The Best / Bodhisattiva

Live in Japan@Yokohama Arena 9/26/90
Keith Emerson:keyboards
Simon Phillips:drums
Jeff Baxter:guitar
Joe Walsh:guitar
John Entwistle:bass guitar
Rick Livingstone:vocal

[@tonyhunt9658]

Great fun! I am amused at Keith Emerson simply being "the keyboard guy" in a band. RIP, Keith. I so wish that you could've had help.

[@xoox-g2b]

Hear, hear. Hardly a day goes by I don't think of him. [RIP]

[@markberry9233]

Holy shit, how did I not know this existed until today years old! What heavyweight talent on that stage! I saw Keith 3 years after this with the original ELP lineup. What a great contribution to music these players have made individually. To see them together is just gold!

[@Trans909]

I'm totally lovin' the way Emerson is playing Donald Fagan's piano parts. I'll bet Fagan liked it, too.

[@jenniferfelan694]

Michelle Rose He does a great job on this cover.

[@HQBergeron]

Emerson’s way better than Fagan, who is hopeless at improvisation. Fagan was famous for trying multiple musicians on one instrument in the studio until he got exactly the right sound, but never substituted for himself, so he was always the least talented musician on his recordings. But he was great as a song writer and producer and recorded some of my favorite music from that period.

[@ronaldbharvey]

He did have keyboard players other than himself

[@cwags_7985]

Never would've guessed this band was out there doing this song in 1990. Feeling pretty damned lucky I stumbled over this tonight and have a newly restored faith in humanity. RIP Keith and John and thanks Joe and Skunk for carrying on, it makes me happy that your two are friends, you've been awfully good to me over the many many years.

[@awenindoe]

Holy mother of god! How is that stage not collapsing from the weight of all that talent?

[@headforthetropics]

easy: that singer is a disaster, and thus destroys an otherwise excellent tune, played by excellent musicians

[@dennisdavis2716]

Stage is held up by the air in that "singers" head. They couldn't find better?

[@stevedrums1675]

@@headforthetropics: I was thinking the same thing!!

[@kellypendleton7862]

It's good but not that good

[@jaysgood10]

All the coke you can sniff

[@thegrigg]

Simon Phillips is a monster drummer!

[@22guitarz]

A Beast right here

[@steveslate3601]

In deed!!

[@mackermaldrill2656]

What an insane mix of rocks greatest players. The Ox on bass was a total surprise. I never did see him pursue much outside of The Who.

[@Zasu42]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZ6TpoKdnZKHqs0

[@notanother7396]

If anyone doesn't know, this whole concert was recorded from Japanese TV, and is out there on DVD if you look hard enough. The name of the group was The Best.

[@andyinoregon]

When I first dropped the needle on this track from the album "Countdown To Ecstasy" I knew that Steely Dan had become my favorite band since The Beatles. They raised the musical I.Q. of Top 40 music that much.

[@bassbone52]

great comment, man. I'm right with you.

[@jlr022159]

they sure did! and it was the exact same way for me as well!

[@geoffroots8095]

Totally. I have a funny story about the first time I heard countdown. Buts that's for another time. This album blew me away and switched me from running over beatles chords for practice to steely dan chords.

[@jaytauben8942]

Completely agree. That's exactly how I felt when I first heard this and those two bands have remained my favourites ever since.

[@paulweber686]

@@jaytauben8942 So succinct. So true.

[@Littlewildone0]

F%CKing H#ll ! John Entwhistle on bass, Skunk , Joe my God I almost died in musical pleasure overload. THanks for posting I love it.

[@stevenmckenzie2741]

When I saw John Entwistle I literally said "oh my god!". I never ever say that!!

[@monoped8437]

never say, never

[@anuraggdeshpande286]

Same when I saw Keith emerson

[@ticani2]

I sat next to Baxter on a flight from DC to LA.What a cool guy. He showed me how to use my new phone,adjusted my screen and was unbelievably nice to the crew. A classy guy.

