Tom Waits - Rockpalast 1977 FULL SHOW PROSHOT

[@Smiclops]

I saw this homeless guy singing a couple summers ago. I told him he sounded just like Tom Waits. He said that's because I am Tom Waits. I really couldn't argue with him about that. I like to think Tom would agree with him as well.

[@SportyOtterPop]

That story made a really sad woman smile.

[@SportyOtterPop]

Why am spending NY with this link-it feels safe.

[@ObviousSchism]

@@SportyOtterPop I hope you can continue smiling

[@potbelliedfool]

Apparently someone said to Joe Strummer 'You look just like Joe Strummer' & he replied 'That's because I am Joe Strummer' - the bloke fired back 'You Wish!'.

[@creedjoh]

My buddy who passed away a few years back and who introduced me to Tom 30 years ago would always tell a story about him going into a random bar in Lansing MI and a guy at the bar, who he swears was Tom Waits, said he had 6 shots lined up. My buddy asked him why and he said "I can only have 6 drinks a day so I have them all at once". He always insisted he was Tom and even though I am pretty sure he wasn't I like to believe it.

[@Serioussmile51]

I maintain that a joint, Tom Waits playing in the background and a comfortable chair is the closest to peace that we can get to.

[@bangkokrichard]

Saw Tom Waits at the Orpheum Theatre in 1978 and it changed my perception about performing art. music, poetry, and story telling. One of the things I cherish most in this world are people who are simultaneously authentic and unique. He is all that. BTW, saw him again in San Francisco in 2004, and he hadn't lost a step. Tom Waits is a true American Treasure.

[@HalfwayJac]

In Memphis? My best friend went to that show! She left us last year.

[@bilyg5689]

Should get a Kennedy Center Honor

[@AReallyLongAndUnremakableUser]

He's not just a singer or songwriter, he is a painter of words.

[@jane2303]

Great way of putting it!

[@lilaccilla]

Poet extraordinaire indeed

[@jusroc6353]

painter of worlds painter of dreams sweet thanks for the ride last stop for beans

[@InsideStrate]

I was transported in time. I saw Tom Waites in 76 or 77. come across this video on an insomniac night. and whoosh I was in my 26 yr old body feeling life that I thought was gone.

[@MrTennis88]

I forgot how much I love Tom Waits until my wife asked me who wrote All my friends are married ( I was playing it on my guitar) so I showed her. Now I'm listening to his songs all the time on youtube and I'm buying his old albums on CD. I'm having trouble typing this because I am listening to him now and laughing too hard. What an unique genius. His IQ must be off the charts.

[@lareinedemado]

His IQ must be off the charts. Oh, absolutely! It's very obvious to me too. That is what strikes me the most about him, on top of his insane talent.

[@shzec]

The OUTSTANDING Musicians playing here: Frank Vicari - Saxophone Dr. Fitzgerald Jenkins III - Double Bass Chip White - Drums And of course the one and only: Tom Waits - Songs, Vocals and piano

[@maskcollector6949]

Chip White shoulda tuned a little better beforehand but he's still great lol.

[@raymondvicari9226]

My uncle Frank Vicari was my father’s brother I hung out with him in New York City I grew up in New Jersey he was like a friend to me R.I.P Frank I am so great full to be able to see him playing in this video

[@shzec]

@@raymondvicari9226 how amazing

[@grubbs104]

@@maskcollector6949 is that the same " chocolate chip white " who played with Big Bob James before he got famous and moved to California?

[@maskcollector6949]

@@grubbs104 Seems to be the same, he just passed away in August.

[@leedaluciano9806]

I'm glad he has lived long enough to grow into that old soul of his...I hope it's gotten easier to carry with time. Thanks for all those phat heart tunes Mr. Waits

[@fayjan73]

💜💜💜

[@johnc3403]

Lived? ..Tom is 71 (as of 2021) and still very much with us. A beautiful soul, a wonderful man and a talent that will be remembered forever... He's been the soundtrack to my own unconventional route to middle age. He's an incredible songwriter, performer and a philosopher of sorts to us of a certain age. Thank you Tom...

[@Hagb3rd]

@@johnc3403 Would...would You happen to live in New York, John C.?

