Townes van Zandt 19900922 Madigan's, Brunswick AUS

1. Intro
2. If I Needed You
3. Mr Gold and Mr Mud
4. Buckskin Stallion Blues
5. Talkin' Thunderbird
6. Short Haired Woman Blues
7. Marie
8. Snowin' on Raton
9. The Shrimp Song
10. Talkin' Karate Blues
11. Poncho and Lefty
12. Dollar Bill Blues
Break
13. Loretta
14. Waitin' Around to Die
15. Nothin'
16. Texas River Song
17. Dead Flowers
18. (cut) Tecumseh Valley
19. Don't You Take it Too Bad
20. To Live is to Fly
21. Lungs
22. Blaze's Blues
23. Rex's Blues
24. (fragment) Our Mother the Mountain
25. Lover's Lullaby
26. (cut) Still Looking for You
27. For the Sake of the Song
28. Kathleen
29. The Catfish Song

[@cdane7]

God bless whoever recorded this and the person who posted it. Until tonight, no one could have ever convinced me that possibly Townes's best recorded performance was recorded this late in his life. His singing, picking, and demeanor on that night were as smooth as polished steel. Plus, some rare songs to boot. A genuine treasure for history here folks. RIP TVZ.

[@tommihail2178]

Glad to post this concert for you..I sat with Townes in his dressing room as we talked about life and other great songwriters..when I told Townes that Phil Ochs is the best poet/songwriter he nodded in agreement..Townes told me how much he loved "Edmund Fitzgerald" by Gordon Lightfoot..I'm glad I met Townes for 6 months later he left us too soon..I'm appreciate Townes more as I age I'm sure you do too..Townes to me is like a singing Jack Karoac..Townes the greatest songwriter people don't know..Adios Townes..

[@danielmims8467]

His last acl performance was amazing but wow this is something to witness. This is how I remember him looking when I was introduced to him by Steve Earle in 1988 I think in Houston TX. I was just a kid , but I knew his music . I also met Bob Dylan the same night but TVZ is what I look back on as a high light of the night. Townes was just visiting so sadly I never saw him perform . This is great.

[@tommihail2178]

@@danielmims8467 I sat with Townes in his dressing room between sets chatting about his and other poet songwriters at this venue here in Melbourne Australia..it was a great show full of stories and some add libbing by Townes I really liked..Six months later Townes left this world far too soon..Glad I met him!!

[@tommihail2178]

I'm honoured to have posted this for you brother. I spoke to Townes at this venue here in Melbourne Australia..I'll always cherish that I got to chat with a great poet storyteller..

[@tommihail2178]

@@danielmims8467 what impression did you have on meeting Bob Dylan?

[@TheGhost5600]

No band, no gimmicks..Just Townes..Brilliant!

[@jamiebyrne458]

Thank god for the person that recorded this little bit of History ....

[@johnmitchelljr]

There are some artists we should thank God every day they picked up a guitar. Mr. Van Zandt is one. Thank you.

[@douglasgay4497]

Amen my friend I couldn't have said it better.townes was onen of a kind and also Steve Earles mentor.!

[@tom.mihail9366]

it was here I met Townes in his dressing room and had a great chat about his music and inspirations..I found him to be very kind and giving of his time for me...

[@douglasgay4497]

Amen 😊friend.!!

[@tostercom]

When Townes was on, there were none better. Likely the finest Texas songwriter/poet ever. And this is his finest performance that I’ve heard.

[@ojprice]

This is my favourite live Townes performance - even beats live at the old quarter for me, he's so relaxed, precise, sober and happy in it! Really amazing

[@Townes.VanZandt]

Excellent.

[@dylanferrier2957]

I was 13 and living near Geelong in Victoria when this was made. Ten years later and a move to Qld, and I encounter a cover of Flying Shoes on a Lyle Lovett CD. I immediately learnt the song and have been a Townes convert ever since. His lyrics speak to me on a level that no other songwriter has managed to capture. Thanks for posting- I wish I was old enough and mature enough to be there.

[@TheCappedCruiser]

Such a joy to find this … to see him this sharp and clean and happy and relaxed as late as 1990 is a revelation. The guitar playing is exceptional. No sign of the steep decline that blighted his final years.

[@MJ-ix7wm]

I hear he had a sober run of a year or 2, right about '90 that's just hear-say but seems true from what I've pieced 2gether. He's great either way.