[@tapiomakelainen]

Shogun auto group baxter is an missle and high tech war machine expert. Asumingly he can use a cell phone as well. When I'm looking at my sons guitar gear it looks very comlicated as well. Today is 5/22 /17 and 50 years when Jimi H visited Finland. Papers wrote: the ugly curly head makes a funny show. Plays gtr with teeth lying on the floor. This is all we know but in UK has he raised some fame. 701 spectators which number has raised tenfold due obvious reasons.

[@ZedAlfa.]

In line with what Tapio Mäkeläinen said, in 1998 I got to hang out with him for a whole night at a Republican fundraiser for Congressman Curt Weldon. Basically had him all to myself as no one else at the event even wanted to talk to him. He's a very intelligent person, at the time he was doing consulting work on what was left of the 'Star Wars missile defense program. That's right, among his many talents, knowing how to shoot down thermonuclear ICBM's was one of them & that's all I talked to him about. I brought 2 Steely Dan albums with me & asked him to autograph them for me which he did without hesitation. Never forget that night.

[@davidringo1399]

@@ZedAlfa. Youre a lucky man to spend time with him.....

[@ZedAlfa.]

Thanks. Steely Dan is my all time favorite band. The fact that I was able to hang out with one of it's founding members for an entire evening was a highpoint in my life.

[@timoakes450]

NO SUPRISE -MET HIM IN MANCHESTER UK 77-VERY CHARMING /PATRIOT TO BOOT LOL TOMMY27

[@thomashumphrey7395]

The Ox and Keith Emerson playing The Dan. What could be cooler and more unexpected than that.

[@alice_35_cacar]

Simon Phillips relived his part here as drummer during TOTO's concert in amsterdam.

[@dlunderdahl]

Just shows you how hard it is to play like Denny Dias.

[@RONCASE152]

Denny Diaz is to the guitar as Roger Federer is to the tennis racquet. Makes it look easy.

[@davenatale850]

Don't forget the drummer holding it all down!

[@davenatale850]

I hope Denny made some money cuz he's one of those dudes that get lost in the shuffle.

[@ivorfrancis5410]

Spot on. Exactly what I was thinking.

[@billschultz7459]

Great job!!! Not the easiest tune in the world to cover! Well done!

[@peternewman1179]

EFFEN Killer!! I think Fagen and Becker would approve of this version!! The guys are all powerhouse! I especially dug the drumming also!!

[@musicalSFCat]

Jeff & Joe laying it down in harmony on this classic Steely Dan song.

[@nowhere3252]

that is one of this sickest live performances I have ever seen. wish like hell I was there.

[@jastrass]

I do't think I have ever met anyone as good at their instrument as each of these men are at theirs. And as good as Fagen may be at "Jazz" no one is going to beat Keith

[@richardcameron4843]

f'ng incredible! This is what I love about KZbin. It's the stuff you accidentally stumble upon. Epic line up of people I love in their own musical settings and here they are performing a 'Dan classic. Thanks so much, Chu, for posting!

[@markroberts2277]

I've never heard of this supergroup, so i Googled them . What a formation of rock legends

[@davidkris]

This is wonderful! Skunk, Entwistle, Walsh, Emerson and Phillips!?! doing an amazing version of Bodhisattiva. Love it.

[@jenniferfelan694]

RIP Keith Emerson

[@LifeinSlowLane]

Holy Mackerel what a great rendition of this classic! I totally agree that Jeff Baxter and Joe Walsh are dynamite--past explosive, just awesome. And what energy on the part of Simon Phillips. This version is up there with the studio recording, maybe even better, if that's even possible. As usual with Steely Dan numbers, the guitar solos are just amazing, and the fact that these two guys did it together is even more amazing. Sheesh!!

[@denizinan979]

What else would you expect? Keith Emerson:keyboards Simon Phillips:drums Jeff Baxter:guitar Joe Walsh:guitar John Entwistle:bass guitar Rick Livingstone:vocal

[@andrewlaitres9080]

The singer did fine, I don't know what some of you are complaining about.

