San Diego, CA (July 25, 1999)
Humphrey's by the Bay


As a long time major Dan Fogelberg fan, I feel qualified to represent the San Diego fans in a review of his show last night at Humphrey's by the Bay. First of all, before I talk about the show, if you've never heard about Humphrey's by the Bay, then I should describe this fine venue first. Humphrey's has a very good reupation of putting on a solid, quality line-up of major entertainers during the summer and fall. What makes Humphrey's so special is that the shows are outside, surrounded by beautiful palm trees and a great view of the bay and docked sail boats. Take a minute and go to Humphreysconcerts.com and click on the box that says "view our site". You'll see what I'm talking about. I've attended dozens of shows at this venue and believe me, it is a fantastic place to see anybody. The sound system is very good and there is not a bad seat in the house.

Although I would have been happy to see Dan from any seat at Humphreys, I was very fortunate to get my tickets early and land a front row seat. I have seen Dan in concert at least 15 times, and it is a real treat to see him less than 15 feet away. I play acoustic guitar including dozens of Fogelberg songs, and this is the first time I was able to watch his fingers to see how to play the songs the right way. (not nearly as good of course!)

As usual, Dan was sensational. The only bad thing I can say, and I really can't blame Dan for this, is that he has a pretty good summer cold going on. He apologized at the beginning that his voice is not at its best and he did sound rather hoarse at times. He managed to get through his show though, without it really affecting the overall quality of his performance. Remember, Dan not only is a great songwriter and singer, but he is a very fine, and underappreciated, guitar and piano player as well. He took several cough drops during his instumentals which might have helped his voice as the show went on. Dan has always been great when he's performing with a full band, but he knows how to put on such a good solo show that if you're a true Fogelberg fan, you really don't miss the absence of a full band.

As you might have read in previous reviews, he has been particularly talkative with the audience this tour, and sometimes humorous as well. At one point, after he had just gulped down some cold medicine, he said in a stoned voice "wow, I'm really coming on to this Nyquil, wow, look at the moon man, see how its all round and everything". Although he was joking about it, I could tell he really wasn't feeling all that great and unfortunately I think we might have been shorted a few songs that he played at other venues during his current tour. I have read the song list from previous shows, and I have to say that I was disappointed that we did not get to hear Old Tennessee, Believe in Me and Longer. Other than those three, I beleive the song list was identical to most of the other shows for this tour.

The audience was very appreciative after each song, especially the more familiar ones. After seeing Dan in concert so many times, I can tell he really does love his fans but he is not too fond of the traveling. I'm sure he means it when he sings "the audience is heavenly but the traveling is hell" in "Old Lang Syne". Although he wants to grant his fans the honor of seeing him perform on stage by scheduling as many shows as he can, he is really ready for his upcoming break that he looks forward to every year. Just before performing "The Reach", he talked about how he is looking forward to his annual visit to his home in Maine.

So Dan, if you're reading this, then allow me to speak for your adoring fans. Go relax on your boat off the coast of Maine like we know you like to do. Rest, take it easy, enjoy life! But we all know you have more music inside of you that needs to come out. Your fans will be eagerly waiting for you to return to the studio and to go on the road again!

Bob Overman


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