[@TheCappedCruiser]

That's right, Michael. I saw him live here in the UK, two years running, '86 and '67, I think ... one year he was clearly drunk, or at least somewhat overhung, but was still capable of putting on a good show; the other year, he was on top form, pretty much as we see him here; clear-headed, charming, funny, friendly, and note-perfect. As you rghtly say, 'either way' he was unmissable. Always moving and unforgettable, that's for sure.

[@MJ-ix7wm]

@@TheCappedCruiser I'm jealous again. Cool you saw him tho, really. Cheers friend.

[@cherylpostlethwaite8089]

Been listening to Townes ALL DAY , can Not get any BETTER

[@nashvilleslim]

I prefer Balze. Imagine what he would have done done if he lived longer. Nothing against Towns though. His eyes were always closed.

[@johny5sped]

@@nashvilleslim I can def understand your viewpoint here, and also appreciate the the small circles one must navigate to even have a Blaze vs Townes conversation lol... To me it's a semblance of other classic artist comparisons in or in between any genre where it's (slightly in this case) apples to oranges as far as style and delivery... Lyrically Blaze was more brash (...and way funnier at the end of the day 🙂) but had that resonating genuinity when shit flips from comedy to drama..Townes was (imo) more poetic and a supreme storyteller with few peers in that department.. Blaze is more country and Townes folkier, so depends on mood there really.. And, like you said, blaze had a shorter time and smaller catalog, so it's all fire... Townes had more time and so afforded the opportunity to evolve and explore a bit more and maybe made it harder to get into everything he put out.. My vote is still Townes, but at the end of the day we're all correct and lucky to have the chance to hear both and hell, lucky to have the spare time to write this comparison novela!

[@nashvilleslim]

@@johny5sped jeez you spent that much thought on a commet you are clearly lone, never mind.

[@ojprice]

Epic performance he's in great form on this one - this is a real treasure

[@Maxinator11-11]

His music is a healing agent for me. Strange. But true.

[@yokooyea]

Maxine Corrington Same here, great stuff

[@lastnamefirst4035]

Marie just kills me. Wish people who hate the homeless had to listen to that song

[@davemandaro2138]

RIP Townes, a tortured genius soul. Bi-polar manic depressive upon whom was inflicted insulin shock treatment, robbing him of his childhood memories. Alcohol, drugs and music eased his pain until his early passing at 53

[@dst2145]

Wow! That was a pretty long set he played that night. He sounded and played great as well.

[@papapoodo6685]

What a legend....brilliance....

[@mannfm11]

This is an absolute masterpiece. This guy was a legend in Texas and among musicians. It is my understanding he wasn't able to do much in the way of live appearances, due to alcoholism and bouts of depression. It is the best video of him I have seen so far. I am sure there are a lot of well known musicians in Nashville and around Texas that would like to see this. Hard to believe there are only 2222 views as of my watching. Glad to see the fans down under.

[@tommihail2178]

Yes I posted this being present at Madigans in Melbourne..Ill always cherish the conversation I had with Townes and his great poetic storytelling of life..

[@BeFreeOrBeASlave]

His mental illness and substance abuse affected some of his performances true, especially in the last years of his life but I think in general he left behind a lot of very good performances both released and unreleased. So I don't think your understanding is exactly correct.

[@netw52]

Just when I think I've seen everything Townes did, a gem like this pops up. Thank you for posting.

[@tommihail2178]

My pleasure to post it for you..Glad I met Townes at this venue and spending time with him..regards from Melbourne Australia..

[@brianm7755]

I founds Townes by accident...So glad i did..Have most of his CDs....A tortured genius..Shame he never got to grow old....

[@stevewilliamson9995]

Incredible performance. To think he (and Blaze) could still be alive and playing some today.

[@adandap]

I was living in Brunswick in 1990 and I'm seeing this for the first time now? Damnit. Oh, yeah, thanks for posting it!

[@Illogic10]

The man. The Legend.

[@michaelhorstman4911]

Townes is always great, this is as laid back and relaxed as I've seen him.

[@andrewcampbell8209]

...."People always put down Galahs as being a stupid bird. I figure that anything that can live by the side of the road and survive, seems pretty smart to me...." Wish I wasn't just discovering Townes this late, a wonderful lyricist. His Aussie tour/s are a bit of a revelation to me. Wonderful stuff.