[@sharongrenier1667]

he has some great moves!

[@markkelly3859]

After hearing this I'm gonna sell my house in town.

[@nuthineatholl6434]

Me too, but I'll keep the house on the Vineyard and the house on the Gulf Coast 'cause I figure if I ditch 'em these are the things I'll miss the most. 05:37 "Ladies and gentlemen, cats and catalinas. . ." lol That Howard Hesseman is a funny dude -- who knew he could play the guitar like that?

[@sharongrenier1667]

hahahaa

[@barrygreenstein8383]

I don't think that I have said this before but that was the greatest performance that I have ever seen!

[@murraypettinger7039]

John Entwistle!!

[@mikereynolds3294]

And just think....The Skunkster is now a government missile defense expert with the highest top secret clearance. He really is a genius. :)

[@Jackwhoknows]

it sucks, actually

[@paulconnelly4050]

Crazy shit

[@toothbrush5190]

He wears his MIC symbolism on stage! Sickening

[@mikereynolds3294]

It just amazes me the amount of people that criticize somebody for working to defend our country, if you think that us not having any defense systems would stop bastard countries of the world and they would just leave us alone ? If we had no defenses they would run us over so fast that you would be speaking Mandarin or Arabic within your lifetime. I thank Skunk for his achievements, because I love freedom.

[@toothbrush5190]

Mike Reynolds it just amazes me that you use the word defense. I define his work as offensive. The MIC has not provided or defended freedoms for the US since WW2!!

[@buckeyefarmer6259]

I was like, wait, is that Joe Walsh? Didn’t know this group got together. Wow.

[@VultureClone]

Damn! Keith was always on point! Great performance by all of them.

[@jonnifjader]

Keith was a real pro!

[@krisscanlon4051]

So cool this is like the best way to do a kinda super group idea...very relaxed All Starr like

[@PLMachadoLuces]

One of my favorite Steely Dan songs

[@jenniferfelan694]

Droman Vibes same too. And Keith Emerson did a great job covering this at the keys on this song.

[@PLMachadoLuces]

Jennifer Felan​ Dam Jennifer you are very Cute with those sexy eyes

[@Mike383HK]

Simon Philips on drums? What a lineup!!

[@binocularsin1hand]

everyone is great. massive Ent fan and the frontman is great.

[@chrispaul9068]

Talk about absolutely phenomenal players, good Lord! I’m so glad I found this video, it enhanced my life! May John Entwistle and Keith Emerson be jamming with the beautiful Angels...😇😇👍🏻👊🏻🎸🎼😉

[@michaelL2154]

Can't get much better live music than this. The unknown singer Rick Livingstone has an incredible voice (or he wouldn't have been there). He blows a hot tune "insecurity" out of the water on Skunk Baxter's great solo album "Speed of Heat". Check it out.

[@drbob512]

Wow just discovered this video of these great musicians, and famous ones, doing Steely Dan son in 1990. Are there any other videos of this group doing other rick songs?

[@robs639]

To my clapped-out ears this sounds amazing. Someone had to sing but yeah, the prancing is irritating.

[@davidringo1399]

Too much Caine there singer

[@Glornt]

@Rufus T Firefly Exactly. My first reaction to the lead singer was "Gee, that last hit of cocaine hasn't worn off yet."

[@joe-vz6hx]

@@Glornt really? my first reaction was "hey kid, the hair band karoke concert is down the hall and can I see some ID"

[@Batmensch]

Holy crap! John Entwhistle, Skunk Baxter and Joe Walsh playing a 'Dan song!

[@JoeSchmo-u1d]

How much does anyone want to bet that Joe Walsh is hammered?

[@DaleBrotherton]

lol ... when wasn't he

[@roberm52r]

One could safely & confidently & truthfully call this a SUPER GROUP!!!!!!

[@Snarkapotamus]

Countdown to Ecstasy was the only album I bought twice. The first copy ended up melted into the shag carpet in my bedroom after our house burned. The second one I still have..