[@annf4027]

Even metalheads love Tom!

[@TeaSea-]

@@annf4027 yes we do

[@mikecat23]

saw him 3 times shook his hand once for about 5 min he asked if I was finished and I said nearly to which he said take as long as you like

[@toshame]

mikecat23 I wish I could meet him , he's a legend and magical 😀

[@Shooters141]

He let you hold his fuckin' hand for 5 minutes??? Why. That is amazing. I love Waits.

[@radehart]

Once at the Orpheum in Memphis I had kicked up my boots on stage beside his monitor. I'm super tall and they are definitely my work boots. He just smiled at them. I still say 'These boots were on stage with Tom Waits'.

[@larrysullivan1589]

I was lucky enough to have met him & shake his hand but never saw him perform :-( guess I'll count my blessings & get my TW fix on KZbin

[@indicablue7450]

He seems really cool but not sure I could stand the whole show. His videos are good tho!

[@TheBigFrasier]

I'm convinced Tom Waits came out of the womb a 57 year old alcoholic 1930s jazz musician

[@kkeelty64]

Even money he had a cigarette in his mouth at birth.

[@alurman870]

On a freight train

[@leeh5307]

This was the most beautiful show. I truly felt like I was there. Magic.

[@DanielAdams-q3o]

I felt the same way brother

[@minchulkim4410]

Step Right Up 1:24 Invitation To The Blues 7:22 Depot Depot 14:03 Jitterbug Boy 17:29 Pasties And A G String 23:39 I Wish I Was In New Orleans 29:33 Fumblin' With The Blues 33:46 Semi Suite 36:25 Emotional Weather Report 42:06 Bad Liver And A Broken Heart 46:23 New Coat Of Paint 51:08 I Can't Wait To Get Off Work 53:33 The One That Got Away 57:02 Small Change 1:02:00 Tom Traubert's Blues 1:11:46

[@AnalTumor]

My Hero

[@666olivierhell]

tysm

[@MsFreshadenu]

9:44 eggs and sausage

[@growsinhouseherbiculturali1100]

Thanks, man!!

[@LazyIRanch]

I love you, maaaan!

[@stevetugwell9599]

There could never be another Tom Waits.Absolutely unique and a treasure to the world

[@julesl6910]

thank god

[@avelinaosborne32]

​@@julesl6910 was that a shot?

[@PedroBerkowPeter]

I was lucky enough to pay opening act for Tom at the Troubador in Los Angeles in this era. He bummed two quarters from me to make a call from the public phone booth after the show. Never paid me back, but it was worth the price to hear his inspiring performance. He was on FIRE in the 70s ...

[@julesl6910]

In other news, people pay money for torture in 2020

[@Lizzardking]

Hhhhhh that sounds exactly like a story he would tell between songs while performing.

[@waterairindustry342]

He was on a lot of stuff in the 70s. I guess!

[@BriarRoseTv]

Tom Waits is a national treasure.

[@gytisbaranauskasjagmort6059]

Undoubtedly so. With Twain, Gershwin and Lincoln.

[@rosejanson5688]

He is gorgeous

[@davidbutterfield7718]

You're wrong! He's an INTERNATIONAL, maybe even global, treasure.

[@thomasdupont7186]

Time to stop with the "treasure" thing (or worst, the "protect him at all cost lol, it's so lame...). Seriously guys.... I understand, the us(of)a is a very young country, with no "real" culture. Not like in Europe at least... But, it is not a reason to throw the "national treasure" thing every time with every one that has some talent.... It's pretty corny frankly. Also, let's just realize how talented Tom Waits is while taking it easy with the hyperbolas/exagerations.... signed: a guy that is gonna be hated again....

[@davidbutterfield7718]

I definitely agree with the "very talented" bit 😆😆

[@MrTimwingate]

earthy poetry, Chicago bar room blues, is how I describe it. love it. Smoky basement bar A couple of drunks,, a few business men who can't face goin home, hooker or two hoping to pick up a little late night work, lovers, oblivious to all sitting at the table in the corner, barman cleaning a glass, dreaming of better things to come, and Tom, on the little stage, playing piano, singing to himself!

