Stan Rogers - Live Concert Video 5-28-1983 - Down The Road

Down The Road by Mary McCaslin.
This video was recorded by Alan Kanter on 5-28-83 at McCabe's Guitar Shop, Santa Monica, CA.
Stan died 5 days later on Air Canada Flight 797.
This was the encore from the 1st show that night. I was doing the house sound.
Howard & Roz Larman were recording a live 2 track for future broadcast on their KPFK show FolkScene.
Peter Cole mixed the live 2 track to Sony Beta F1.
Thanks to Peter Cutler for furnishing the audio.
Vocal mics were Sennheiser MD 441u.
Guitar mics were Sony ECM 22p.
Video digitizing, color correcting, editing, audio replacement by Wayne Griffith.

[@nicholasoak8709]

I hope that now stan's picture is on that wall.

[@Merdulac]

I saw you at blue skies festival in the Ottawa Valley in 1975 or 1976 with my husband I loved and my only beloved son, my best man Larry was there with his love, we were so pleased and loved. Stan Rogers was great! Glad we were there! viva le Canadienne!

[@halfpint37]

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@halfpint37]

Better be

[@markhenry6486]

That's one of the best comments I've ever read!!

[@gmccalip]

I remember this evening and the conversation I had with Stan. He was on the sidewalk out in front of the store standing next to what was, at that time, a skinny little tree. I was standing behind him until he finished talking with someone else. Then I tapped him on the shoulder and said, "I'm from Air Canada and I'm here to inspect your guitar. He turned around and gave me that goofy crosseyed face he made when he sang "The Idiot". We both got a good laugh out of it, and he thanked me again for booking Willie P. Bennett for part of the concert series I had produced at Cal State Dominguez Hills. That was typical Stan. His last song at McCabe's was promoting Mary McCaslin. His last comment to me was to thank me for helping his friend Willie. And, of course, the last thing he did was to try to rescue one more person from a burning plane. That was 37 years ago and I still miss him. Thanks for posting this, Wayne.

[@joshuasparks2632]

This is my favourite comment of all time. So personal. Unfortunately he was gone before my time but his spirit and music will live on forever.

[@BardChords]

In Garnet Rogers' book and elsewhere, it's stated that the 'rescue' story is fictional, although the rumor started spreading almost immediately after his death.

[@beefstroganoff1774]

@@BardChords despite it's dubious existance, it's befitting of his character and isn't far from something he'd do

[@IamMorpheaus]

My heart still weeps for his passing ... may his music forever have a home in those that remember ...

[@charliesybert2683]

Thank you

[@donross9676]

Chills. The world is a darker place without Stan Rogers.

[@alexolivera3151]

Stan’s fingerpicking skills are top notch. No one talks about him really when talking about top folk guitar players. He is insanely good.

[@ofthedarknessthemoonlight5412]

Yes. Every note is just crisp and separate. Fantastic.

[@geoffoutdoors]

AGREED!!! I'm a long time guitar player and I'd like to be able to play like this.

[@dlab4233]

@@geoffoutdoors in my 26 years of playing Stan's material can be tricky. He plays like he sings and vice versa (I may have f#*ked those last two words but just accept on a phonetic level lol) he sings like he plays. He definitely deserves more recognition on his guitar abilities!!!

[@ravensmythe1]

Sadly, not too many people are aware of him or the power of his voice in the states. I try to expose all my friends to his music

[@carolv8450]

William Rogers / you’re right. I just found him - I’m 72, wish I found him sooner.

[@cameronsmith6755]

The loss of this beautifully talented man a few days after this concert is one of the greatest calamities the music world will ever suffer.

[@billydorsheimer4371]

I second that!

[@sparkyhayes9543]

Here here. What a tragedy.

[@flightparamedic505]

Truth

[@midnight1963]

Heartbreaking

[@nonokayakjack]

I am heart sick that we lost him even though I only became familiar with him a few years ago. Somehow it feels like I lost a good friend. That's saying something.