[@rennovattio7818]

So Long, Keith, you will be missed

[@rogerdebougainville889]

I saw this show in Honolulu ! probably a week or so earlier ... Entwistle and Simon had just done the big WHO reunion tour together. Entwistle and Joe had made the 1981 album Too Late The Hero together .... No idea how Baxter and Emerson were drawn in though .... This was short-lived.

[@bonanzabear288]

This is GREAT! Early Steely Dan cover and IMPECCIABLY done here

[@britannia1952]

Jeff Skunk Baxter was a talent unequalled along with Denny Diaz both truly talented modest musicians. Jeff also was a pretty decent drum player and also sang on some St Dan numbers. Have loved their work since the 70s. This is quite a good version of Bodhisattva which was always a favourite opening number in the 70s.Listen to the original St Dan original LIVE AT THE RAINBOW in London.

[@charleswinokoor6023]

spelled Dias (not Diaz)

[@RonDexter]

I was at this show! Was the last show I saw while I was stationed in Japan from 86 - 92. Great show. Couldn't hear properly for a few days after the concert!

[@bridgetbishop5542]

This is great! Nice to see these guys on stage and out of the studio.

[@bostonmarcus1]

Joe Walsh with Baxter? HO LEE CRAP!

[@nickwatz3835]

Yes absolutely awesome!

[@petemcgaha1133]

and John Entwistle on bass WOW

[@jonnifjader]

Joe Walsh has to do lessons....

[@SwampEye1]

Joe plays only half of the stuff Jeff plays, he knows how to Act

[@arnethetool9964]

When the term "Super Group" was coined, THIS is what THEY meant... WOW, so glad to have found this... Thank YOU for posting...

[@michaelm7116]

The Mother of All Supergroups!!!!

[@paullevine1813]

Mike, That would be The original Allman Brothers Band.

[@wayneblanchard97]

A band of great players (and available on DVD). Funny: @ 3:06 Entwwistle accidentally nails the singer's head with the headstock of his bass!

[@wayneblanchard97]

The DVD is available via Amazon: 'The Best - Live in Japan'.

[@nuthineatholl6434]

"Accidentally"... hmm... chance? happenstance? I think not! Well done, Entwistle! Puts me in mind of this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fH_OoXx6d9l2aMU Cheers!

[@notanother7396]

Rewatch it. The singer's clowning with him, shaking his head at him, and John responds playfully. That's the way I read it, anyway.

[@SBKid58]

Didn't realize the name of the band is "The Best". Relative unknown Rick Livingstone sang lead vocals. Who? Great stuff. Love Skunk! Saw him play with SD at Rob Gym (UCSB Campus) in 1974. Skunk and Denny Dias standing toe-to-toe on Reeling in the Years guitar jam. They only did a few more concerts that year before going on a 20 year concert hiatus. How many 70s rock bands had 2 amazing guitar players? John Entwistle-Bass Keith Emerson-Keyboards Jeff "Skunk" Baxter-Guitar Joe Walsh-Guitar Simon Phillips-Drums Rick Livingstone-Lead Singer

[@moon0halo]

What the?? Who is Rick Livingstone??? Just wow!

[@michellewoolman8979]

Survivor, Apprentice, Hells Kitchen, Amazing Race..... music editor. Lots of emmys

[@sharongrenier1667]

@@michellewoolman8979 Thank you! I thought it was grammys....

[@michellewoolman8979]

@@sharongrenier1667 ex brother in law

[@sharongrenier1667]

@@michellewoolman8979 whose?

[@michellewoolman8979]

@@sharongrenier1667 Rick livingston (real name Vogt) was my brother in law.

[@ManicOrganica]

I'll give these guys props for taking on a song that is more difficult than the average rock song

[@miketayse]

Wow, I don't know what else to say, what a great tune done well by a bunch of great musicians.

[@siggiwendlinger862]

As an occasional session player (at a much lower level than these guys) i guess they had lotza fun on this show. Don't matter if Walsh hit the point or not, it's all about the liveliness and joy of real music.

