest five octave singers ever!!!

[@lisaperry7297]

I would love to hear John wallace sing the whole mr Tanner. We needed to hear more of him!

[@user-fq1dv8of5b]

You can now....The Harry Chapin Band still performs, with Big John.

[@happycanuck5080]

I was there, in Hamilton. My favourite performer, bar none. I miss him and his music, what he stood for so much. We don't have singers like him anymore.

[@waynelaw283]

What was the date of the concert?

[@TheVCRTimeMachine]

He was so much more than "Cats in the Cradle." A really great singer-songwriter and humanitarian

[@jdsdeepcutsundaytracks4426]

Def ! Iam just discovering all the treasure chest of great songs he had !! Wow !! Why hadn’t I heard these before !!? Always only ‘Cats in the Cradle’ just saw ‘The Final Concert’ amazing

[@digitalwasabi2]

Exactly!

[@davidbowen777]

He is the greatest

[@danielgarrison632]

Sadly I was only introduced to Harry's music the year he passed away. And since those days, he has become my greatest musical influence and hero in the music business. I own all of his material, have obtained tons of live recordings, bought all of his studio albums, and everything I can find. And realize he's one true genius I missed out on being a bit younger than the generation of fans. I listen to him almost daily. And I realize how great of an impact he had on the lives of so many. Rest in Peace Harry. Your music impacted my life in a way no one else has.

[@rhole1]

Not many songs get me to tears faster than Mr. Tanner.

[@cyndilynnhunter]

Says you as I sit here crying for Mr. Tanner.

[@wendyhickey6735]

I’ve just been crying. I live in Hamilton.. but 1980 I had a baby under one. Concerts were not a high priority sadly!! Wendy

[@wendyhickey6735]

I so loved Harry Chaplin…. No wonder! Hope to share him with my grandchildren!!

[@yummy69n]

Tangled Up Puppet and Cory's Coming make me cry every time.

[@tracyroweauthor]

I remember being in the car with my mom on my way home from something. I was in my early 20s. The DJ came on and said Harry had been killed in a car accident in Long Island on his way to a concert. I burst into tears. He wasn't just a great performer, he was a wonderful human being. He did so much to help others and I admired him for that. The world lost a hero when he died. His brothers did a tribute to him and you could tell they were completely devastated.

[@TimOlsen100]

Hero is a perfect word to describe Harry. Music critics did not appreciate him but his fans and other musicians realized he was a treasure.

[@littleloadman]

I remember this day very clearly. I was 9 years old and it was the first time I saw my Dad cry.

[@mikelord9860]

I remember when that story broke, it was a complete shock.

[@PseudoCorp]

This concert has the most beautiful rendition of WOLD I've ever listened to. Excellent stuff, a man who left us too soon. Rest in Peace Chapin.

[@jdsdeepcutsundaytracks4426]

Exactly ! My exact thought ! 38 years young !! Sooo young, just doscovering his music besides “cats in the Cradle” such great songs and stories ! He as a true artist !! RIP HC

[@larryh.4629]

Little Rock beaker theater I was in my tweens now I'm 70 loved him then and my sons do too now. The baladere. Wish I had the opportunity to attend ah not the case . Can't change history but this man's part of my family.

[@davidrn2473]

My first exposure to Harry's music was Short Stories in 1973, I was working at a summer camp for Special Ed adults, and the staff had a gathering , also my first time getting high. (while listening to his music). A few years later I was stationed at the USAF Academy hospital (1976-1980) each of the 4 years I was there he returned to the Academy for a concert for the cadets. (He dropped out his first year as a cadet, this influenced his life more than anything else). Cadets could arrive, as a group aprox 15 minutes before the concert. I convinced a few other med staff to come to the concert, 4 or 5 of us arrived about 1.5 -2 hours early, hoping we could hear his warm up. He stopped when we all sat down in the front row and welcomed us, asked if we had any favorite songs he should warm up with...The next 3 years (that I was stationed there) I returned early to see him, he was great "I remember you guys, how's it been going since I saw you last year?" He actually was interested in chatting with us, and didn't just say hi, but sat and talked with us as he tuned up a couple of guitars. He introduced us to the rest of the band. I can't believe my luck, all those years ago that I met and spoke with a legend.