[@jareddunn3677]

Here is someone that they should do a movie about. A real hero

[@NK73080]

A dream come true

[@beefstroganoff1774]

There's a documentary about him called One Warm Line that's really good and it's on KZbin, it's on KensingtonTV I think the channel is called

[@thebearded4427]

First time i ever hear this song, first time i see a performance by Stan Rogers, just found out he died saving others in a plane. Im now crying, a grown man, heavy heartfelt tears when listening to this. This was a magical moment and the world truly lost an amazing artist.

[@ronancowley8998]

Couldn’t agree more. Absolute chills watching this video and hearing the power in his voice. Such a loss

[@safetyman3]

Just discovered Stan and his music a few days ago and I have been completely blown away. Simply amazing. God knew we needed some sunshine so he loaned him for awhile.

[@mjuhanil]

I discovered him in 1991 and was sad to discover we had died 8 yrs earlier. Amazing music

[@Obscurewing]

I was in the audience at McCabe's that night. It was a wonderful concert. It makes my heart hurt now, 36 years later.

[@ronancowley8998]

Can’t imagine how beautiful a night that must of been

[@ronancowley8998]

Can’t imagine how beautiful a night that must of been

[@parkeskelton656]

Me too. Both shows on Friday. Both shows on Saturday.

[@Diesel-ship23]

I was born in 02, wish I could have seen Stan in Concert

[@einarsharpe7637]

@@Diesel-ship23I got lucky, I was also born in 02. But I know people who ran in his circle.

[@SirWitKiD]

He died 4 days after this was recorded. Rest in peace good fellow. Thank you. Godspeed glorious son and father.

[@MrLucifuge1973]

"A voice you could take a bath in" Thank you Stan. Just thanks

[@t.k.mcsneakyman6413]

John Hines try slowing down the video to 75 percent if you really want to soak in that bath.

[@glennsayers9169]

Considering what happened five days later, does anybody else feel that the lyrics in this song are somehow strangely correlative?

[@kriscarver-seaboyer9204]

I knew I wasn't the only one who wondered that. Strangely prophetic.

[@jaredhigdon1680]

It's a very fitting departure song.

[@ameliatighe6737]

jim croce was a good friend. there were a few songs that were ominous references. one was i love what i am doing and i will keep doing it as long as possible. annother was tomorrow do you have a place for me. i still have nnot gotten over it

[@Alexandra-zp3gr]

A documentary on the terrible Air Canada disaster that took the life of this remarkable singer songwriter led me to discover his music. Too young then but listening now in 2021.He was a gifted poet in a long line of Canadian songwriters that reach deep into the soul. His musical legacy is timeless.

[@armd1960]

God, this is such a beautiful rendition. I love the delight on Stan's face, during the second sing-along verse, as he fades his own voice away to nothing, and he hears the audience perfectly handle the melody. Thanks so very much for posting this - what a treasure.

[@lucianocappellano8300]

And watching his face, his fucking face man. It's a mix between his nature as an absolute artist, he had 0% non artist in his bones and you can tell by the way his faces scrunches up on the hard parts, and that gleeful cute ass smile he's got when hes just sinking into the song. Absolute fucking perfection from the perfect musician.

[@SaxonTrue]

Did he ever get a picture on the wall?

[@jaymckay4086]

This is a real treasure, great song and story before. I love his joy on the second verse also, we miss ya Stan!

[@KorRioux]

@@SaxonTrue ooooooh.... right in the feels. I wanna get a portrait of Stan now....

[@piniped]

I had a girlfriend turn me on to Stan Rogers in 1985, two years or so after he died. She said, "listen to this." When I heard THAT (his) voice, his songs, his arrangements and his band I bought his albums. To this day I still am in awe of his gifts, the world a better place for his short presence. His brother Garnet is no slouch either, gifted, both.

[@woollychaps]

hopefully you kept that girlfriend. she sounds like a keeper. :)

[@johannahowardpurdy1340]

Garnet is a supremely talented musician and vocalist in his own right. And he does his brother's legacy proud.