[@Tonyr0206]

As much of a music geek as I am...I can't believe I've not heard of this band until today. I know of all the members....just never knew they formed a band with each other.

[@bookguitarguy]

Apparently the cameraman was not aware that one of the best bass guitar players in the history of rock was standing on the left side of the stage kicking ass playing bass leads and helping to hold down the rhythm section at the same time. Sounded good when he started cooking... I wonder what it looked like? Dumbass cameraman!!! LOL

[@jaycee7522]

+bookguitarguy ???????? There's a couple of killer shots of John wailing pretty good, but when you've got Keith, Skunk and Joe...well...

[@Garvoon]

It sure looked and sounded like John Entwhistle! He was the best in my book (I'm a bass player that found John Entwhistle to be a major inspiration).

[@Fretless99]

Such an innovator, as well...some techs have no soul :)

[@goggypluurbo3084]

bookguitarguy you are a dumbass. I take pride in my videography

[@toddbaxter487]

Bass players get no respect! There was a hilarious photo that circulated on the internet some time ago. It showed a groupie climbing into bed with one of the band members and removing her panties. When she discovered he was the bass player she said "OH, I'll just put these back on then".

[@ricardocerrillo3472]

Freakin' Joe Walsh in this kickass mix...sweet!

[@tomzanone2324]

Joe Walsh and Keith Emerson.........What? How? Who

[@chrisdgoldie]

Two of my favorite guitarists playing one of my favorite band's favorite songs? Wow!

[@andrekunkel1520]

The lead singer is Rick Livingstone. He sang with the Canadian band AGENT on Virgin records in the eighties. Great contemporary rock in the Mr. Mister mold.

[@sharongrenier1667]

has gone on to TV and won a bunch of emmys

[@GregoryGarrett-p5d]

HOLY SHIT.. is Right.. what a line up of Talent.

[@VanPebble]

man, at the beginning that's a mean piano solo brother!

[@toddbaxter487]

I would expect nothing less from Emo.

[@joeday4293]

That is the absolute best keyboard player in rock history, the incomparable Keirh Emerson.

[@paulyrulo1]

@MsJollycholly right on brother....this is a great performance....VERY VERY talented dudes!

[@stevecouncil8632]

Anyone know if they recorded any original songs? This band was killer.

[@sharongrenier1667]

Sadly, only the one album. The players got to choose which songs to play. A masterpiece of an album and some videos are on youtube now

[@JackSchitte]

Excellent example of a respectful rendition of a Steely Dan masterpiece. Great combo of Skunk and Joe Walsh..they gave the piece clout!

[@pradeepkumar-vm5ue]

Baxter is a top guitarist . He can Jam anybody .Please see Baxter playing Tequila along with Nokie Edwards , in the group "The Ventures ". Mavellous one.

[@brooksrountree2709]

This is the fucking coolest video on KZbin

[@MrHano.]

Wow, mang .. That was simply amazingly awesome .. I've gotto see this again .. Yeez ..

[@truevibe24]

What a great jam thanks steely dan

[@roberm52r]

How about Entwhistle & Simon Phillips playing together..holy shit!!

[@done1675]

Yeah, they never did that ; )

[@michaelperry9946]

Exactly my thought, what a treat!

[@cheezruff]

Simon toured with The Who around 1989-1990. Saw them , Simon and Entwistle were locked in, excellent, and adventurous. Band was great.

[@pallhe]

Some great musicianship and great hair on display here. Plus, the neighbours are listening and will come out with their steely knives, wink, wink.

[@manguera9]

That is KEITH EMERSON in the keyboard , maybe his philosophy didn't let to be in the jazz rock ,or smooth jazz style, Keith is fuming in that solo keyboard ,sadly he is not with us anymore

[@MrLasvegasvic]

The Skunk, simply the best rock guitarist ever.

[@josedealbuquerquejr.941]

What a stage, just masters!!