[@bonitastjulienlepauvre6489]

Outstanding description!

[@ConfusedRock]

Amen

[@edwardjtruskyjr1921]

One size fits all.

[@zacpearce490]

Yeah man :-) !! With me sat in the Corner :-) !!! Might be able to Rob myself a couple of Bottles of Bear :-) !!! With that Bar man , Miles away :-) !!! So God Bless you and Yours from your Mate from Sunny England :-) !!

[@fordgalaxie8986]

I was there. That night. Exactly as you described.

[@sasgoossens]

this is pure gold. He's really funny too. A stand-upper, a poet and a musician. Love him, never get bored of him.

[@danosullivan7239]

Actor storyteller...

[@strangersname]

@@danosullivan7239 Shaman troubador.

[@tomharvey6961]

Watch his performance at the Bridge Benefit, Neil Young's annual concert in Mountain View. Hilarious intro to his set.

[@davismillard3822]

The best. Ever. Saw him in '77 for the third time, seen him 8 or more. All iterations and he kicked ass in every one. Nobody comes close to Tom Waits.

[@sofia_palmeiro]

lucky you!!

[@rosejanson5688]

I literally just had a mini weep over the fact that this was recorded almost 45 years ago. He is a gorgeous being

[@MrReedmonkey]

This set made me thankful for my 4am insomnia... The best "nocturnal emission" I have had in ages. Frank Vicari really owned this material and that bass players tone was to die for. Thanks Tom you magnificent bastard....

[@calebm6477]

Good God, Ken.

[@sclogse1]

Man, he really digs into the time of the opening cut, Step Right Up. Really makes it swing. Thrilling. And he's doing this to his own tune. He created this world.

[@rozenaxsax5133]

43 years ago....damn time has gone by fast since these songs were new and I was still a young dude digging them before going out on the town. Now I'm an old fart digging them at home hiding out from the fucking Corona virus so I can live a bit longer.

[@philflipante]

dont hide. enjoy life. old fart, young buck it doesnt matter - life is short all around

[@joshblahnamehere2308]

That's the fear either the deep state or for the sake of politics that they want you to have. Either way, it's utter bull shit.

[@goneatlast]

@@jol666jol Yeah, talk to the families of the 500,000 dead in the States alone. Why spread such lies?

[@goneatlast]

Hold on, keep being vigilant and we'll make it through. Waits helps.

[@jol666jol]

@@goneatlast does demography tell you anything? 3 million people who die in the USA don't care?

[@davidpoole8840]

Tom Waites is an absolute genius his songs are straight from the heart, so deep some a little dark but isn't that just life yep he's the best 😁🐒

[@davidpoole8840]

Thanks for the likes folks!

[@joekokasko4889]

Saw him at THE BOTTOM LINE in Greenwich Village in the early 70 s He was and is one of a kind.FANTASTIC.

[@strangersname]

You're a lucky man. Those are now-legendary shows.

[@dictumfactum9468]

I saw him at the old California Theater In San Diego during this same era. I pray I never forget it.

[@tomciopaluch8860]

Just jumped here searching for some oldschool sounds, and then just I was like WOW, sing me in! Im in a bad condition for a few days right now and then they came in and I've got this pleassure to meet them and they helped me out. Awesome sounds, outstanding skill of performance of these musicians is something that I needed a lot in those hard times. For surre, this is the first show I've watched, but not the last show I've enjoy a lot. And one about this one is pretty really easy word. MASTERPIECE!

[@donnajmalone4196]

If you don't like him you don't understand

[@tharfagreinir]

Such a fantastic performance - smooth and effortless like a neat shot of whiskey.

[@julesl6910]

Effortless is the word

[@AliNaderzad]

completely sublime. if tom waits didn't exist, humanity would need to invent him

[@donkeydump63]

Kind of like saying there's Tom Waits, and then there's everyone else.

[@julesl6910]

More like invert him

[@Mephistopholies]

Every time I hear this guy I try to figure him out. Every interview or appearance of his. He is the coolest person in the building. I would love to read his autobiography.

[@christinequinn5355]

He reminds me of the practice of accepting and observing "the truly ineffable" or being comfortable with the awesome, natural feeling of "I don't know".