[@davidtlee6247]

I saw him one time I don't member when or what or when but I sure do member 34:40 34:43

[@ericbernstein1699]

Saw him 3 times in concert and had tickets to see him here in NJ 3 days after he passed. Such a class act.

[@diablo121675]

A dear friend had two tickets to a Harry Chapin concert at Corning Community College. Her husband had to take college students on a hiking adventure, so I had the good fortune to go to the concert in her husband's place. Harry was absolutely amazing; there could not have been a better evening. I will never forget that night and how special it was. He puts everything into a concert. Afterwards, we went to buy tee shirts with his name on them, and he kissed us both. When I wore that tee shirt on long distance bicycle trips, I met so many other fans. His time on earth was short, but he will never be forgotten.

[@karenbarnard1951]

I saw Harry in LA during his Living Room Suite Tour. I stole a telephone pole poster for the tour. Still have it. I was just a teenager, Now I am 57. Harry taught me a lot about slowing down and appreciating the moment. He got called out to go do something different somewhere. I am sure he is ok. Miss him though. Thanks for everything, Harry.

[@katiemiller6034]

He was killed in an auto accident back in 1981

[@mnmz2]

@@katiemiller6034 Like Karen said, "He got called out to go do something different somewhere. I am sure he is ok."

[@mamachar1]

So wish this Great Concert was on CD and/or DVD, I'd buy both in a heartbeat. GOD bless you, Harry. We miss you.

[@priscillaobrien7306]

I loved his music and his local concerts were a delight. He founded a food pantry that still is going strong. RIP Harry

[@colleenchance2461]

I NEVER cry. Tears are welling in my eyes. God Bless you, Harry Chapen! I will see you soon. 😢❤

[@ziziroberts8041]

Well, Sandy, I always knew that he loved you. This is the first time I've heard the first song. Beautiful. Second song, I sang the high Ho-ly in the chorus on the Verities and Balderdash album. I was 20. Harry, Sandy and the music influenced the rest of my life. So many important memories.

[@Tami-en9mu]

I was in high school when I found Harry in a pawn shop. The album had the red flowers song. I was workg

[@christoorcutt4488]

He was glowing at what would be his last public offering. He said something prophetic at the beginning narrative of the opening song, that some listeners may have missed. I had the honor of seeing him in 1975, 'In the Round' at the Celebrity Theater in Phoenix. The stage rotated every few minutes. Being in the front row, I was fortunate to sit so close to the rotation of the stage, watching in anticipation as he circled around. I could have reached out and touched him, or given him a 'High Five'. NOW I wish I had. I truly believe that every person of all age groups in the U.S. has heard and loves 'Taxi'. ❤

[@bruceeverson5371]

Saw him 4 times. Drank a beer with him once. Great man.

[@roselynnperson417]

You must be really old

[@andressaffc]

You must be really amazing

[@Sharp_Instincts]

Every concert by every band should conclude with their rendition of Circle, so very uplifting. The only sad part is that it signifies that the concert is coming to an end.

[@poppypods]

The colors would fade while the flowers stayed red for years after the children learned Harry was dead.

[@patrickreilly2080]

Feb 2021. Grew up mainly rock n roll, but always has a place for Harry and his remarkable story telling.

[@yourteamsucks2136]

My hero. My idol. My writing inspiration.

[@camdix3250]

A number of Mr. Chapin's songs can make me cry. They are "Taxi", "Sequel", "Mr. Tanner" and the very heartbreaking "The Shortest Story". Brilliant works of art.

[@augaeljo]

"The Shortest Story" leaves me in tears to this day.

[@Richard_Tanguay]

RIP Harry. Thanks for your music and thanks for your philanthropy.

[@alecsapounas7497]

Great music and a great person . I took my 2 children to see his grave on Saturday and my 8 year old placed his iPad on his grave and sang cats in the cradle. I will always remember that day . God bless you harry and thanks for the great music .

[@zilla590]

What a legend. I'm only 19 so I never got to see him in concert. But what I wouldn't give to see him in person. It's been said before, but I'mma say it again. Rip Harry Chapin, you will be forever missed.

[@randyburbach417]

I was on my way home from my ticket broker with tickets to see Harry when the radio station played WOLD, Taxi and Cat's in the Cradle. Then the DJ came on...I almost wrecked my car.

[@andrew6279]

Yeah I’m only 15 but I wish I could watch a concert in person

[@nolanbaker3169]

I’m only 15

[@mjhirtz]

He my favorite! I saw him twice and it was great.

