Why You Must See Glen Campbell’s Final LA Show THIS Sunday

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From KCRW DJ Anne Litt:

Sunday night marks Glen Campbell’s final performance in Los Angeles.

It will be at the Hollywood Bowl as part of KCRW’s World Festival and I’m excited and proud that we’re a part of this historic night.

About a year ago, Glen Campbell was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.  Since then he has remained on tour – a tour he calls “The Goodbye Tour”.  He has said that continuing to perform in front of audiences keeps him happy (and could even be delaying the severity of the onset of the disease). His voice and guitar playing are still remarkable.

This show looms large for me, not just because I grew up watching the Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, but also because his contributions to songwriting and guitar playing have been undeniable.

Glen was part of the quintessential Southern California elite session players, called The Wrecking Crew.  These are the guys that played on just about every important record and album that came out of Southern California for close to four decades – “Pet Sounds”, “California Dreaming,” “These Boots Are Made For Walking”…  Nat King Cole, The Monkees, Simon and Garfunkel, Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound (these guys, Glen Campbell included, WERE the f’ing Wall of Sound!)  There is an incredible documentary about the Wrecking Crew that to this day hasn’t had a commercial release.  You can see the trailer for it here.

Lots of friends are showing up for this special evening.

During the first half Dawes will perform and serve as the house band with all of the special guests.  Jackson Browne, Kris Kristofferson, Lucinda Williams, Jenny Lewis, Courtney Taylor-Taylor (from Dandy Warhols).  Here’s a pic of Dawes rehearsing for the big show.  Everyone has been at the Bowl this week getting ready for Sunday night!

All the songs by the special guests were either songs that Glen recorded and released under his own name, or they are songs that Glen recorded as part of The Wrecking Crew and are largely uncredited.

Many people don’t know that Glen was the guitarist on the recorded versions of “Viva Las Vegas”, “Daydream Believer”, “Last Train to Clarksville”, and “I Get Around” – all of which will be performed in the first half by the special guests.

The second half of the show will be Glen performing with his band in his final Los Angeles appearance.

Do yourself a favor and watch this now. There won’t be a dry eye in the house when he plays this one:

I’m looking forward to seeing you at the Bowl on Sunday night.  It will be one for the record books.

– Anne Litt