[@DJRobbieTroncoRemix]

Special Shout Out To The Man Who Turned Me on to Tom Waits Years Ago his name was Martin Keown . he owned and ran a Record Pool for DJ's in Philadelphia . worked his ass off . he was so influential to so many people . loved you bro and miss you man Rest In Peace My Brother he had the DEEPEST BLUE EYES I EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE 💙💙👍

[@markmoss148]

OMG just discovered. Incredible. Thank you Tom for the music, stories, everything…

[@StephenAnderson-x2c]

Some friends tell me Tom Waits is an “acquired taste”. But the first night I listened to Nighthawks at the Diner I was transfixed. Maybe acquired like fine whiskey or Shakespeare. This flooded my memory of the first time I saw him, an evening I remember 50 years later. Agree with another comment, I want to read an autobiography.

[@adreabrooks11]

On the contrary, I find that people seem to dig Tom instantly or not at all. I heard "Chocolate Jesus" due to an audio glitch at a virtual club where I used to hang out. I asked about it and was directed to "God's Away on Business" and "Hell Broke Luce." The rest is history.

[@rjwh67220]

Maybe not in the traditional sense, but Tom Waits is one hell of a singer!

[@pareyreagnes6800]

Tom stuck in my mind with my Paris. Old wooden floor flat with matress on the ground, reading all second hand books of Gallimard and Minuit, listening to Tom Waits for hours at night. Love.

[@GreatMooglyGoogly]

“Bad Liver and a Broken Heart” is brilliant (this entire performance is!)... his piano playing is amazing... little teases of, “As Time Goes By”, and the lyrics... You can name your poison Go on ahead and make some noise I ain't sentimental, this ain't a purchase It's a rental and it's purgatory And hey, what's your story, well, I don't even care 'Cause I got my own double-cross to bear “Genius” seems like an understatement.

[@jolkawiencek6568]

TOM WAITS... Warmest regards (from Poland) You are an exceptional artist. You've never sold out - you haven't starred in an ad, etc. You, Nick Cave, are great. By the way, over duly to the same secret society. Case ? How can you live seeing all the evil of this world... ? 🌹 🌿🌿☘️

[@DanielAdams-q3o]

The best concerts I've ever seen in my lifetime.

[@johnarcher6285]

This was right about the time of Nighthawks At The Diner. I fell in love with this artist when I first heard Tom Taubert's Blues and Step Right Up. A perfect representation of Tom's work.

[@LazyIRanch]

I bought that album at a used record store @ 1980 just because I loved the album cover, and when I read the names of songs I knew it was meant to be. The beginning of a lifetime love of his art.

[@ireneruthfox]

God broke the mold, when he made Tom Waits. Genius.

[@sneakerfacevids441]

Tom Howland Actually, his parents made him.

[@rookthetexan8343]

Yom Waits is God.

[@percrillesen3532]

And he´s mom was an angel though it was not a virgin delivery ;)

[@rookthetexan8343]

@Iron Arm What the fuck are you blathering on about?

[@Nothing-qq4hd]

God didn't make tom. Tom made Tom.

[@angelkiss877]

One of the best shows ever to be. Simple, underground, suspicious and jazz. And i haven't found yet what Tom Waits for.

[@labardan56]

Happy to see him back, just one year older than in 1976, when I was present at the rightly famous free concert in Hotel Americain, Amsterdam, may 26th. Same people playing excellently. Fumblin' with the blues - forever!

[@leannewhite475]

He got me through disco. So unique, talented and creative.

[@GwenHolt]

Bwah ha ha!

[@davidrosen3970]

he got me through the Capt. and Tenille.

[@yebopa2692]

Disco was awesome tbh

[@gerrygaughan73]

"you wear a dress baby, I'll wear a tie, we'll laugh at that ol' bloodshot moon in that burgundy sky" Genius

[@julesl6910]

You wear some clothes and me too and we'll laugh at celestial events who cares this sucks

[@LabGoats]

@@julesl6910 I'm just here enjoying the spectacle, but yeah either I suck at interpreting poetry or that's not a super deep line.

[@milestackettmusic]

Favorite tune!