[@CrimeDefender]

Let us not forget to mention Stan's son, Nathan, who is very talented as well. Stan's legacy continues.

[@mightymrmousempls]

52.000 of these views are me

[@xennial80sxberner]

It's fascinating to me how people were so mature at young ages back in prior decades. Stan is only 33 and seemed 53

[@andrewbryan1444]

I believe Stan was born a 40 year old fisherman, in the body of a suburban Dundas newborn baby.

[@robinandned3151]

have to agree there. He looks more mature than his years for sure. What a man though

[@lukasw689]

I think stan's grace and maturity was the exeption

[@bruce8429]

We were just like you kids..

[@beefstroganoff1774]

He was wise and knowing beyond his years for sure, of all the videos I can find of him he just seemed to have an air that emulated maturity and warmth

[@gregmaryhughes6830]

I missed this concert only to hear the terrible news 5 days later, one of my biggest regrets.

[@lucianocappellano8300]

Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuck dude

[@carlovio3620]

God sing toghether

[@NK73080]

I feel for you I wasn’t born until long after he died but god. I’m sure he understands. That’s so sad

[@suzannelawson9215]

A fine, fine Mary McCaslin song that Stan talks about getting the song from Mary herself. Sadly, Mary recently passed away earlier this month, October 2022 in Hemet, California. Both Stan and Mary great singer-songwriters. May both rest in peace.

[@rnhealer6044]

Stan Rogers was the finest folksinger who ever lived,, and I love Folk music. I love every song that Stan ever sang. he never wrote nor sung a stinker of a song. They were all equally wonderful, and he paid tribute to the writer of this song, one he didn't write. I wish there was a whole live show exited in the archives somewhere.

[@crappymechanic]

I've been listening to his music my whole life. Never met him, he died almost 2 months before I was born. No one has had a bigger influence on my music than Stan Rogers. I learned to play guitar because of him.

[@ffggddss]

I'm almost 2 years older than Stan, and I learned guitar because of Peter, Paul, and Mary, Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Donovan, The Mamas & The Papas, Gordon Lightfoot, Ian & Sylvia, Simon & Garfunkel, Tom Paxton, John Denver, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones, and many others. Because of Stan, I've been motivated to learn many of *his* songs - they are truly gem quality! And then there are songs like this, which aren't of his hand, but which he can still make all his own. Because a genuine gemstone can take in, any kind of light, and throw it back out in stunning beauty. Fred

[@ConnorGhostHeart]

Same with me, friend. He'll always be in my thoughts playing away.

[@jacobvarley5453]

Same here.

[@KevinBarnett1]

I was two days old when this was filmed. And here I am finding it 36 years later, to the day. Awesome.

[@matthewgelfer4955]

In my heart, Stan will always be the brightest star in the sky.

[@joelpritchard3390]

I recently discovered Stan through the metal band, Unleash the Archers, who did a cover of Northwest Passage. What a wonderful musician ♡ It's a testament to his music that he's still being discovered by new listeners, so many years after his death.

[@marcothalow]

I was born 3 days after this concert. Its a shame what happened. He was on his way up. Such a beautiful voice and he had talent . Rest in peace Stan Rogers

[@MrChrisMiner]

Those words "I'll be going away" are chilling.... Certainly one of Canada's musical treasures!!

[@theresajacques7865]

Just attended a Stan Rogers tribute. The second half featured his wife, son and daughter. They sounded so great together and it was quite emotional at times. 35 years after his death his music is timeless.

[@leslieross8708]

The music world will never stop reeling from the loss of this wonderful man. He had a voice that sucks you right in and makes you beg for more. I was 9 when he died and only discovered him recently. Now I have a Stan Rogers playlist on repeat. RIP Stan, and thank you 💞

[@brahilly]

I recall listening to cbc radio announcing a fire on board an Air Canada flight from Texas to Montreal. The next day we were told that the Great Stan Rogers was one of the fatalities. The day the music died. Magic and passion in abundance.