[@dullarddom]

This feels more like the man I hear on his records than anything else on KZbin so I'm so glad you shared it. Thank you.

[@ThumbBurnerCT]

Awesome recording of Townes.

[@derwood7016]

Never came across this till just now. The set is pretty close to Rain on a Conga Drum which was my introduction to Townes. Love it!!!

[@arjannijhuis8805]

This is truly amazing! Thank you so much for sharing this performance. Great to see him again. He was a big man. I hear his voice almost every day through my speakers at home. Very important document this one. Thank you thank you thank you and cheers from Holland.

[@raccoonlittlebear6476]

A true gentleman and a genius songwriter. Throughout my life, his songs helped me through highs, lows & in betweens. I had the honor of meeting him here in Albuquerque one time. Thank you for posting this.

[@tom.mihail9366]

same here! I met Townes at this concert and was fortunate to chat between sets in his dressing room..a real gentleman and philosopher to boot, and I did get his autograph..

[@raccoonlittlebear6476]

@@tom.mihail9366 That's very cool. He was a legend, even in his own time. He posed for a photo for me, that I have on my fridge. Have a wonderful day my friend.

[@kikejpd]

The MAN with his guitar and his accurate world's point of view

[@andresas9581]

As pure as it gets.

[@patricksigel6700]

good as it gets. it's been a genuine pleasure.

[@eilishoshea3349]

Holy shit, Townes played in Brunswick?? I used to live around the corner from there! This is amazing.

[@jimgeary58]

i lived less than 3ks from this venue when this was made, and didnt know about him. one of lifes big regrets.

[@kensherry100]

Same.

[@tom.mihail9366]

Sad you didn't see Townes but I was there and met him and he was generous with his time..A tortured yet compassionate soul for sure..yes I did get his autograph as I heard so much about though this was my first time listening to him...may Townes now RIP. ..

[@michaelbackhouse]

When I was living in Canberra, a friend told me Townes played at Moruya Hall, down the NSW South Coast.about three hours away. I kicked myself that I didn't know about it. So it is wonderful that you have posted this rare video of his Australian tour. A real historical document for all interested in Townes. For those new to Townes, have a listen to his solo performance at the Old Quarter, a two CD set.

[@unclebobunclebob]

+Toni Delgado Abellan And be sure to see the documentary Heartworn Highways.

[@unclebobunclebob]

The extras are extraordinary, I agree.

[@chrishammonds72]

My good friend who owns the music shop planet tx here in moruya organised the whole thing at the moruya RSL hall and often tells me all about the show and how it nearly didn’t happen because he was in bad shape the night before in Sydney but he miraculously bounced back for moruya and put on a heck of a show

[@tommihail2178]

I was at this gig at Madigans Melbourne..got to speak to Townes for about fifteen minutes in his dressing room..love his song "Marie"!!!

[@autry2]

Amazing video. Thanks so much for posting. It is great to see him this good later in his years. His songs well told folk songs. I have been a Townes fan for twenty years. Such a special talent.

[@ClintonCaraway-CNC]

Of all the people long gone I'd love to be able to take a road trip with..... Townes would be #1..... Wisdom and warnings that everyone could benefit from.

[@pauldenali6367]

Thanks so much for posting. This is the best performance I've seen him give this late in his life. Didn't know he still had it in him to do this in 1990. Most know what a great song writer he was. Thanks again for posting this and reminding us all what a great performer he could be.

[@ojprice]

Never realised what a pretty song lover's lullaby is. Always thought it was slushy and sentimental but he sings it so beautifully here

[@anitanash7777]

Thank you for posting! He is such a beautiful soul, storyteller and guitarist. God bless him🙏

[@Obstsalatissimo]

8:30 "Some look..." oh my, the voice, the phrasing, the emotion!

[@garyhallford7422]

An absolutely brilliant performer. He hides nothing.

[@dollarmountainbluegrass986]

Been hooked and this is awsome, what a giant of a man

[@rodneyadderton1077]

Thank you for posting this, may his music forever live.

[@tommihail2178]

My pleasure to post for you..I spent some time with Townes at this venue here in Melbourne Australia, He was a real delight to chat to though intense in looks due to his hard life..Sadly six months later Townes left us way too soon..

