Memories (Janis Ian) Live at the Forum 1980

I injured my left hand about 1991 and lost the use of it for almost a year, as it was misdiagnosed and misdiagnosed. ("It's probably carpal tunnel." "But I don't have any carpal tunnel symptoms!" "Well, let's cut it open and make sure." No thanks!)
Having played piano since I was 2 1/2, it was a huge loss. After I finally got a correct diagnosis, it was clear that my tiny hand could no longer safely stretch an octave (the most I'd ever been able to stretch was an octave + 2). I might be able to completely re-train myself, try to undo 40 years of habit and training, change every LH (left hand) octave to a single note intead of two, never play "big chords" with that hand again, always be careful and tentative. But even when I tried that, the hand had to be iced after every show or session, compression gloves were necessary whenever I wasn't using it to play, and once I learned that even so, playing regularly might cause even more permanent damage, I gave up. Moving exclusively to guitar was, in the end, a good thing, because I'm a much better guitarist than I'd ever have been. I still play piano occasionally when friends ask me, in situations where I can be careful and take frequent breaks, but it's rare. Howver, once in a while I see a video of myself from when I could really play without worry, and marvel at the joy of it. (By the way, the final diagnosis was injuries caused by "overuse syndrome", a relatively new concept back then. Please don't make suggestions on how to fix it because I'm happy the way things are!)
This is "Memories", with one of my favorite band groupings - every single one of them was a terrific singer and player, so I had the chance to use four part harmonies on stage. And clearly, I had a really good time!
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[@MCD734]

Memories has been one of my very favorite songs since my sister Theresa turned me onto you. I’m so glad you are happy. Music is the true universal language. Thank you for all the great love and hope your music has provided us.

[@PhoebeFayRuthLouise]

Janis always amazes me! Such incredible talent!

[@ggroch]

Wicked! I did not know Janis had a bodacious head banger phase. Thanks for posting it.

[@katht.gileno8823]

You always give your all... note for note, always a spectacular performance! 👍👍🌹

[@janisian6721]

I want to Specially appreciate you for being a big fan. Thanks for your nice comment on my post, it means a lot to me. I want you to send me a direct message via hangouts using my personal email [e-mail] or you can as well add me up on WhatsApp through my mobile number that will be indicated below ‪+1(405)465‑2964)‬.please make sure you add your name to the text for recognition thank you so much

[@PhoebeFayRuthLouise]

WARNING The “Janis Ian” reply to your comment is NOT the real Janis Ian! It’s a new account with nothing posted to it!

[@jhalaby1]

Agreed, Janis. This video is a demonstration of amazing talent and pure joy.

[@MCD734]

I love the fact when I shared this with my sister today she said she saw this tour in 1981, when I graduated high school.

[@MCrick-vb9qn]

Wow - just wow! Your piano playing is amazing. Cricket

[@Ma_Ba]

Wow. Enchanting. Janis is a versatile musician. That is some mix. Look at those hands go. I had no idea! I missed this part of Janis Ian! (By the way, back in the day, in 1980, we didn't have the internet to be all over the place and I was otherwise occupied, into something else as I was just making my way.)

[@dianepolin2379]

Love this!!!

[@jan2mblik]

Forty-one years ago.... Great Janis!

[@Ma_Ba]

Jamie Lee Curtis' instagram just posted a cover of "Seventeen" where I commented on Janis Ian's original appearances on SNL and my having recently watched Janis Ian's good vocal on video having the perspective of looking back on youth retrospectively with insight.

[@danusekalusova3446]

Děkuji , krásné .

[@andrespereydaresearch]

that was trippy. weird modulations and rythms (weird in a good way). it gives me ideas for my algorithmic approach. and then it turned into rock disco. that would be cool if you did a slow version of a My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult song, or something.

[@trevorsewell]

Blimey amazing Janis :)

[@jeanp.1303]

So jealous sometimes. Awesome hands Janis!

[@furysmith6564]

Where was Claire? I love you, btw, thanks for these videos!

[@zappagorewaikato1009]

Arti Dixson just laying that fat groove...great googly moogly. Love you Madame Janis. Kia kaha \m/

[@oneseeker2]

I am not positive but I think she can play just about any instruments.

[@VIRGONOMICS]

Who’s the shredder on the BC Rich Guitar ?