Vic Chesnutt: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

When Athens, Ga., songwriter Vic Chesnutt was on tour in support of his album, "North Star Deserter," he stopped by NPR to perform live at All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen's desk. Chesnutt played five songs, including two entirely new ones.
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[@kicksyyarosh5708]

My Vote for the most underrated Artist of all Time

[@williamcole960]

i think he is certainly not for everybody; his sound is not instantly appealing, but he is undeniably brilliant

[@Only1Feckitt]

to me, this is the art that is missing in most music

[@PeteAxeShields]

@@Only1Feckitt I totally concur .... those who " don't get it " will never " have it "

[@ShellMaky]

Where do I sign❤❤❤ Vic was a true gem

[@unfree.radical]

An absolute monster musician and poet, but almost unknown on the scale of things.

[@moko660]

1) When the Bottom Fell Out (At the Cut) 2) Very Friendly Lighthouse (Left to His Own Devices) 3) Panic Pure (West of Rome) 4) Society Sue (Skitter On Take-off) 5) Glossolalia (North Star Deserter)

[@jamesd.6979]

Vic passed about 3 weeks after this.. this is a haunting portrait of a man at the end of his rope.. Doesn't necessarily seem like he really wanted to leave, but it sure looks to me like he knew he couldn't stay. He looks tired and exhausted. Beat up. It brings me great comfort knowing he is at peace.

[@MrMkayultra]

I'm sitting on my balcony with my ginger cat looking at a bright star in the sky. It's Vic

[@diaspo]

10 years since we lost Vic, and the world is still a broken mess. He would see the humour in that I think.

[@mikeboeck2667]

@John Jackson Not at all. Vic was a friend. He loved life. The physical pain became too much.

[@justinwilliams4126]

Blimey, if you thought the world was a mess a year ago then its dark now. At least Trump is gone. The next year will be better.

[@cgreene32]

It's a real shame that we lost such a great talent. He certainly deserved much more than he got in life.

[@MrMkayultra]

Chris Greene yeah,all his Athens Ga friends deserted him Dec. 24

[@knownaigm]

I'll never ever fully understand how this man could make such simple music so unbelievably rich and full and new and beautifully unique and genuine. As an artist myself I'll forever be in awe of what Vic was able to create out of so little, as if it was just organically spilling out of him, perfect in it's raw form.

[@RichyDynamo]

It is rare that I recognize any artist's passing every year. Vic was beyond what any words could describe. I miss seeing him play music. Small clips are all we have of him, visually. I'm glad this exists. Thank you npr.

[@christiangasior4244]

Also his friend Mark Linkous aka Sparklehorse.

[@fwzzybird]

you are missed. so grateful for the music you left us.

[@Caroline-mp2ej]

I feel so fortunate to have seen VC live in Greenville SC at Pull 17, the club where I bartended. I found him to be amazing on so many levels. I was so saddened to hear that he decided to go. I cannot imagine it was an easy decision to make, but then again I didn't have the same crosses to bear in this lifetime. The only comfort is to think of him finally being unburdened by the physical world. Being free and suffering no more. Such a beautiful, brave, creative, feelingful soul. Thank you for the magic you shared with us and left us with.

[@janewilder7490]

its not clear it was exactly a straight up decision. He was doing well musically but Aetna and the US un Health system was going after his house.

[@glowerworm]

@@janewilder7490 he was $50k in Healthcare debt, and Christmas day is notoriously a very difficult day to get through if you have depression.

[@ydalgol]

i never knew him personally obviously but Vic Chesnutt's life & passing touched me in so many ways. i feel such a connection to him & i am so grateful for this video, seeing a tiny glimpse into his personality is such a joy. we miss you, Vic. thank you for your art.

[@jamesd.6979]

Dude I literally just discovered him a couple weeks ago, I feel so blessed to have finally found his music. I'm a HUGE sparklehorse, elliott smith, songs: ohia / magnolia electric co, scott weiland guy.. something about the music from these sort of tragic figures has always just resonated deeply with me. Vic's the first one I found posthumously that touches me in this way and I feel an odd sense of grieving knowing I never supported him when he was still here.