[@imwhitewolf]

I saw him twice, Anchorage, AL (front row) and Seattle, WA. we got to talk to him during the intermission. the world could use a whole lot more Harry Chapins.

[@constancelena]

❤ 🎉 I heard this somewhere & so very times in my life it has given me comfort "Don't cry because it's over, SMILE because it happened!" Smiling and remembering you and your AMAZING 🎶 music, Harry Chapin!" 😊❤🎉thank you 🎉!

[@trwagner1]

Harry also had a unique range in his singing voice. He could sing endlessly it seemed and always could carry a tune beyond sunrise and sunset. Although Harry was a ballad singer, the style is eerily similar to Jim Croce's when it comes to songs that made it to the radio. And, both Harry and Jim died of tragic accidents. What I loved about Harry was that he was a story teller. Every song was something to listen to intently. It was almost like listening to an old radio show, a bridge between radio and song and television and movie film. Miss both Harry Chapin and Jim Croce and the value they could have had on songwriting.

[@susanshipley6882]

Probably the most in touch and up close and not afraid to interact with his fans entertainer ever!

[@yummy69n]

Yes. Saw him in the 70s ...my friend and I left and felt the same way. It was truly one of the most memorable concerts in my life.

[@randytessman6750]

So happy that I have been able to share Harry's gift with my daughters. I had a wonderful teacher in grade 6 (79) who introduced me to his story telling, been a huge fan ever since. We all miss you Harry

[@larryh.4629]

Send her a thank-you I've passed this on to my sons they still love it and I hope it helped them through iraq and Afghanistan. So sad our country thins out its young like they do. Proud youth. God bless them all.

[@elsofer]

It's sad to think of him gone so long... so much talent, so much emotion, so much caring (especially for the hungry.) He actually made feeling bad feel good!

[@TimOlsen100]

I saw Harry 9 times. Once with an orchestra behind his band, one time solo doing a benefit, another benefit with Pete Seeger, Steve Goodman and Jethro of Homer and Jethro. The other times were with his band. His concerts were an incredible experience , unlike any others I have been too. The passion Harry had for music and performing was incredible. Thank you for posting this.

[@jacobr9741]

chapin is a favourite. A tale told to me by my father. Greatest stories live was played on every road trip we had ever taken. My sisters and used to and always will sing a chapin song together when the mood strikes. Wish so dearly his legacy didn’t end in such a tragedy. Which has no part in his fame. His unbelievably clean and honest procession I believe is what makes Harry truly a timeless legend. Like Shakespeare and the bout. Love this man.

[@calmartin]

Greatest Stories Live…. It was forever take me back to my childhood, heading out on the road with my dad. Enjoyed reading you had a similar experience. Cheers

[@Coolhandlukekennels]

Thank you Harry for making me stop an appreciate life. Love all your songs and your spirit ❤️

[@rocconorth]

It's nice to see so many young people commenting. Harry was also before my time (I was born a few years before he died). That being said, his "Greatest Stories Live" album is one of the best live albums ever imho. Every damn song is good and the performers are all top notch. If anybody gives it a serious listen and says they're not into it...well...that means they have bad musical taste...or more likely...they're lying.

[@justus4883]

I'm 16 years (young) and use his (mostly full concerts) to study to. Absolutely love his music, so many forgotten wonders too. Makes me try and to make something of my life

[@williamrice2644]

I grew up listening to hc had about 3 cds 4 lps always during dinner night I always chose Harry, other nights I chose Neil diamond, but Harry will always be my favorite

[@keefterry2155]

A truly beautiful soul. Thank you God for lending him to us as long as you did. Despite his obvious talents, his concern for ending world hunger, is so humbling. I miss you Harry. Rest In Peace sir!

[@hurin_thalion11]

I was about 13 years old in the early '80's mom and I had to drive back from upstate New York to suburban Long Island. My mom says "I know you drive with your cousins and I'm tired, drive a little for me on the Thruway, and wake me up before we hit the city' we were in a Chevy caprice classic station wagon, big block V8, electric everything, I raised the pedals, accordioned the steering wheel and hit the road. I cranked the heat on her and played 'greatest stories live' and had it repeat over and over so she wouldn't wake up. I woke her up in the driveway of our home off exit 56 on the expressway, she said "you drove all the way over the bridges and everything?!" I said 'yeah 'and she said 'OK let's go inside" I still know the lyrics of every single song on that cassette because it flipped over about 20 times listening to it that trip and many others after. lost mom in 2016 but still have incredible love for Harry because of her. I donate to his food bank in her name now.