[@jcripp7974]

Ignore that moron with all the stupid comments. We know him. Hes a 14 yr old 285lb jerk that everybody in town hates. He and his "friend" collect hate replys as a game they play to see who can be the biggest loser. Dont reply to him. Its what he wants. Hes a bit slow and never bathes. Useless

[@alfredoaohansen7468]

@@LabGoats bc everything needs to be deep

[@AG-vn8kx]

Ich war 17 zu der Zeit - heute 2023 mit bleibenden Erinnerungen

[@elsaelectra9963]

Those people sat in their seats and applauded as if it wasn't the most perfect performance they would ever witness.

[@miztimcquave4589]

He is beyond amazing. Who agrees with me that much may have been “lost” on a German audience, as his is such a uniquely American experience. I burst out laughing a couple if times and thought sure the Germans didn’t get it. eg, do they understand what an American means by yelling, “chicken! chicken! chicken!!” I don’t know. Regardless, what a treasure of a show! anyone could enjoy the spectacle of his performance. And can we mention the videography? It is GORGEOUSLY done, impeccable! wow! every frame is a painting fun to look at! if that was a German film maker, they DO “get” Tom Waits. WOW. thanks for posting this treasure.

[@overdrive112]

on a foggy night will always be my favorite song

[@perspellman]

Thanks for posting! In 1977 I had never heard of him, but up in that shithole where I was born just about no one had, and I was only ten. My first Tom Waits experience was about '79, on state TV, the only channel there was. It was from a concert and I crashed directly into 'The Piano Has Been Drinking'. Time stood still. They also used to send shows from Rockpalats back then, but nothing like this. Seems like a jazz club and it can't be more than 50 people. Lucky bastards!

[@marieserrano1973]

My brother and I went to high school with Tom, and I just wanted to say hello to him and tell him I have been following his fame for a long time.

[@dkonciousblkfemknightman]

Brown nosing I see

[@yves-vv6uf]

Great show man, thank you for your talent Tom😎😎😎🙏🙏🙏✝️✝️✝️☮️☮️☮️👍👍👍

[@winesnout]

Great recording of Rockpalast on German TV in 1977.

[@RandolphWhite-b3n]

My God!! Where was I in this time of history?? This could have changed my life!!!!!

[@rodinnidor901]

About the "Audience" ! I was In 1977 !!!! Tom Waits was nearly unknown in this time !!! Specially in Germay !! This Rockpalast- Session was recorded bevore !! he was ever played in Germany Radio or TV !! My first "meeting" was in the movie " Wolfen" [ca 1980] ! There was a man on the piano and he was singing "..fast women - slow horses ..." !! I was ,,Infectet" !!! In the 1980-90 s there was in Koeln [Colonge] a Rock-Group - they named " The Piano Has Been Drinking" and the singing Tom Waits - Songs in German !!!! [ Colone-Dialect !!] 3 CDs and one live-CD !! Very good Translation and with "OK" from Tom Waits !!! Specially " Down-Town-Train" - german was a Hit in Germany !!

[@senatorjimdracula1603]

Tom is amazing. A genius and a national treasure, nobody else like him.

[@julesl6910]

National treasure, somebody please steal him

[@RubyDubidoux]

I'm totally fascinated by Mr. Waits....everything I hear from him and learn about him and his artistry is brilliant. Wish him the best!

[@julesl6910]

I also get fascinated by car accidents

[@FinlayRushworth]

@@julesl6910 why are u hating on every comment

[@FinlayRushworth]

@@julesl6910 nothing better to do?

[@karmenjazbec7743]

I LIKE HOW YOU INTRODUCE YOUR BAND TOM YOU ARE A GREAT STORYTELLER

[@ms-iz9ye]

This is one of the best concerts ever. I love this whole performance

[@julesl6910]

Ok

[@jondavid968]

Hmm

[@geraldfrank1630]

Notice the musicians supporting him are top notch. 👍

[@elporto]

Wow. This is one of the greatest live performances I’ve ever seen.

[@julesl6910]

Did you just regain your vision

[@albertocuenca7485]

Un genio fuera de serie , una voz imposible , gracias por compartir este show !!!

[@kcg3927]

I was born toooo late... Whish I could have gotten to see this show in person. I'd love to meet Tom Waits one day...