[@jordanstoecklin2802]

I've sung my now two year old to sleep with this song playing in the background countless times. A true masterpiece. When I first found this video months ago, I was moved to tears watching him play it live, albeit on a screen.

[@mitchrils]

A fitting final goodbye from the greatest musician that ever drew breath... This never fails to bring a tear to my eye.

[@j.b.9581]

Listened to Stan's rendition of this song with tears running down my face for the loss of such a talented, promising, and gentle human being.

[@donross8533]

A tragic loss, what a voice. 😔

[@warrenhuff7349]

I live in Cincinnati and I was here in June 1983 when we lost the best of the best.

[@Jechael13]

I'm not sure what's up with this, but I can't seem to listen to Stan without welling up with tears. He was simply on a whole new level. It's no wonder the universe reclaimed him so early on. He was at the absolute pinnacle of songwriting and his voice was 2nd to none.

[@patrickoleary2862]

Know that feeling.....

[@CDGHKB1991]

When you learn he passed away only 4 days later, you listen to the song entirely differently.

[@beefstroganoff1774]

This may be a simple song but sometimes simple is special and beautiful, this a prime example.

[@lucianocappellano8300]

lyrics Sun is rising high, burning into the day, I will say goodbye, I'll be going away, Brush away my doubts, what tomorrow will hold, Feeling fine for now, going down the road To a city to sing, about the trees and the wind, 'Bout the hills in spring, and the rivers that bend, The rocky deep pass, and the poppies and ponies, Running through the grass, up and down the road In the dark they sit and they hollar for more, White smoke in a wisp, from here to the door, Their admission they paid, for the stories they're told, Of a clear new day, hold me down on the road So heavy rain at my back, lazy meadows ahead, In my book I keep track, of the promises said. For my songs in a town, that tomorrow will hold Feelin' better for now, facin' down the road.

[@woollychaps]

Is it hyperbolic to say 3:15 is one of the greatest moments in the history of music?

[@funkymunky2404]

Goosebumps. every. time.

[@woollychaps]

@@funkymunky2404 goosebumps on top of goosebumps :)

[@wildbuffalo338]

Absolutely love it! The pause is so powerful and just fits right

[@zachreilly247]

Not hyperbolic at all.

[@suba7320]

love that bit

[@juggernogaddict7954]

A man of such quality, strength, and taste as no other could. Rest in peace Stan Rogers.

[@ronancowley8998]

What an incredible and humble musician. Top of his trade but kind of deprecating of himself. Such a shame he is gone. His music brings such joy to people. What an amazing singer and guitar player. Sleep tight mate

[@Criblo456]

5 days before he died. RIP

[@johndoe-ow2ns]

What an honour to be able to hear this. May he never be forgotten

[@MilesfromNowhere21]

Rest in Peace Stan and Mary. I hope wherever you are I will get to meet you both. Thanks

[@oldfolkiedulcimer]

Love this, what a voice! Mary McCaslin has been one of my favorites since I was a teen and I'm 71 now, beautiful rendition of one of her songs!

[@TheNRG3]

My God what a wonderful person he was, a true Scotian. Never be anyone better than Stan.

[@BillBelsey]

I believe Stan was born in Hamilton, Ontario.

[@TheNRG3]

He was but his family is from Nova Scotia. His roots and song writing of east coast life makes him a true Scotian. If your a fan of Stan you'd know that already?@@BillBelsey

[@TmL3210]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for this video!!! I have listened to this song hundreds of times wishing I was able to see him actually perform it. Now that I finally have, I have no words.

[@IFORBIDANYDATACOLLECTIONTOALL]

I hope that Stan is in heaven so I can meet him one day

[@kristoffer-ross]

Amen.

[@lucianocappellano8300]

If there is one, I guarantee he'll be there

[@NK73080]

We’ll see him, but feeling fine for now, going down the road.

[@j-jcote2675]

Oh, for sure he's there. It's up to us to deserve to get there as well.