[@paulbrimble8204]

So happy to have found this TREASURE

[@brandonemerson9489]

A gem, thanks

[@leonlabko6982]

I was there. To think it was 24 yrs ago

[@norbitcleaverhook5040]

Lucky man.

[@johnarundell7951]

Did you go again on the Sunday afternoon?

[@Townes.VanZandt]

I was...about 4 months old in upstate NY when you where there watching townes. Almost 30 now, and still he persists, with much love.

[@respitenow1215]

Wow, did you get to meet him? How many ppl there? How was on his health?

[@tom.mihail9366]

I was there and met Townes...I spoke about my other favorite songwriters which he loved like Phil Ochs (Another bipolar genius) and Lightfoot..I thanked Townes and got his autograph...I never heard of him before yet I managed to hear him in song and conversation...A true gentleman who gave me his time for which I won't forget...

[@ericy7884]

oh wow, how have i not seen this yet?

[@evanwilson437]

Lol I know I was thinking the same thing

[@donnaduncan4676]

how fabulous to see this, I had no idea he'd been to Australia--how I wish I'd known about him then. Thanks so much for posting

[@respitenow1215]

Me too Donna I didn't find him til about 2000. Oh well, he's still with us.

[@tommihail2178]

@@respitenow1215 I met Townes at this gig..we spoke for about 15 minutes..

[@alexverg8128]

innocent when you dream! . I am listening to him for the first time. Great great stuff thank you.

[@cribbsprojects]

That is a very sweet guitar tone with a great man. Indeed a treasure. Much gratitude for the camera holding!

[@mws47]

Thank you soooo much for posting this. I only saw Townes one time and this is video is just like the concert I saw in Austin. A great storyteller as well as a songwriter.

[@dooskidoo22]

He seems to be in good spirits on this particular night. What a great upload.

[@johnmclennan6673]

dooskidoo22 b

[@stephenjrowan1154]

Thank You for introducing Me to Him!!!

[@alisonnone6663]

What a gem. You can see the evolution of his song writing. Thank you for posting!

[@demunckv]

townes is the gandhi of music he takes you to a place where humans are better than they really are.

[@rampantriskcrew1428]

Thanks so much for this jewel of music history Buzz...

[@999therocker]

Thanks for the upload Buzz and to whoever in the audience filmed this great recording. Brunswick got America's finest that nite! That's the first time I've heard Texas River Song also.

[@seaofbeer13]

Oh my soul - beauty !!!!

[@slice2662]

Thank you very much for this treasure.

[@lastnamefirst4035]

"Lupe and Lil agree shes a sight to see" always liked that line. Lupe and Lil being townes parakeets

[@michaelchampion6081]

Thanks for posting this, what a treat to find this piece of history!

[@orvisboy8188]

What a superb recording of Townes .It displays how talented TVZ really was,both as a songwriter and performer.If I'm correct (?) I believe the Australian tour just followed TVZ being dried out and being "off the sauce"as he would have said.Thank you so much for posting this concert,which displays the real talent of Townes.

[@lavonnacasey5724]

I loves Townes and have since 1972. I am from Pueblo, Colorado. When Townes sings the songs he wrote in or about Colorado my heart strings are strummed. The Pueblo Waltz has a significant meaning.

[@jodymcdougle8810]

this is a wonderful performance! some of the songs reach me on a very personal, that other Story Telling song writers aren't able to. thank you for sharing this!

[@marcrudick5044]

THX very much-Probably one of the very few great apperances from 1995 till his blessed departure

[@johnarundell7951]

This is 1990.

[@pendleburyable]

Great performance,took me back there.

[@gibby6904]

This is amazing! I had no idea Townes was able to do shows like this past the early 70s.....it was my understanding he was never in good enough shape to show up on or perform when did! Im very happy this footage exists.,. incredible artist....

[@matthewkarlin5]

Thanks for putting this up Buzz Roberts

[@mr.jazzbodkelsey58]

Love seeing these full shows on video! Thanks! ✌️

[@jimbanda]

Deffo brought his super "A" that night. Such a rare gem, Thank you to those who recorded, who resurrected it and who uploaded it her for our pure enjoyment ❤👏👏👏👏🙏🙏

[@unclebobunclebob]

Tremendous Townes in concert before the world had completely beat the shit out of him. Thanks for the great post.

[@nevadits]

+unclebobunclebob I think the world beat the shit out of him for his entire duration. Too bad, but we got some amazing music out of it.