[@tonycoppinger6198]

What an artist.. badly missed by the world of music

[@dougcoleburn1579]

His music just makes you feel good and sad at the same time. Hard to find today. Rest In Peace Harry.

[@mjhirtz]

Oh my, it brings tears to my eyes. I loved him. I was lucky enough to see him in concert twice. Once with the whole group and once with just Harry. He was taken too soon. So glad I found this to watch. Of course I was listening to him all morning!

[@johnnyraiderallison906]

U SURE GOT THAT 1 RIGHT, MADDY, IF I MAY? R I P HARRY !!!!!

[@davekitchener9552]

I, too was fortunate enough to have the same experience. Once with band, once without. Mr. Tanner always brings tears to my eyes.

[@oohyllab]

Was this concert put onto an album? I cannot find it when searching, but sure was wondering b/c I wanted to add it to Apple music. I don't think it must've been, but sure should have as it was the last!!

[@mikehunt8997]

@@oohyllab Just download this show, then download an mp3 converter. You will then be able to play it on your phone.

[@garyleonard1722]

@@oohyllab the closest you’ll get is his album called “Greatest stories live”. Great album.

[@samuelpowell7189]

Harry’s soul will live in all of us as along as we keep hearing his message

[@codybear2456]

Met Harry as a boy at a benefit concert and he was awesome and so genuinely friendly. He hosted a small party afterwards to meet some of the crowd. Priceless time.

[@joecarignan2930]

Saw him many times.. Cellar Door first time in D.C. Amazing..... he would play way past the time he was suppose to get off stage.... a true poet...

[@user-fq1dv8of5b]

A memory I will cherish until the day I meet Harry again is the night my wife & I (along with a female vocalist I was doing some session work with on guitar at A&R Recording Studio in Ames, Iowa) were guests of Harry in Iowa City for a concert at Hanscher Auditorium, just a few months before the tragedy. I don't have time for the whole story right this minute, but I will post it soon. Gave him a 100+ mile ride from Iowa City to the Des Moines Airport after the concert, with a stop for breakfast at a truckstop on the way. It still brings tears when I think about that night, especially when I listen to my favorite song of his, "A Better Place to Be"........It was my favorite before I ever knew that it was his favorite, too. I will post the entire story about that night and how I met him the night before as soon as I have a couple hours free to write it all down. But I plan to see him in Heaven, if I am lucky enough to go. Cuz I KNOW that is where he is, and that he found "a better place to be." for himself. Thanks for everything, Harry....(Including the bottle of Chianti.)😊 R.I.P., My Friend

[@badlittledoll]

Here because my mom raised me on Harry Chapin. He was a painter of words

[@nomullies]

I was so lucky to see him at the University of Toronto. He came out at intermission to talk to anyone about his fundraising efforts. He gave up half his salary. Amazing. Years after his death I ran into his neice. Small world.

[@Milo146]

When you kissed me, I have never felt a love such as yours. You have been my inpiration throught my career and life. I celebrate your music, life, and decades of inspiration in my personal life. I will always love this kind man .

[@donnaodonnell290]

I last saw him December 4, in Columbus,Ohio before he passed away. My husband and I enjoyed his concerts so much, his last 5 years he was alive, we went to any concerts when he was close to Columbus. Met him a few times. He was one of the friendliest people I've ever met wanting to make a difference in the world we lived in. What a great loss.

[@paulwallace3395]

I was on my way to class at Indiana State University listening to WBOW on the car radio. I came in, in the middle of WOLD. When it ended, another Chapin song came on. I figured it was my lucky day. When that one ended and another Chapin song came on, I suddenly knew the truth. "They only do this when someone dies." Sure enough, the DJ anounced it as the 3rd one ended. I was a wreck, turned around and just went home. My wife asked me what was wrong when I arrived. As I choked out the news, we cried together.

[@jasonhiga5153]

Thank you for sharing a very personal experience.