[@spanishflew]

the world stops when Vic sings

[@Woody_750]

yeah

[@theheroofkvatch8370]

The best to him and Linkous

[@cshonholtz]

Mark was a genius too. And he too was in a tremendous amount of pain. R.I.P. to him and Teresa.

[@pkyle4653]

that first song tore my heart out and healed it at the same time. RIP VIC!

[@anomalees]

if u wanna glimpse of the lyrical obtuseness & genius of Vic Chesnutt read his memoir by kristin hersh. he was so complex yet spiritually advanced. we miss u Vic. sighs. spread the love. Always, Jt

[@dobbsiancant]

best book i've read this year.

[@ChristinaLouise27]

Oh dang, THANK YOU for the tip

[@MorsIchimonji]

+1000

[@ohmgroan2363]

Always deep and tremendously clever, but never pretentious or egotistical. Beautiful and honest. He takes you to places in song you hope never to experience in your own life, yet delivered in such an endearing way to never be off-putting. I would have loved to hang out with Vic; I suspect he was a lot of fun to be around.

[@francispetaluma]

I was fortunate enough to see Vic live twice. Once in Toronto, he played a great show solo opening up for some other band I can't even remember who they were. The second time was in San Francisco, he was scheduled to play Bottom of The Hill tavern but, a few nights before it had a fire so the show was cancelled. Instead, the band played a free show at Amoeba records. It was one of the best live shows I've seen! I got to meet him and talk to him after the show. I miss Vic!

[@johnlittle3430]

I can't listen to him without wondering if he had any idea how much we loved him. RIP, Vic.

[@armageddonouttahere1090]

I started listening to Vic when I was a teenager. Loved his lyrics. Well, everything really. Wish he was still here.

[@gooeyduck99]

The world is a sadder place today, I'll miss you, Vic.

[@kevinmichaelcallihansr5053]

K: @93milton The songs in order of being played (with the corresponding album in parentheses) are: 1) When the Bottom Fell Out (At the Cut) 2) Very Friendly Lighthouse (Left to His Own Devices) 3) Panic Pure (West of Rome) 4) Society Sue (Skitter On Take-off) 5) Glossolalia (North Star Deserter)

[@tearsforthedying]

I'm so glad I was able to see Vic perform at the Downstairs one night. I loved what I was hearing at the time, but it wasn't until years later, after much heartbreak and loss that I began to really appreciate his lyrics. He is missed.

[@thebeareducationaltheatreo6709]

Somehow took me four or five views over several years to realize how very brilliant this is.

[@killpena]

I miss this man so much.

[@mikeboeck2667]

My friend from my Athens GA days. I was at the show where Stipe saw him solo, not with the The La-Dee-Dahs. He was opening for a friend's band. Stipe recorded and produced 'Little' the next day.

[@MoiraRussell]

Oh my God, he does Panic Pure, my favourite song of his ever. My heart can't take this.

[@josephgrady2129]

First time ever listening to Vic, found by accident, beautiful lyrics, and It Is rather inspiring to see him play with his condition :) RIP

[@FlyIndigoAstronaut]

@93milton The songs in order of being played (with the corresponding album in parentheses) are: 1) When the Bottom Fell Out (At the Cut) 2) Very Friendly Lighthouse (Left to His Own Devices) 3) Panic Pure (West of Rome) 4) Society Sue (Skitter On Take-off) 5) Glossolalia (North Star Deserter)

[@odedfried-gaon2880]

what a an artist! intense... i actually liked his 'new' song the most, the one he played here for the first time. quite a sad story, the life of this brilliant man.

[@buryitiwontletyou]

completely agree. love his affect on it

[@timharper4246]

Being that he chose to pass on 3 weeks after this session, i think we now know why he so strongly felt called to have it recorded

[@crimesasforgiven]

yes. thank you having this up npr... was lucky enough to see him in 2008, touring with a silver mt. zion, and remains one of the greatest live performances of my life. such a nice guy.