[@unclebobunclebob]

Agreed.

[@PotterPossum1989]

like Fonzie punching the jukebox

[@vintagedawg]

I agree. He is surprisingly clear headed in this video and executes very well for it to be 1990. Something happened between 90 and 95 that was worse than what he had gone through before imo.

[@tashijoe21]

I believe it stated on wikipedia that '89-'90 was Townes's longest period of sobriety

[@norbitcleaverhook5040]

This is awesome. I just read his Autobiography and heard he played in Sydney also. I made my way to the pub he played out of curiosity and it's a damn yuppie bar now. They even turned the T.V we were watching football on down, when they advertised cheap beers and footy out front, so they could turn up the dance music and not annoy the yuppie patrons... Still, I imagined Townes playing in the corner and maybe even playing the Poker machines... and then I got drunk. But yeah, if you're in Sydney, avoid The Three Weeds Hotel.

[@JohnSmith-ji6qf]

yuppies spread like the plague

[@WilliamDaniel-tz5hs]

C 😢 C b b r g😮

[@johngordon4649]

Another view, mannfm11! Just to echo your sentiments- a master at work. Many thanks for sharing. Regards...an Englishman in Africa.

[@kfl1956]

Fantastic

[@rvic11]

What a gig this would have been.

[@rhapsody5876]

Awesome ,thanks for posting ....!

[@Tvz42]

I wish I coulda met this guy

[@GENIAZZA]

This is Amazing....

[@oskarlarsson742]

Well, this one we've never seen or heard before.

[@streetwalkin]

awesome thank you

[@leroymcgraw1805]

God Bless the soul of whomever recorded this. Thank you.

[@shabanibani]

Thank you very much , that's rare and good !!!

[@jayhawks69]

MAESTRO!!!

[@tommihail2178]

I met Townes at this gig..we spoke for around 15 minutes..He agreed with me that Phil Ochs is the greatest poet/songwriters..I loved Townes song "Marie" a lot..cheers from Melbourne Australia..

[@shaner.7184]

Thank you so much for sharing. Not enough performances out there of Townes. ❤️

[@AMEER-114-]

kzbin.info/aero/PLIa7lSCDKleIg-s6KTB-DzRQIgp0j1v44

[@AMEER-114-]

kzbin.info/aero/PLIa7lSCDKleL7w453p-QbniXIXY2ZpNjq

[@CountBeetle]

Thanks

[@bobmathieson987]

With only two years to go, leave us, fly away, so sad.

[@AMEER-114-]

No... Not even close... 6 years 3 months

[@patcampbell9766]

Just amazing to see this now, thanks for sharing.

[@curtisscott02]

Thanks Buzz I love this video!

[@PotterPossum1989]

Thanks!

[@Thetruthisstrangerthanfiction]

TVZ was a gift from God to the music world . He chose between a lawyer career and minstrel. He had an IQ of 1170 . Average IQ is 100. His songs pure genius .Thank you John . We all love you man! See you on the other side hopefully

[@thunderhoof5798]

47:40 Waitin Around to die 1:14:31 Lungs

[@bennythebear0711]

Mario Sgambelluri thanks man

[@Townes.VanZandt]

Yes, good reference. Thanks friend

[@tripp8833]

59:45 dead flowers

[@MJ-ix7wm]

That's it, thanks. Lungs!!!! Waitin' Around is a great bonus. How did you know???

[@MJ-ix7wm]

@@tripp8833 dead flowers!!! Thanks.

[@markfoote50]

"7 winos downtown"--thanks so much, Buzz Roberts!

[@quackking]

Made my day.

[@frodoggbooboo]

Immortal magic.

[@julieclifford7698]

Magic. Beautiful. sweet Soul 🤍💛🤍💚🤍💙🥀🖤👣

[@acuralegend1988]

Good stuff. Nuff said.

[@claudioalcara]

great

[@snmthecloser]

The clock says 2:43am and Townes is ripping the very fabric of my being in two with his lily tongue, his knife sharp words and his heavenly sound. Every so often a sentient being is sent down from the heavens above to provide us mortals with a taste of the divine. Townes was one of those special talents who drank from a cup that runneth over with the sustenance of infinite assertion

[@johnarundell7951]

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[@murphydonaldrnr]

He breaks my heart white a bit God test his Soul!