[@SuperPando1]

Wow...strong...I saw him in NYC when he opened his Broadway show "The Night That Made America Famous"...we had press passes...fabulous...great man

[@mikekubacki782]

I to graduated from ISU in 1979. Had the distinct pleasure of seeing Harry and his band at Illinois State's beautiful music hall in 1978. Harry was a terrific humanitarian and worked tirelessly to combat world hunger. He announced during the concert that all proceeds from merchandise being sold would go to combat hunger. He stayed until every piece was autographed. A beautiful human being.

[@georgec9590]

I had the great fortune to see Harry live in concert in Syracuse, NY back in the seventies. He came here on the spur of the moment and performed a benefit concert to save a grand old theater in our downtown that was slated to be shown the wrecking ball. His lovely effort saved that theater renamed Syracuse Landmark Theater. I put a suggestion in a few years ago that the theater should be renamed the Harry Chaplin Landmark Theater. Unfortunately, no one listened to the suggestion. Were it not for Harry, that theater would have been demolished long ago! Thank you Harry. I, for one, have not forgotten.

[@scoonman]

Spent many a day at Loews/Landmark growing up...

[@oohyllab]

How Wonderful you got to go see him, & how sad they wouldn't name that after him. Such a loss. I was 21 in 81 & had barely heard anything more than Cats in the Cradle, but oh my how I wish I could've seen him. Thank God for recordings.

[@gotham61]

Saw Miles Davis at the Landmark in 1982. Beautiful theater.

[@0w31baker]

The best live performer I have ever seen, I saw him twice and was devastated when I heard on the radio that he had been killed.

[@Margotcopeland]

One snowy night in Worcester, MA, my friend Dave and I snuck into the hall where Harry was playing shortly after "Taxi" was released. I sat entranced sitting in the back of the theatre, amazed at what I stumbled into that night. At show's end, the bolder Dave grabbed my arm and headed backstage... Expecting to be shown the door or booted out, to my amazement, we were waved in, passed a bottle of Mateus Rose, and invited to hang out. Harry was no different offstage as he was when on...telling stories and jokes he couldn't use onstage while getting us to tell ours. It was a night I'll always remember. Harry's effect on people and the world went deep, and his death left a space still aching to be filled. Reviewers in mags like the Rolling Stone never "got" Harry, he wore his heart on his sleeve, writing so you didn't have to guess what he was singing about...but his audience did, and watching this show he left us with skills fully intact, able to entertain and involve, inviting us to dwell among the characters of the stories he wove. Harry's shows were always "A Better Place To Be" and if there's a place beyond this one, I'm sure he'll be performing and I'll learn about that place and the people that reside there, armed with a couple bottles and some new jokes for afterward. Thanks, Harry!

[@johnpark7742]

So many memories of this amazing man, saw him four times in London and Guelph, Ontario back in the late 70's. A great university buddy of mine and I loved him......this buddy ended up emigrating to New Zealand we kept up our friendship until he passed far too early two years ago. His kids knew him and had Harry playing before the funeral service and in the reception afterwards......hearing that brought back a lot of love, Harry's heart founded World Hunger and his sweat poured a lot of money into a worthy cause. The guy was the real deal.

[@jimsmith1076]

I saw Harry once in July, 1980 at Club Casino, Hampton Beach, New Hampshire. It has always been my favorite concert. I knew of Harry from the Taxi song and came to love all his music once I became familiar with it. I think this was the same lineup I saw as the cello player I was was female I dont think Harry ever got the credit he deserved. He was a brilliant songwriter. Taxi is an unbelievable song. So sad that hes gone. I wish my kids could have experienced him

[@Irishcoda54]

I will always love listening to Harry's stories. I miss him still

[@merrillhenkin4762]

Always touches my heart and spirit with his songs. Taken away too soon. His compassion for all in need and his memories are blessings. RIP "Story Master and Humanitarian."

[@eddieshearon1016]

Got to meet this great man in the early 1980s. Purple Monster in Sarasota Fla. Twice. Wish i would have seen him more. Emotions run wild and hard when I hear live Chapin and the band. Thank you lord for giving us Harry!

[@tekteam26]

I was a student at North Carolina State University and had the opportunity to see Harry and Tom Chapin perform at Stewart Theatre. I ended up sitting on the stage floor on a cushion about six feet away from Harry. There were just the two brothers and their acoustic guitars, nothing more. It was an incredible concert that lasted for more than two hours. This concert was also about six months before Harry's tragic death. I will never forget the experience.

[@RMChandler27803]

I was a freshman at Campbell University at the same time. One of my good friends went to see that show and loved it.