[@t_rex8767]

browsing songs on youtube and you find those gems like this one

[@shaunpatrick72]

I could watch this 100 times a day and cry every time! Stan is and always will be the BEST!! ❤

[@seansky2721]

Stan's brother Garnet and his son Nathan carry on the family musical tradition.

[@dpknudten]

Thank you so much for posting this concert. I had a bootleg cassette of this recorded straight from a public radio airing of the recording circa 1983-84. I mainlined that concert like Heroine for years. Lost the cassette in one to many moves, and have searched for it online ever since. Stumbled on it here, and its every word and note is exactly what I remember. Stan stan for life.

[@douglasboyle6544]

I'd heard the audio but I never knew video of this existed 🥲

[@darthlaurel]

What a voice. I play Stan for my six month old grandson and he's already a fan.

[@glenndickson7627]

Womderful singer amd.musician! I just discovered him 45 yrs too late!

[@KahltheGaul]

Watching this video is gutwrenching, knowing what happens soon after. I hope you're doing okay, wherever down the road you may be, Stan.

[@Joe1Figgs]

Here I sit on an MTA bus with a tear in my eye and no one else aboard will ever know why

[@ScotsRonin]

Thanks for this video. Reminds us to hold fast to the day, and bear in mind our time is limited...

[@marknixon6088]

No sir Stan, you are a bright star! How we wish for more….

[@abedindurakovic8190]

3:55 is so perfect, with the audience singing and stan playing the guitar.

[@johnmorland6262]

Wow. Awesome. I was lucky enough to go to the first show Friday. I heard the audio on the Larman tribute to Stan on Folkscene so the video is at once-in-a-lifetime but also a haunting postscript. Thank you to Wayne and the entire mccabe's crew. Incredible.

[@JMARLOWE1972]

I have missed him every day since the tragedy. Every day......

[@judithbliss7567]

I just love this ..so vintage Stan....what a loss to the folk scene.

[@user-eh1vp3ev3c]

Just when you think you've already heard all of his best work, someone shares a hidden gem like this, and the timing of it all. Just beautiful, words cannot describe 🥲

[@flingalbunt]

Words fail. Just beautiful and ironically tragic at the same time.

[@FreGZile]

god that voice, what a loss for music.... I suppose god was so jealous he took him back and now he's up there singing his amazings songs.

[@and1varsity23]

This song is the light

[@Eponagirl0810]

Tears for a heartfelt song and a brilliant musician gone too soon.

[@decadesofclassics]

Wow just Wow ! A good friend of mine originally from Ohio, now living in Cape Town, introduced me to Stan and this particular song. How it took me 50 years to find it, God only knows, what is important is that I now have the pleasure of listening to one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. Thank you Stan, thank you Wade

[@stevehodder1]

We really need the rest of this show...

[@joshwillis4100]

What a piece of history to capture. I really hope the whole concert gets this same treatment and can be published - it's a gorgeous quality. Thank you!

[@ameliatighe6737]

when i play this song i usually pay it 3 or4 times. it is the first of his songs that i heard

[@TheOldProfessor1]

He seems like he was a really neat person not just a great musician.

[@fractode]

YT dumped me into this after watching Nathan Rogers perform. I question my atheism when I think about how privileged I have been to have heard Stan Rogers in my life. Keep going, Nathan! 👍🇨🇦

[@PythonDad]

Having first listened to Stan's music about six years ago, when I saw these recordings posted on here and saw the date, I knew they would to be hard to watch. They were, of course, but at the same time I'm thankful that the recording exists at all. Thanks Wayne.

[@ArkRed1]

Gone, but not forgotten. His voice you could recognize in a cast of thousands. You and Pete have a great song swap.

[@mashbury]

Not enough video footage of the great Stan Rodgers .. but the music lives on .. one of the worlds gents

[@CatmanBill]

I’m a forever musical novice and I only came out of my musical closet late in life. And I missed these beautiful singer/songwriters such as Stan Rogers and Mary McCaslin. Such beautiful music. I wish I could sing at their feet.