[@shawnbruce6934]

This Concert is Fucking Incredible!!..He's a Genius...

[@Shooters141]

Absolutely bud!

[@georgebethos7890]

Shawn Bruce Check out the PBS program from 75/76

[@OldDocSilver]

Blows my mind you got this with full audio and video. AWESOME ....PURE GOLD

[@OldDocSilver]

Thank you alittlebitofpoison for uploading this . Where the hell did you ever get this and why .....oh ....never mind. Just....thank you ...really!

[@JB-xk2rw]

Saw him twice in one day. Akron 6 pm then Cleveland 12 am. Unreal.

[@morningatsea]

An original communicator. Creator of style.

[@acehole8462]

A mixed mingle, meet to leave ya, finders keeper

[@joestarr4392]

Saw this show at Armadillo World in Austin, summer ‘76, fan ever since

[@melaniemackenziebotha5405]

Oh so young and beautiful.... now he's just beautiful.

[@EnosEverything]

and sadly old... but that happens to all of us... At least his health improved in his marriage to Kathleen.

[@erfanghasemipour880]

The most beautiful comment I've read my whole life. Thank you for sharing.

[@julesl6910]

beauty is in the eye of the beholder, you were probably staring at your dog take a shit on a bag of dog shit

[@hennerson3981]

@@julesl6910 tf is wrong with u?

[@julesl6910]

@@hennerson3981 Better question - who socially influenced you to think Tom Waits is a good anything

[@magicmagic3643]

'Waltzing Matilda' breaks me to tears. He's so great.

[@68eekamouse68]

Such fantastic music that goes through marks and bones. And such an irresistible voice. 😍

[@tomripsin730]

Marks and bones?

[@PeterPan-nh7yx]

@@tomripsin730 Think 68eekamouse68 is german (?). The phrase in our language: "Seine Stimme geht durch Mark und Knochen" should be translated as "his voice goes right through me" or "shakes me to the core" I believe she/he didn't think of Deutschmarks ;-)

[@tomripsin730]

@@PeterPan-nh7yx Thank you for the explanation.

[@68eekamouse68]

@@tomripsin730 Did I get my phrases wrong? Sometimes, unintentionally, I use German phrases in the English language and English phrases in the German language.

[@tomripsin730]

@@68eekamouse68 Since I speak only English, I admire you for speaking more than one language. I believe another commentator explained your expression just fine. Enjoy the music!

[@terrylambert969]

ahh Mr Waits you never fail to amaze me

[@tomwaitspodcast6727]

SETLIST 0:00 - 'Step Right Up' 7:20 - 'invitation to the Blues' 14:00 - 'Depot Depot' 17:32: 'Jitterbug Boy' 23:40: 'Pasties and a G String' 29:30: 'I Wish I Was in New Orleans' 33:50: 'Fumblin' with the Blues' 42:15: 'Emotional Weather Report' 46:30: 'Bad Liver and a Broken Heart' 51:05: 'New Coat of Paint' 53:30: 'I Can't Wait to get off Work' 57:06: 'The One that got away' 1:11:00: 'Tom Traubert's Blues'

[@LucidDream]

9:43 He actually doesn't finish 'Invitation to the Blues' but makes a transition into 'Eggs & Sausage (In A Cadillac With Susan Michelson)'.

[@flinch622]

Rockpalast sure has caught a few gems over the years...

[@daveyboy8907]

The Dead show was one of the best with Pete Townsend.

[@psalwasser]

he flipped me off for passing out in the whole coffeehouse at the u of m in 78'. he was describing the IDS tower and his hand was about 4 feet from my face when I was blacking out. I just about crapped my pants and he laughed. I was a 17 year old suburbanite.

[@acousticshadow4032]

Take it you did not major in English at U of M - wherever, whatever that is.

[@whyguoren]

Glad to find this--I saw pretty much the same concert (probably a bit shorter) in a small venue in Princeton NJ, must have been 1977(same backing band)--it was awesome! Tom has really grown as an artist, but this early stuff--his chops as a songwriter and a performer--is still great.