[@Toxeensynth]

what the FUCK how is everyone in the band a fucking legend???

[@michaelsoto5542]

God love ya' Keith & John, RIP.

[@mrsouthjersey4956]

Why all the hate on the lead singer? I enjoyed his stage presence. Looked like he was having a fantastic time up there and his singing wasn't bad at all. Wish I had the talent to have at least been up on any stage, once, anywhere, in my life. Sadly, I'm just here and fit in with the other, no talent, commenters.

[@rapidfirerob4]

I totally agree. He's a fine vocalist and having a great time. I do play in two bands currently though.

[@paulbrushett2530]

The singer is doing a fine job. Cocaine is a hell of a drug though.

[@unicornsandrainbowsandchic2336]

How did I not know this existed until now? Ahhhhh!

[@roblowery9076]

RIP KEITH

[@CarollPearson-o7i]

What's with Skunk, have seen 2 instances where he's in chair -- an injury? Surgery?

[@peterhoag2158]

Naw, he's often in a chair....rocking'. Here he is with the band "Spirit". kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zpayeahmp7Kkg6s

[@OFLHLGZ28]

WOW!!!! STAR-STUDDED

[@JeffHalle]

rip Keith Emerson & John Entwistle, and, thank you

[@drumcircler]

Complex, energetic, tight. Top shelf.

[@rossjoseph3844]

At least four rockn' roll immortals on stage here. Entwistle is fantastic. Maybe not quite Steely Dan polish but I doubt this lineup had the time to rehearse that the Dan takes. If they did they would probably have found another singer. And Sean Mack, While ELP was not my favorite band from the seventy's, a "steaming pile" they most certainly were not. Keith Emerson was an enormous talent and actually quite good here.

[@alanparsonsfan]

Back in the day, a collection of talent this staggering was called a Supergroup. And this was, can't believe I've never heard of it. Five of the greatest bands of the '70's, represented right here. Unbelievable. One of the very, very few collections of musicians that could actually pull of a tight rendition of a challenging SD piece...

[@the1stDJLowkey]

Caught the BEST live at Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu in 1990. That was one stellar line up but the sound quality at the show I attended left much to be desired. But I literally sat with my jaw agape as they played all the great songs I grew up with.

[@beckjuly100]

holy crap! That's John Entwistel of 'The Who' on bass!!

[@Exilemainstreet]

Mr. John Entwistle.

[@rubenssiqueira4489]

nossa isso foi fenomenal

[@katyland1015]

Well.....it has only taken me seven years, since it was first uploaded, to discover this incredible gem of a recording. For me, this is one of the most unusual lineups of musicians I have ever seen. And, they do an incredible job with Bodhisattiva! Joe Walsh DID get a little carried away, near the end, but Joe is Joe. And from the look on his face, this if from the "drunk all day, every day" period of his life. Don't misunderstand...I LOVE Joe Walsh, so no disrespect intended!! Does anyone know how this show came about? I would really be interested in finding out how these guys got together. Sweet dreams of the Buddha!!

[@sharongrenier1667]

I love it too. Go ahead, boys, get carried away!

[@mfc4591]

No one ever said Joe Walsh was pretty, but man that guitar work is pretty awesome.

[@cpiscopo1]

All I know is if I were in Simon Phillips' shoes I would be scared to death knowing Jeff Baxter, Joe Walsh, Keith Emerson and John Entwistle were playing on that stage. All virtuosos of their instruments. But Simon did a great job with it. RIP Keith and John.

[@peterhoag2158]

Interesting comment seeing that at that time Simon was one of the best around. With Neal Peart gone he might just be the best there is.

[@ktron70]

I'm having a hell of a hard time looking at Joe's outfit.

[@craigsmith7433]

joe has always been a real snappy dresser

[@SM-jp5zp]

Shame Joe buggers up his bit.

[@reubenfinklestein4496]

Fabulicious bar the singer. About as deserving a member of such illustrious company as second banana vocalist David Palmer was of the original Dan.