[@davidheistand7978]

I realized some time ago that I was at this concert. Really took me aback. Loved him and still love Garnet.

[@brahilly]

Boy, do I ever envy you. I would love to have been in Halifax when he sang Bluenose. Or more precisely, I want to be the guy who introduced the big fella simply yelling out, "Ladies and gentlemen, STAN ROGERS"! What a trip! Two days ago I bought Garnet's book, Night Drive. Look forward to getting lost in it too.

[@Heidishereandthere]

This had to be one of his last concerts. This was in May 28, 1983 and he died June 2, 1983!

[@NerTamidSF]

Pure magic. Every time. Forever.

[@georgebosse9393]

what a voice

[@kered2400]

I hope you eventually upload the whole concert. Love this! Much thanks!

[@sailorboyslimsummers]

I agree wholeheartedly!

[@ministryofanti-feminism1493]

Thirded!

[@kearneydillon4803]

Please please upload the entire show. Please!!!!

[@dorianphilotheates3769]

What a phenomenal talent! A bard.

[@kobrapowerz1017]

how is this not more populare

[@robertwright9880]

What a beautiful voice.

[@ScotsRonin]

I first ran across Stan's music in "Northwest Passage," and have been struck how amazing his voice and playing were. Yes, he's promoting someone else's song here - while playing it a thousand times better than they ever did, even in a studio! His presence - his voice - his talent....the world is a lesser place with him no longer in it.

[@maxwellbowden9961]

It seems that outside of Canada, Stan has only been heard after his passing. An amazingly talented man

[@williamhervey6409]

Stan was a real gift to all of us, no big surprise he lost his life trying to save others, i miss him forever 😢

[@keithpither9893]

Stan, so much talent, such a great loss to all .

[@JMARLOWE1972]

I think about him every day. Every day. I miss him so much…..

[@ant-1382]

Not only was he a great musician, but he was pretty funny too! To bad I didn't discover him while he was still living.

[@redcoat4ever323]

One of the finest Hamiltonians ever.

[@patrickoleary2862]

What a beautiful song + such an incredible voice - so poignant a performance given the context. All respect from Ireland Stan + rest in peace - your music will never die.

[@francozeh]

It's probably the 10th time I'm watching this video, and I will probably do it so many times that I will loose the count. It's beautiful

[@kearneydillon4803]

Just haunting. The only way to make this song better is to turn it up!!

[@alexyoung9183]

Absolutely beautiful song, and a legend of a man. Wish I could have met him!

[@ARCADEBLOWTORCH]

I saw him 3 or 4 times. After one of the shows I showed him some Black & white photos i had taken of him and the band. He was a very kind and conciderate person. A true gentleman, intelligent and for me he always been a great example of integrity and kindness. I don't usually cry when I hear some famous person has passed away but I did when I heard the news of his passing. It was a privalige to have that small talk with him and Garnet.

[@aarondesjardins5820]

Great performance. Sad that he passed shortly after.

[@BenInSeattle]

Has no one yet written *“The* *Ballad* *of* *Stan* *Rogers”?* This man deserves to be remembered as a larger than life folk hero whose life ended in tragedy. Yes, I can hear my middle school English teacher saying that dying in an accident is not _tragedy._ If the hero has no alternatives, it is just _pathos._ Well, fine, Ms. Shadow. But a ballad isn't a newspaper report full of hard facts, it distills the emotional essence. So, let Stan's ballad be one of his courage as he knew the odds and took the risk, how he fought to bring music to the people of the States, despite the US president barring his foreign ways [based on a true story!]. Perhaps it was Stan that took the helm of the sinking ship, falling from the sky. His calm, sure voice rising above the din to soothe the children's tears. Look for him, yet, a shooting star that comforts all who fly in fear.

[@ronl1633]

I do not know how I found Stan, but he is majestic.

[@ameliatighe6737]

i generally play this song at least 3 times. i cant get enough. his voice is incrdible