[@freakybatiki]

hey there, i'm from princeton but am a lil too young to have caught the show you saw. where was it?? venue? what do you remember from it? :) i only met tom once on oakland, 1998... :)

[@paulbraun926]

Alexander hall at the university. He opened for Steve Goodman, of all people. I was there and loved it “Man that bass player should be chained down…” I think he played Big Joe and Phantom 309 that night

[@whyguoren]

@@paulbraun926 Yep--that was it! He also introduced the bass player as so-and-so "on bass and hard drugs!"

[@evancadwallader206]

My girl moved out, and now I got an Emotional Weather Report to issue to the walls of my apartment, if they're still listening.

[@sawomird116]

Pamięci Tomasza który wprowadził mnie w świat Toma.RIP

[@tamhooleren]

"An unemployed cheerleader in a overworked sofa". What a poetic picture!

[@johnrankie4004]

You do know that this is a sad line, in a sad tune. The cheerleader is now working in a strip club chatting it up with the truck driver while his girl is home waiting, and waiting............ I think Semi Suite is one of Tom's saddest songs, while Ruby's Arms is the greatest love song EVER!

[@julesl6910]

Only poetic to an unemployed overworked sofa this sucks

[@SilverGorilla1776]

Jules L Simp

[@Stepherner]

"Fast women, slow horses: unreliable ressources." Tell it as it is, Tom!

[@potbelliedfool]

Tom Waits for no man.

[@junebratton7793]

Love you Tom for a long xx, Thank you.

[@scatterkatjatzen1655]

Nighthawks At The Diner album was my first hearing ofTom Waits. This video is great. This is a beautiful/sadtreasure of poetry for sure. Great stuff!

[@jakabokbotch99]

I hope you are young and courageous enough to introduce your friends to real music. Lol

[@RandolphWhite-b3n]

Our premier ARTIST for not just his Era but for always!

[@Leisnash]

Outstanding! The performances are so strong it does' t matter that I don't quite understand all the lyrics.... so much imagery!

[@ireneruthfox]

There is only one Tom......This is great.

[@luxmoto7344]

sooo... this was 43 years ago. What a career this guy has. It's lonely at the top.

[@joakimandersson7769]

I'll just let the realization this is closing in on 50 years ago sink in.

[@kipperfeast]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@annabellaclaradora7023]

Ich war vor seeehr vielen Jahren mal in Paris in einem Jazzkeller und dort tanzte ein Paar auf ungefähr solche Musik so etwas ähnliches wie Rock'n Roll. Das war phantastisch.

[@thepressuretechnique]

Tom being brilliant as usual

[@tewksbob]

Undeniably the "coolest" phase for Mr. Waits. If you wanna argue about it, boy do I got something to sell ya. ;)

[@DrHomez1]

Rockpalast shows never disappoint

[@julietonks4470]

A beautiful and talented man, thankyou for class.

[@Lizzardking]

Thank you for uploading this gem

[@GarethGillatt]

It's not a purchase its a rental... Jesus that hits

[@pocketcloud4930]

you're going to get a nice cushy chair and extra grapes in Heaven for uploading this.

[@julesl6910]

Heaven has a shortage of those things, you can find them in hell

[@OldDocSilver]

Fu*ckin awesome! PURE GOLD!!!!!!! Best rendition of New OrLeans if heard him do.

[@martinsprenz2872]

Hope I´LL get the chance to see him live. I really like (most of) his records but live he`s special deluxe.

[@acousticshadow4032]

Caught him 2 out of 3 nights in Boston back in 1999. Great shows!

[@FemmeFlowLiving]

This one can listen to 24/7 on replay

[@seanod7157]

A perfect antidote in the height of the disco era. Beautiful.

[@ms.ntropy3187]

So true. I saw him perform about the time this video was made, and that was the height of the disco era. It was miraculous that an artist such as Tom Waits could emerge at this time.

[@OldDocSilver]

Thank you do you know what have you been hiding .....it’s pure gold!!!!

[@nutmegriot209]

Reading through his wikipedia it said he struggled with touring around this time. You can see it in his tightness here, but this performance is still so awesome though

[@whelennut]

Fantastic performance!

[@OldDocSilver]

You did good allittldropofpoison. Thank you thank you.