[@donelder1247]

I was fortunate to hear Harry in Atlanta at the Fox Theater, a two nite concert, where if you bought tickets to both nights, you were a privileged guest to a backstage/ back ballroom, at the end of the second night. This must have been late 70's, maybe "80. We sat around on the floor and Harry had a guitar and said, "what would you like to hear" and we just called out songs. A surreal night!

[@AenimalCannibal985]

That's incredible. I wish I was old enough to have gotten to see him live. He's my dad's favorite artist and I understand why. I feel like shooting star was written for my wife and I and cat's in the cradle for my son and I. Those songs have changed how I interact with my family for the better.

[@jdsdeepcutsundaytracks4426]

Wow ! What an experience ! Great story, just discovering the rest of Harry’s material besides “Cats in the Cradle” can’t believe I hadn’t known his music sooner !! Being an avid fan of 60’s and 70’s folk and an avid vinyl collector now I’m on a hunt !! It’ll be a rewarding and fun one !!

[@sethjacobs6441]

Harry Chapin and Phil Ochs are the two greatest musical influences on me--geniuses who were taken much too soon.

[@charlieross6105]

Saw him several times. Getting stoned at the waterfront in Perth Amboy NJ and hearing someone playing his music on the radio. Turned out it was him on his boat playing solo and inviting everyone over to his place across the bay for a feed the hungry benefit BBQ that night. My wife got a kiss for one dollar donation at the Morris Stage show a few years later. Many great memories.

[@jycww]

Was able to see Harry twice at La. Tech University. I talked to the guys that were part of Union Board, which booked all the concerts. While other bands, solo singers, etc. had many demands (various requirements, many outrageous, before their concert), all Harry asked for was a hot meal. My only regret was not getting the book of lyrics he was selling and autographing at the time. Great concerts!

[@edgibney4886]

I thought at the beginning that this was a solo performance but then Big John came in on the second song! What memories! I saw him at Valley Forge Music fair about 6 months before he died and will never forget the impression he made on me that night. The cello never sounded better than the one his accompanist played that night!

[@airsupplylive8624]

I wish i was alive to see this gem 💎 so awesome and authentic RIP Love you Harry❤🙏

[@naomiarmstrong751]

The cellist is amazing. I feel like this is the concert we missed

[@johnferlauto-zf7lk]

Saw Harry 3 times! Best live performer I ever saw and quite possibly the best human being! God bless Harry. All these years later I still muss you.

[@lisaperry7297]

He was and still is the best

[@patwaine8946]

I saw him only once in Dublin not long before he died. He was quite simply impactful in every sense. Rip miss you.

[@williambech7094]

I saw him a handful of times. He taught us how to see life’s stories a different way. A better way

[@daleandlaurel4210]

Video was just coming in to it's own at that time so I was so thrilled to see this. I was blessed to see him in concert three times and had a ticket for the 3rd row center for his next concert in our town when I learned he passed. This concert made me laugh, cry and remember how he could make a large auditorium feel like an intimate living room.

[@lindamattice4323]

“I saw my life flash before my very eyes”….. at the beginning of the concert. Quite prophetic…😢

[@maryann2476]

Wish we had more guys like you, Harry, Thank you for being the you, that you were.(beautiful person).

[@nworbydnar]

This is wonderful.

[@cindyfreeney7413]

Oh, Harry miss you so much. My favorite time was your fundraiser for Rep Howard Wolpe in Kalamazoo in 1980 in a tiny bar.

[@charleybearlambert6560]

Dec 7, 2021 Happy 79th Birthday Harry there in that Better Place. Thanks so much for the music. You left way too soon.

[@peterjones4621]

Rest in peace Harry, you were taken from us way to young, you're loved and missed by millions. God has you now.

[@Birdsonly]

I discovered him just before he lost his life on the Long Island expressway. I was crazy about the song Taxi.

[@mjcowgill7906]

I Love this album I bought it via VHS for my mom and we watched it all the time 👍😃🌝💚

[@barrysmith1880]

I was privileged to see Harry in concert a few months before he sadly passed away . It was my first and only concert , can't bring myself to attend another concert . My most vivid memory from that night was " mail order Annie " . Absolutely priceless

[@gregseiler6698]

I met Harry in 1978. He did a concert in my hometown of Warrensburg, Missouri. He sang 30,000, then he told us he and the band were taking a break. I went to the hallway to use the bathroom. That's where I found Harry sitting at table signing autographs -- on bananas!! LOL. I became a fan for life!!!