[@addisonshinedown]

crimesasforgiven I will forever regret not knowing of either band earlier. I was close enough to go see them back then, but didn't know of either. I'm just praying that smz tours again ever

[@ChunkyLover69420]

I love npr i love vic chestnutt, why didnt i know this existed

[@ChunkyLover69420]

hey i'm back

[@papi_dummy]

me too

[@29Stumps]

We miss you and love you, VC!

[@heartlandsoul0121]

David, I agree! the style and inflection infused into certain words that otherwise might not quite fit melodically, but are reconstructed to fit, like a perfect puzzle...

[@woodywoodham]

Why doesn't this have a million views???????

[@Roll_Todd]

Old friends, heroes, lifetimes Don't let a single memory fade away

[@davidbronsonmusic]

I've heard a lot about Vic Chestnutt but this is my first time listening. I'm very happy I finally did - he seems to have an honesty and directness to both his lyrics ad delivery that are extremely rare - and beautiful. Very much look forward to getting to know more of him.

[@contactdavidfair]

Loved Vic Chesnutt's music so much.. got me through my 20s

[@penafidelensespelomundo966]

Happy birthday Vic , thankyou for all...

[@dreamcastergagaga50]

Vic.....I miss you

[@glowerworm]

I've come back to this many times. I love very friendly lighthouses most of all

[@Woody_750]

Such a smart and lovely person. thx Mr Boilen.

[@kafran1]

Omg how i miss him.

[@lindaroot1752]

He went to Showtime Bowl in Athens October before he died . I was working there as the front counter clerk! He came thete with the Navy School

[@victoriasage8613]

Miss you, Vic.

[@zetetick395]

Cheers for the sounds Vic 👍

[@1herbiekritzer]

Fascinating guy.

[@dildoit]

Always like a letter from a long lost friend

[@hermeschbird]

he was an old soul filled with extra-human goodness

[@SiwelYarrum]

Missing you still man. Just wild. It doesn't seem that long ago you were here.

[@ManuelGarcia-cz9hk]

I have just discovered this talented man!

[@Solomonpious]

Vic! Now this is certainly a classic Tiny Desk

[@fosbrothers]

A first for me after seeing Bright Eyes cover his song 'flirted with you all my life' - an inspiration especially to someone like me who finds it so hard to write. The sheer poetry in his words and delivery al be it hampered by disability. Voice to die for, well I guess he did sadly

[@anneyfresh2545]

Needed to remember Vic today. Thanks.

[@rocketracer69]

Fabulous.

[@viljanov]

He was unique. Just like his songs are.

[@andregas74]

You're amazing vic 😊😊😊

[@sirvidia]

was :(

[@JamesKent]

I love him. never saw him live. a damn shame

[@fengfengdiandian]

J'adore !!!

[@gumpgarbonzo]

Vic is a god! Saw him a few weeks ago and he was amazing. As was his band!

[@SaladDays83]

So good.

[@mikecruz2378]

his song "dodge" is the saddest song for me . RIP Vic

[@tofermauerhan]

I still miss Vic and Mark Linkous (Sparklehorse) terribly.

[@ilikeitdark]

A true legend...RIP

[@deniscassiere]

Thank you for uploading it! :)

[@addxorsw9695]

There is a typo in the video name, his last name is Chesnutt not Chestnutt.

[@dildoit]

U corrrrrrcted it and it worked. Great respect

[@gianoutside]

amazing Vic

[@williamcole960]

nooo WAYYY, a Vic Chestnutt Tiny Desk concert???

[@Feedurehed]

no words......only love

[@aricandisgood]

Terrible to hear that Vic Chestnutt has passed away, and on Christmas no less.