[@railwaystationmaster]

Harry was a god of story telling , wrapping them up in memorable melodies for the discerning listener to feel and connect with , sometimes sadly people have to leave the building before are truly appreciated , he took off to find the sky , R.I.P

[@genawilliams7819]

He's so moving. I'm so sad he's gone. I heard Harry the first time when I was 6 . My older brother loved his music and he played it every day on the way to and from school. I'm 53 now and still love Harry.

[@krank8385]

what a great story teller he was, a wonderful talent sadly taken.

[@gregstickler3798]

What a poet in song Always wonders if his songs were based on real life not just words in his head Taxi, cats in the cradle, mornin dj 50,000 bananas,

[@edgibney4886]

When I saw Harry he told the story of writing The Mayor of Candor. He saw a sign driving through Candor, a small town with a small population. He was in a semi-depressed mood, full of cynicism from his last gig and on his way back home in New York. He said to himself yeah right, the mayor probably lies. Then thought, if I was the mayor of Candor what would I lie about and who would I lie to. Then he wrote the whole song in his head by the time he made the drive home. He had great experiences and a fertile mind and he knew what it was to love, to be loved but also to be disappointing and to be disappointed and to put all of that into the words of a story that were impossible to forget. This past weekend I heard his response to writing Taxi. It was very similar. He was trying to make a living in music but needed money. He applied for a job driving a taxi and before his first night remembered a girl who he had broken up with and what might happen if he ever got her for a fare. The song was his imagination of what mighthave become. An amazing mind and command of words and emotions.

[@michaelscanlon1353]

And I had the terrible misfortune to have tickets to see him two days later at the Casino at Hampton Beach New Hampshire. . Saw him live previously. . a great performer

[@rickeguitar9086]

Thanks so much for posting as I cannot find it anywhere to purchase. Harry was truly a gift given to us by our Creator. He had a way of writing lyrics and music so visual it is as if you were in the scene as one of the characters in the song.

[@k1200rsl]

The last concert DVD, retitled "You Are The Only Song" is for sale at harrychapinmusicdotcom. The picture quality is still VHS level but at least it is available.

[@larryh.4629]

I remember coming down into Scranton PA. As a rookie truck driver but thanks to Harry I was cautious. Probably saved my ass if not my brakes. It's much tamer now than it was back then. Smashed bannanas.

[@pattielove2367]

My future husband loved Chapin. I was only 19. He's dead now. Remembered those first years bring back very vivid memories. Harry was idealistic and pure of heart. RIP Harry.

[@RAW-zz7gt]

So glad to find this. Today is 7/17/20. He passed 39 years ago yesterday. 😭💔🙏🕊

[@Neo-mw1pp]

I just discovered Harry’s music in 2020 and love his story telling and how his songs invoke emotions of happiness and sadness together! A lovely guy he was but what’s even more amazing was his humanitarian efforts. Life is very cruel at times and the world lost a great man. RIP Harry Chapin, your music will be passed on for generations to come.

[@josephburnsidesr4187]

76 years young and still miss Harry.

[@davidormsby9439]

As a young kid my parents introduced me to his music with Greatest Hits Live. I still listen to that Album.

[@jonnyb2774]

Same buddy. Same. One of the best things my dad ever has done for me.

[@bexxoo1]

Wow, just Wow, thank you.

[@josephsalak3087]

Was able to see him 3 times always a great show! Rest in peace!

[@georgeskinner8443]

He was a masterful storyteller. I am thankful for being able to see him live in Jacksonville Florida. With my friend Norman Rich.

[@johnnyraiderallison906]

r i p harry, i will always miss u becuz u made me care about others and pointed me in the right direction - hope this aint to goofy. thx harry

[@kj320175]

I was only five years old when he died. But he has become my inspiration to be a better person and do good for others. My favorite song from him is a better place to be and I have the lyrics "I wish that I was beautiful or that you were halfway blind" tattooed on my forearm. I am so excited about the documentary coming out next month

[@garyleonard1722]

If you don’t mind me asking, what was the name of the documentary so I can track it down ? Thanks.

[@kj320175]

@@garyleonard1722 "Harry Chapin when in doubt, do something"