[@Grayful_Dad]

"proud as punch", awesome

[@lancelance9314]

Lobe you vic

[@MarkLapasa]

Going deep into NPR Tiny Desk Concerts, the algorithm added this to the playlist. Never heard of this guy. Looked him up on wikipedia. He looks like he had a great run given the challenges he faced since he was 18. But at 45, it's really tragic: "Chesnutt died on Christmas Day 2009 from an overdose of muscle relaxants that had left him in a coma in an Athens hospital. He was 45 years old.[6] In his final interview, which aired on National Public Radio 24 days before his death, Chesnutt said that he had "attempted suicide three or four times [before]. It didn't take."[8] According to him in the same interview, being "uninsurable" due to his quadriplegia, he was $50,000 in debt for his medical bills, and had been putting off a surgery for a year ("And, I mean, I could die only because I cannot afford to go in there again. I don't want to die, especially just because of I don't have enough money to go in the hospital.").[8]" This should not be normal.

[@celiaporter]

Splendid. He was certainly dealt a bad break or two, but he suffered through and shined.

[@slicerprime]

I miss him.

[@GizzardsandGravy]

just verified: the eight people who gave this a thumbs down have all died in fortunate back stage fire at a EDM concert. Their burnt bodies were then violated by forest creatures, and shat upon by one samoan wrestler with a bad case of the runs.

[@gayshagaysha9942]

I really really like vic chesnutt but im gonna dislike the video now, just to let everyone know that #9 is a contrarian asshole, alive and kicking.. jamming to chesnutt #thuglife

[@GizzardsandGravy]

***** agreed. why arent you wearing that shirt i sent you?the socks? i have have the same ones and i wear them on Mondays.

[@HeyBudLetsParty69]

Lighten up dude! lol

[@gabriel_kyne]

Jesus dude lighten up. I know you wrote this before ghost ship but damn

[@harrypatterson8797]

Thank You

[@emilchurchin4874]

As I watched this first time, I was struck with what Vic Chesnutt has in common with John Pryne. Vic is far less comedic and more bitter than sweet, yet sweet nonetheless, bringing forth a metaphoric lower octave and register voice of the experience of living, especially in our society. And this was prior to the new song he played, that carries more Pryne colloquialisms than Vic usually sings, as Chesnutt puts more of his unique tourniquet on common phrases.

[@woodywoodham]

There goes my hero.

[@lindaroot1752]

I miss Vic and Athens Ga

[@Sofia-fc5nj]

How far Tiny Desk has come!!!

[@TheCINEMASTERS]

Instantly recognized him from Sling Blade

[@CharlesHess]

His niece, Liz Durrett only made two albums but she is amazing.

[@gkos2383]

Hobby sent me here. Thanks Hobby!

[@soulasylummeatpuppet]

Ok i will do that.by the way that was cool you stood up for Vic while those frat boys didnt know the greatness of Vic.im going to catch up on all the Drivn' n Cryin' ive missed out on.oh yeah thank's for all the great music.

[@EvanArchambo]

What a goofy guy :) I love it!

[@lindaroot1752]

That lava lite is from Big Lots

[@AdamPacitti]

RIP Vic.

[@superneko99]

"Geez." Vic was fucking funny.

[@TheKarlArsch]

@soulasylummeatpuppet It is written on the fingerboard of his guitar!!!

[@TTSSATTSR]

Oh, Vic.

[@soulasylummeatpuppet]

this is soo amazing nobody like him.

[@PabloArceo-synclab]

:( god what a genius.

[@bluebankspublishing9121]

I had been disabled for a decade before I saw Widespread Panic play "Expiration Day." JfromOH

[@donscott763]

Vic lives in me, maybe.

[@MrMkayultra]

That lava lite he has in this video was bought at Big Lots

[@heartlandsoul0121]

Listen to Isadora Duncan, Coward...Danny Carmichael-about a boy who knows he's dying young and won't ever even have a girlfriend..if you can't feel that, you are dead inside:( As far as lyrics, sure they are straightforward-but the genius is in the delivery.

[@gaetanproductions]

wow....

[@lindaroot1752]

I miss Athens

[@justinbieler358]

Never will I be able to walk into a shoestring store the same

[@Wheelchair-Travel]

What's wrong with his hands? Vic is/was a quadriplegic. He looks to be about a C7 spinal cord injury. He can't move his fingers. Amazing what he could do with a guitar.

[@MrMkayultra]

6 years